The long Indian domestic football calendar is all set to commence today i.e. August 16, 2022, with Asia’s oldest football tournament, Durand Cup.
The Durand Cup, which first took place in 1888, is significant in Indian football because it is the first of three tournaments [Durand Cup, Indian Super League (ISL), Super Cup] in a prolonged football calendar 2022/23.
The Durand Cup 2022 will be held in three cities: Kolkata, Imphal, and Guwahati. Both the first and final games will take place at the Vivekananda Yubabharati Krirangan (VYBK) in Kolkata.
The 131st Durand Cup will showcase 20 teams, which will be separated into four groups of five teams each. This year’s Durand Cup will feature all 11 ISL clubs, as well as five I-League teams and four Armed Forces teams.
As the most anticipated football tournament of the year, there was a certainty that it would draw sponsors from across the country. Here is the list of sponsors that have collaborated with the Durand Cup 2022:
Title Sponsor:
AIFF has appointed the Indian Oil Corporation as the title sponsor for the 131st edition of the Durand Cup.
Co-sponsors:
In this category, the tournament has roped in Coal India, State Bank of India, ITC, Punjab National Bank and GAIL.
Supported By:
The Durand Cup organisers have partnered with Pramerica Life, JIS Group, Chemtex, Siti Networks in this category.
Associate Sponsors:
AIFF has also included Kalyani Group, Dalmia Group and Amul as associate sponsors for the oldest Asian football tournament.
Tournament Partner:
Along with the aforementioned sponsors, Cheery Tree has been appointed as the tournament partner for Durand Cup 2022.