Suvendu Adhikari, the new chief minister of West Bengal, will be present on the opening day of the Durand Cup. The upcoming Kolkata Derby will begin on an emotional note, with former Mohun Bagan president Swapan Sadhan popularly known as Tutu Bose set to be honoured before kickoff. The high-profile tournament will be inaugurated by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, adding further significance to one of Indian football’s biggest fixtures.

Suvendu Adhikari to inaugurate marquee clash

AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey confirmed that Suvendu Adhikari has been invited to inaugurate the Durand Cup. West Bengal Sports Minister Dr Indranil Khan has also been invited to attend the match, which is expected to draw a packed crowd.

The opening ceremony is expected to add to the occasion before the two arch-rivals take the field in a match that could have a major impact on the tournament.

Minute’s silence for Tutu Bose

Before kickoff, players, officials and supporters will observe a minute’s silence in memory of Tutu Bose, the former Mohun Bagan president who passed away recently. The AIFF decided to organise the tribute in recognition of his long standing contribution to the club and Indian football.

Mohun Bagan president Debashis Dutta said as quoted by sangbad pratidin, the best way to honour Bose would be for the team to win the Kolkata Derby and go on to lift the ISL title. He also called for fair officiating, saying a contest of this stature should be decided only by the performances of the players on the pitch.

Suvendu Adhikari set to inaugurate Durabd Cup
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The derby is expected to be one of the defining fixtures of the season. The combination of an emotional tribute, a ceremonial inauguration by Suvendu Adhikari and the stakes in the title race promises to make it a memorable evening for Indian football.

Dr. Indranil Khan urges fans to rally behind Indian football, highlights spectator facilities

Dr. Indranil Khan, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Departments of Youth Services and Sports and Consumer Affairs, emphasised the importance of fan support as Kolkata prepares to host 16 matches of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup, including the opening fixture and the final. Calling it a matter of pride for West Bengal, he urged football lovers to fill the stadiums and get behind Indian footballers throughout the tournament. Khan also said the state government has worked closely with organisers to ensure smooth arrangements for spectators, including proper water management and other essential public facilities at the venues. He stressed that a comfortable and well managed matchday experience, coupled with passionate support from the stands, would boost the tournament’s success and further strengthen football’s growth in the country.