Title: Durand Cup Winners List (1950 – 2023): A Storied History of Indian Football Excellence

 Title: Durand Cup Winners List (1950 – 2023): A Storied History of Indian Football Excellence

Introduction

The Durand Cup, one of the oldest football tournaments in India, has a rich and storied history dating back to 1888. Over the years, it has become a symbol of excellence and prestige in Indian football. As of 2023, the Durand Cup has witnessed several teams battle it out for supremacy, showcasing the best of football talent in the country. In this article, we will take a look at the list of Durand Cup winners from 1950 to 2023, highlighting the triumphs, challenges, and memorable moments that have shaped the tournament.

1950s: The Early Years

1. 1950 - East Bengal FC
2. 1951 - Hyderabad City Police
3. 1952 - Hyderabad City Police
4. 1953 - East Bengal FC
5. 1954 - East Bengal FC
6. 1955 - Hyderabad City Police
7. 1956 - Hyderabad City Police
8. 1957 - East Bengal FC
9. 1958 - East Bengal FC

1. 1959 - Mohun Bagan AC

The 1950s marked the early dominance of Kolkata-based clubs, primarily East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, along with Hyderabad City Police. These teams laid the foundation for a legacy that continues to influence Indian football to this day.

1960s-1970s: A Mix of Regional Powers

The 1960s and 1970s saw a mix of regional powers and new entrants making their mark:

11. 1960 - Mohun Bagan AC
12. 1961 - Services FC
13. 1962 - Mohun Bagan AC
14. 1963 - Mohun Bagan AC
15. 1964 - Mohun Bagan AC
16. 1965 - Mohun Bagan AC
17. 1966 - Mohun Bagan AC
18. 1967 - East Bengal FC
19. 1968 - East Bengal FC
20. 1969 - East Bengal FC
21. 1970 - Mohun Bagan AC
22. 1971 - Mohun Bagan AC
23. 1972 - Mohun Bagan AC
24. 1973 - Mohun Bagan AC
25. 1974 - Mohun Bagan AC
26. 1975 - Mohun Bagan AC
27. 1976 - Mohun Bagan AC
28. 1977 - Mohun Bagan AC
29. 1978 - Mohun Bagan AC
30. 1979 - Mohun Bagan AC

The 1960s and 1970s were dominated by the Kolkata giants, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, showcasing their football supremacy. However, Services FC also made a significant impact by winning the tournament in 1961.

1980s-1990s: Diverse Winners

31. 1980 - East Bengal FC
32. 1981 - East Bengal FC
33. 1982 - Mohun Bagan AC
34. 1983 - Mohun Bagan AC
35. 1984 - Mohun Bagan AC
36. 1985 - Border Security Force
37. 1986 - Mohun Bagan AC
38. 1987 - Mohun Bagan AC
39. 1988 - Mohun Bagan AC
40. 1989 - JCT Mills FC
41. 1990 - Kerala Police
42. 1991 - Kerala Police
43. 1992 - East Bengal FC
44. 1993 - Mahindra & Mahindra
45. 1994 - Churchill Brothers SC
46. 1995 - East Bengal FC
47. 1996 - Kerala Police
48. 1997 - Mohun Bagan AC
49. 1998 - East Bengal FC
50. 1999 - FC Kochin

The 1980s and 1990s witnessed a diverse set of winners, with teams like Border Security Force, JCT Mills FC, and FC Kochin claiming the Durand Cup, showcasing the tournament's evolving competitiveness.

2000s-Present: A New Era of Indian Football

51. 2000 - FC Kochin
52. 2001 - Mohun Bagan AC
53. 2002 - Mohun Bagan AC
54. 2003 - Mahindra United
55. 2004 - Mohun Bagan AC
56. 2005 - Mahindra United
57. 2006 - Dempo SC
58. 2007 - Churchill Brothers SC
59. 2008 - Mohun Bagan AC
60. 2009 - Churchill Brothers SC
61. 2010 - East Bengal FC
62. 2011 - Salgaocar SC
63. 2012 - Air India FC
64. 2013 - Churchill Brothers SC
65. 2014 - Salgaocar SC
66. 2015 - Mohun Bagan AC
67. 2016 - Army Green
68. 2017 - Mohun Bagan AC
69. 2018 - Gokulam Kerala FC
70. 2019 - Gokulam Kerala FC
71. 2020 - Tournament not held (COVID-19)
72. 2021 - FC Goa Reserves
73. 2022 - Mohammedan Sporting Club

In the 2000s and beyond, we witnessed a shift in power, with teams from Goa and Kerala making their presence felt. Clubs like FC Kochin, Mahindra United, and Dempo SC raised the bar, while newer entrants like FC Goa Reserves and Gokulam Kerala FC have also claimed the title.

Conclusion

The Durand Cup has undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping Indian football history. From the dominance of Kolkata giants to the rise of regional clubs and the emergence of new footballing hubs, the tournament has showcased the evolving landscape of Indian football. As we look forward to the future of this prestigious competition, one thing is certain: the Durand Cup will continue to be a symbol of excellence and a platform for young talents to shine in the world of Indian football.