Durand Cup 2026: Kolkata Derby to Feature Paperless Tickets for the First Time

July 23, 2026: The countdown to the 2026 Indian football season is almost over, with the Durand Cup set to kick off on July 25 with the much-awaited Kolkata Derby between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium). The match is scheduled to begin at 5:00 PM and marks the start of one of India's oldest and most prestigious football tournaments.

Ahead of the tournament opener, West Bengal Sports Minister Indranil Khan announced a major change that is expected to make matchday experience much smoother for supporters. For the first time in the history of the Durand Cup, paperless tickets will be introduced, allowing fans to enter the stadium directly using their online e-tickets.

The move brings an end to one of the biggest complaints raised by football fans over the years. Previously, supporters who purchased tickets online had to visit designated counters to get them stamped or exchanged before entering the stadium. Under the new system, fans can simply display their e-ticket at the entry gate, eliminating the need for any additional verification process.

Speaking about the initiative on Wednesday, Sports Minister Indranil Khan said the introduction of paperless tickets would make the entire process more convenient for supporters.

"We are introducing paperless tickets for the first time. Fans will no longer have to run around for ticket stamping. You can directly enter the stadium using your online ticket. I thank the Indian Army and the Department of Youth Services and Sports for making this possible. Now everyone can simply enjoy football," he said.

The Sports Minister also revealed that Chief Minister Shuvendu Adhikari has expressed interest in attending the opening ceremony of the Durand Cup. If everything proceeds as planned, he is expected to inaugurate the tournament.

Higher Prize Money, Limited Derby Tickets and New Awards for Local Players

The decision to introduce paperless tickets has been welcomed by football supporters, many of whom had been demanding the facility for several years. The issue had remained unresolved despite repeated requests from fans in previous seasons. With the new administration implementing the system, supporters of both Mohun Bagan and East Bengal are expected to enjoy a far more convenient matchday experience.

The Durand Cup 2026 will run until August 23, featuring 24 teams from across the country. Both Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal have been placed in Group A, making the opening Kolkata Derby one of the most anticipated fixtures of the tournament.

The 135th #DurandCup kicks off on 25 July with a blockbuster Kolkata Derby!

A new chapter begins with paperless ticketing, the arrival of new clubs, and a platform for the country's brightest footballing talents to shine.@ssen_co @Rahul_01Giri @thedurandcup #DurandCup2026… pic.twitter.com/giQfXqHYKf

— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) July 22, 2026

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Ahead of the match, the Sports Minister also confirmed that 5,100 tickets each have been allocated to Mohun Bagan and East Bengal for the opening derby. However, both clubs are reportedly disappointed with the relatively limited ticket allocation, considering the massive demand expected for the fixture.

This year's edition of the Durand Cup will also offer increased prize money, with the total prize pool rising to ₹3 crore. In addition to the cash rewards, three SUV cars will be presented as special prizes across different award categories during the tournament.

Another significant addition this season is the introduction of a special spot award for local footballers. The initiative aims to recognise outstanding performances by local players at every venue and encourage grassroots football development.

Explaining the new award, Indranil Khan said, "There will be a special spot award for local footballers at every venue. This is a new initiative this year because we want local talent to receive the recognition they truly deserve."

With modern ticketing, increased prize money, new awards for emerging players and the iconic Kolkata Derby opening the competition, the Durand Cup 2026 promises to deliver an exciting start to the Indian football season while offering fans a more seamless and enjoyable stadium experience.