NorthEast United FC, which scripted history by becoming the first team to defend its Durand Cup title in over three decades, was conferred with the prestigious President’s Cup by the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, in a special ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan here on Wednesday.

The Durand Cup, Asia’s oldest club competition, presents three trophies to its winners: the Durand Cup (instituted in 1888), the Shimla Trophy (donated by the citizens of Shimla in 1903), and the President’s Cup (instituted in 1956 by then President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad). This marked the first occasion since its institution that the Hon’ble President of India invited the winning team to the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

“This moment transcends football and stands as a symbol of pride.  To have the Hon. President of India recognise NorthEast United FC’s achievement is one of the greatest honours we could ever receive. I humbly dedicate this recognition to the people of the NorthEast, whose passion, resilience, and unwavering support continue to inspire us every single day,” John Abraham, owner, NorthEast United FC, expressed.

“Receiving the President’s Cup from the Hon’ble President of India is a moment that will forever be etched in golden letters in the history of NorthEast United FC and Indian football. We would also like to convey our heartfelt gratitude to the Durand Cup Organising Committee and the Eastern Command for hosting the tournament in such a spectacular manner and for giving us the privilege of being present here today,” Mandar Tamhane, CEO, NorthEast United FC, said.

“For the President of India to invite the winning team to Rashtrapati Bhavan and personally acknowledge this achievement is a landmark moment for Indian football,” he added. 

“This honour reflects the relentless hard work, discipline, and belief of everyone associated with the club. It is a proud day for us and for the entire NorthEast region, and this recognition will only inspire us to reach even greater heights,” he further said. 

The delegation representing the club at the ceremony included John Abraham, Mandar Tamhane, Indian assistant coach Amogh Adige, one of the team captains, Redeem Tlang, Golden Glove winner Gurmeet Singh and Asheer Akhtar, who scored the opener in the final.

“I feel truly blessed and honoured to receive the President’s Cup from the Hon’ble President of India. It is a moment that I will forever cherish, and I would like to thank the club for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It is a moment of pride for the entire NorthEast region,” Tlang said. 

NorthEast United FC defeated Diamond Harbour FC 6–1 in the final at Kolkata to clinch the 134th edition of the IndianOil Durand Cup. With this triumph, the Highlanders became the first team since East Bengal in 1991 to successfully defend the Durand Cup crown.