Asia’s oldest football competition, the Durand Cup, will feature a women’s tournament in its next edition, marking a major boost for Indian women’s football.

Key Takeaways

  • Durand Cup will introduce a women’s football tournament in the next edition.
  • The inaugural women’s event may be a shorter format depending on venue availability.
  • An exhibition match in Imphal highlighted the potential of women’s football.

Historical Background

Founded in 1888, the Durand Cup is the oldest football tournament in Asia. Historically, it featured only men’s teams, while women’s football in India began gaining traction only in the 1990s.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that adding a women’s tournament to the Durand Cup will not only accelerate the growth of women’s sport in India but also enhance the nation’s competitiveness on the global football stage.

"Integrating women’s football into historic tournaments like the Durand Cup is a pivotal step for gender equality in Indian sport," said former Indian women’s captain Shanti Mullick.
Did You Know?: The Durand Cup’s inaugural edition was held in 1888, making it the oldest football competition in Asia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: When will the women’s Durand Cup debut?
A: Organisers have confirmed the tournament will start in the 2027 edition.

Q2: How many teams will participate initially?
A: The exact number is yet to be finalised, but a smaller, truncated format is expected for the inaugural edition.