Durand Cup to Introduce Women’s Football Tournament From the Next Edition
The Durand Cup is preparing to open a new chapter in its history by planning a women’s football competition from its next edition. Organisers have indicated that the first tournament may begin as a shorter event because venue availability, facilities and scheduling still need to be worked out. Even in a limited format, the move would give women players a valuable national platform linked to one of Indian football’s most recognisable competitions.
Durand Cup Women’s Football Tournament
The proposed Durand Cup women’s football tournament is being considered alongside the established men’s competition. Major General Dinesh Kumar Singh, vice-chairman of the organising committee, said the idea had already been discussed during preparations for the current season.
He explained that the main questions involve the number of venues and the facilities available. As a result, the next edition could feature a compact women’s event before organisers consider a broader format later.
Organisers Signal a More Inclusive Future
The plan reflects a wider effort to ensure that women and girls are not left outside the Durand Cup’s growth. Organisers have not yet confirmed the participating clubs, competition structure, match calendar or host cities. The proposal should therefore be viewed as a strong statement of intent rather than a fully finalised tournament announcement.
Zimbabwe vs India T20 Series 2026 Full Schedule Match Dates Venues Timings and Complete Team SquadsA women’s exhibition match, organised by the Indian Armed Forces and the Manipur government at the SAI Ground in Takyel, Imphal, also formed part of the build-up to the men’s competition. That match offered an early sign of how women’s football could become a visible part of the Durand Cup programme.
Historic Competition Moves With the Times
Established in 1888, the Durand Cup is recognised by its organisers as Asia’s oldest football tournament. The All India Football Federation also describes it as India’s first football competition and notes its tradition of presenting three trophies to the winning team.
Adding a women’s event would connect that heritage with the changing needs of the modern game.
The 135th men’s edition runs from 25 July to 23 August 2026 and features 24 teams. Its reach, established identity and connection with several football regions could help the proposed women’s competition attract supporters, broadcasters and commercial partners.
A New Competitive Opportunity for Players
India already has the Indian Women’s League and Indian Women’s League 2 within its national competition structure. A women’s Durand Cup could add a different challenge by creating a cup event focused on knockout pressure, squad depth and short-term preparation.
The tentative 2026–27 calendar placed the IWL between 3 September and 24 January, while IWL 2 was proposed for 9 July to 22 August, showing that scheduling will require coordination.
For clubs, another recognised competition could mean more meaningful matches and more opportunities to evaluate emerging talent. For players, it could provide additional exposure and a chance to compete before audiences familiar with the Durand Cup name. The event could also encourage younger girls to see a clearer pathway into organised football.
Details Still Awaited
The project’s success will depend on planning beyond the announcement. Suitable venues, player welfare, travel, recovery time, broadcast access and fair prize support will all matter. Organisers must also decide whether the event will involve leading league clubs, regional teams, institutional sides or a mixture of participants.
Although the final format remains unconfirmed, the proposal carries clear significance. A well-supported women’s competition would allow the Durand Cup to protect its historic identity while becoming more representative of Indian football’s future.
Sources
- Times of India: Durand Cup organisers said the next edition could include a smaller women’s tournament, subject to venues and facilities.
- Khel Now: The organising committee confirmed that a women’s Durand Cup remains under consideration, while the 2026 men’s edition features 24 teams.
- Official Durand Cup Website: The tournament was established in 1888 and is recognised as Asia’s oldest football competition.
- All India Football Federation: AIFF records describe the Durand Cup as India’s first football competition and explain its three-trophy tradition.
- Rediff Sports: The tentative Indian football calendar scheduled the IWL from September to January and proposed IWL 2 between July and August.
