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Former India striker and current Mohammedan Sporting team manager Dipendu Biswas has expressed his admiration for the Durand Cup, hailing it as a priceless platform for young footballers and a vital season opener for Indian football. As Asia’s oldest football tournament, the Durand Cup not only draws the country’s top Indian Super League (ISL) and I-League teams along with some grassroots and local teams, but also gives coaches the chance to test their squads and refine strategies ahead of the season.
In a conversation, Dipendu highlighted the intense competition between ISL, I-League, Armed Forces sides and other local sides, noting that the timing of the tournament helps clubs gauge their strength early on. He praised the decision to host matches in football-loving regions such as Shillong, Kokrajhar, and Imphal, predicting it will further fuel the sport’s popularity in the Northeast. “The NorthEast already has a passionate football fan base, and the Durand Cup will only strengthen that bond”, he remarked.
Reflecting on his personal Durand Cup memories, Biswas fondly recalled scoring against Mohun Bagan, for whom he has made the most appearances, in the 1996–97 semi-final as a Tata Football Academy player. However, he also remembered the heartbreak of losing both the semi-final and final as Mohammedan Sporting Club’s manager.
His toughest challenges came against heavyweights such as FC Kochi, Salgaocar, and Mahindra in his playing days, and Mumbai City FC and FC Goa as a team manager. Notably, Dipendu is one of the few players who have represented all three Kolkata giants with success.
Biswas was proud of the performances of his Mohammedan side in the 134th edition of the IndianOil Durand Cup, even though they could manage only one win in a tough Group B, which also had Mohun Bagan Super Giants, Diamond Harbour FC and the Border Security Force.
“We played with a young and inexperienced side in the tournament. I am proud of the boys even though we did not have much positive results. The youngsters learned a lot playing against much experienced players”, the strategist said about the performance of Mohammedan.
The former striker also expressed his thanks for the Mohammedan SC fans who turned up in support to cheer their young squad. While acknowledging the progress of Indian football, he stressed the need for greater investment in grassroots and youth development to ensure long-term success.
The Durand Cup, steeped in history and tradition, remains as a celebration of Indian football’s spirit and for Dipendu Biswas, a reminder of the game’s power to inspire the next generation.