After years of close calls, North East United has finally achieved success, capturing a major trophy for the Northeast and securing their spot in Indian football history. The Highlanders stunned Mohun Bagan in the 2024 Durand Cup final in the penalty shootout after the game had ended 2-2 at the end of extra time.
The Durand Cup is a cornerstone of Indian football, renowned as one of the world’s oldest tournaments and a symbol of rich tradition and prestige. In its rich history, the tournament has seen 44 different winners with Royal Scots Fusiliers the first-ever winners in 1888.
In 1940, Mohammedan Sporting Club made history as the first Indian civilian team to win the Durand Cup, securing a 2-1 victory over the Royal Warwickshire Regiment.
In the post-independence era, it was Hyderabad City Police who claimed the cup first beating Mohun Bagan 1-0 in a final replay in 1950.
Let us take a look at the clubs which have won the most Durand Cup titles.
Mohun Bagan – 17 titles
Mohun Bagan is the most successful team in the Durand Cup history winning the tournament on 17 different occasions. They are also the only side to lift the trophy for three seasons in a row, twice. (1963, 1964, 1965 and 1984, 1985, 1986). Their last Durand Cup triumph came in 2023 when they beat East Bengal in the final.
Their consistent performances and knack for thriving under pressure have cemented their status as a dominant force in Indian football, with Durand Cup triumphs being a key part of their rich legacy.
East Bengal – 16 titles
East Bengal are another dominant force in the Indian club football. The Kolkata-based outfit has lifted the Durand Cup 16 times with their last win coming in 2004 when they defeated arch-rival Mohun Bagan in the final by 2-1.
Their triumphs in the competition have contributed to their reputation as one of India’s most storied football clubs and their rivalry with Mogan Bagan is considered as the greatest in Indian football.
Border Security Force – 7 titles
BSF is a multi-sports club best known for its football team. The club is based in Jalandhar, Punjab, and competes in the Punjab National League. BSF FT saw tremendous success on the national level and won the prestigious Durand Cup on 7 different occasions during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.
BSF FT is recognized for its emerging football talent and strong organizational skills, even though it operates outside the top professional leagues.
JCT – 5 titles
The football team of JCT Limited is a prominent side in India, with several of its players representing the national squad. They lifted the Durand Cup five times in their history with victories in 1976, 1983, 1987, 1992 & 1996.
JCT also were the runners-up on six different occasions in 1974, 1975, 1977, 1981, 1985 & 2006. Many of the JCT players have ended up representing India at the national level, highlighting the talent they nurture at the club.
Black Watch – 5 titles
Black Watch was one of the pre-independent football clubs in India, They set the early benchmark in Indian football, winning the Durand Cup on 5 different occasions with their last win coming all the way back in 1920.
The club was operated by the British army and mostly consisted of foreign players. Black watch became defunct after India gained independence from the Britishers in 1947.
Highland Light Infantry – 5 titles
Highland Light Infantry was another pre-independent football club in India, operated by the British army. They lifted the Durand Cup five times in their history with their last win coming in 1895. Their triumph in the Durand Cup marked a significant achievement and underscored their impressive performance in Indian football at the time. Infantry is known to be among the first football clubs in India that introduced the sport to the local people.
Hyderabad City Police / Andhra Pradesh Police – 4 titles
The Hyderabad City Police also referred to as Andhra Pradesh Police, attained significant success in the Durand Cup. They won the prestigious tournament 4 times with their last win coming in 1961.
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
