New Delhi, August 27, 2025:
The triumphant NorthEast United Football Club (NEUFC), champions of the Durand Cup 2025, were felicitated by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday. The President handed over the prestigious President’s Cup Trophy to Bollywood actor and NEUFC owner John Abraham, marking a proud moment for Indian football and the North East region.
The event was attended by team captain Redeem Tlang, senior officers from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, and members of the Durand Football Tournament Society and Organising Committee.
President Murmu lauded the efforts of the Indian Armed Forces in preserving the legacy of the Durand Cup, one of Asia’s oldest football tournaments, and praised NorthEast United’s performance, calling it “an inspiration for youth and a symbol of national unity through sport.”
Speaking at the ceremony, John Abraham expressed gratitude to the President and the armed forces, saying,
“This recognition is not just for the club but for every football-loving person in the North East. The Durand Cup’s legacy reminds us that sport connects and strengthens our country.”
🥇 A Historic Win for NorthEast United
NorthEast United FC clinched the Durand Cup 2025 title after a stunning 6–1 victory over Diamond Harbour FC in the final at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata.
The team showcased an all-round performance with six different goal scorers, led by Moroccan forward Alaaeddine Ajaraie, who contributed three assists and a penalty goal. Other scorers included Parthib Gogoi, Asheer Akhtar, Huidom Thoi Singh, Andy Gaitan, and Jairo.
With this win, NEUFC became the first team in 25 years to successfully defend the Durand Cup title, cementing their dominance in Indian football.
⚽ Durand Cup: A Legacy of Football and Patriotism
Founded in 1888, the Durand Cup is not only India’s oldest football tournament but also one of the oldest in the world. Organized by the Indian Armed Forces, the tournament celebrates sportsmanship, unity, and the spirit of service.
The President’s Cup, instituted in 1956 by India’s first President Dr. Rajendra Prasad, continues to be a symbol of excellence and honour in Indian football.
President Murmu’s felicitation ceremony reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting sports and promoting national integration through football.
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