Kolkata, July 3 -- The 135th Durand Cup will commence fittingly with one of Indian football's greatest rivalries as record 17-time champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant take on 16-time winners East Bengal FC in the opening fixture at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on July 25.

The Durand Cup Organising Committee announced the fixtures, setting the stage for another exciting edition of Asia's oldest football tournament. Featuring 24 teams across six groups and five host cities, the tournament will be played from July 25 to August 23, bringing together India's leading clubs, Services teams, emerging football institutions and international participation in a month-long celebration of football, according to a press release.

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