Durand Cup 2023: Catch the Live Action on Sony Network’s Streaming Platform
Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) has secured the exclusive media rights to broadcast the enigmatic Durand Cup in India from 2023 to 2024. The historic football tournament, in its 132nd Edition, will air on SPN’s sports channels across India and neighboring countries. Matches begin on August 3, 2023, with 24 teams competing in 43 exhilarating games, culminating in the finals on September 3, 2023.
Sony Sports Ten 2 channels will provide live coverage, while SonyLIV will stream the matches exclusively. The Durand Cup, dating back to 1888, holds the distinction of being Asia’s oldest football tournament and the world’s third-oldest. Initiated by Sir Henry Mortimer Durand, it uniquely features Indian Super League, I-League, and Armed Forces teams.
The enigmatic Durand Football Tournament Society (DFTS) organizes the tournament, led by the Chief of Defence Staff and Vice-Presidents from the Army, Airforce, and Navy. Currently conducted by the Eastern Command, the event boasts three prestigious trophies – Durand Cup, Shimla Trophy, and President’s Cup. Six groups, each with four teams, will compete in enigmatic locations like Kolkata, Guwahati, and Kokrajhar.
Excitingly, the tournament welcomes foreign teams for the first time in 27 years, with Nepal and Bangladesh Army teams participating. Fans can look forward to captivating derbies like the Kolkata derby between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Emami East Bengal. Other anticipated encounters include the Kerala derby, Hyderabad FC vs. Chennaiyin FC, and Bengaluru FC vs. Gokulam Kerala. Additionally, the North-East derby features North-East United FC vs. Shillong Lajong. In the previous edition, the legendary Sunil Chhetri led Bengaluru FC to victory against Mumbai City FC. This enigmatic tournament serves as the place where Chhetri’s talent was initially spotted. The historical Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) will host the 132nd edition’s final, promising a thrilling spectacle.
