LUCKNOW, July 8 -- Uttar Pradesh has given very few reasons to talk about its football in the last few decades. However, despite the lack of structure and other systematic issues, private clubs have been doing wonders and generating new hope among footballers and fans. The latest one is Baghpat Football Club, which are all set to write a new chapter in the Uttar Pradesh footballing history as they are set to participate in the 135th edition of the Durand Cup, beginning July 25. Baghpat Football Club, from western Uttar Pradesh, came into existence only in March this year and achieved success by emerging as champions in I-League 3 within a few months time. The club will debut in the new edition of Asia's oldest football tournament after a season that altered its trajectory. Their success in the 2025-26 I-League 3 helped Baghpat FC secure promotion to I-League 2, earning an opportunity to compete in one of the country's most prestigious competitions. "It's a great opportunity for us that our club has now become the first one from Uttar Pradesh to play in the prestigious Durand Cup and everybody in the side is looking forward to yet another impactful show in the event," Baghpat FC's coach Vivek said on Tuesday. "No one had expected us to make it to the I-League 2 within our first year of participation, but the boys did great to make it happen," he said, adding, "Hopefully, we will be changing our name soon to Varanasi FC as we are based in Varanasi right now." The club's rise can hardly be described as meteoric but it has been built patiently, one step at a time. A youthful squad, an enterprising style of football and a consistency that many more experienced sides struggled to match carried Baghpat FC through a demanding I-League 3 campaign. They finished atop the standings with 10 points, lifting the title and securing promotion while underlining the progress they have made in a relatively short span. The reward is a place in the Durand Cup. For well over a century, it has served as a meeting point for Indian football's established institutions, Services teams and emerging clubs, often offering newcomers their first opportunity to measure themselves against seasoned opposition on a national stage. That examination begins in Group B, where Baghpat FC will take on Mohammedan Sporting Club, the Indian Army Football Team and fellow debutants Samaleswari Sporting. It is a group that promises a demanding test but also offers invaluable experience for a side still taking its first steps under the national spotlight. Their presence in the competition also reflects a broader shift within Indian football. As the pathway from state leagues to the national divisions becomes increasingly defined, clubs from smaller towns and districts are beginning to challenge long-held assumptions about where the country's next success stories will emerge. Baghpat FC's rise is a reminder that sustained performances on the pitch can still outweigh pedigree and reputation. That, perhaps, is what makes the club's Durand Cup debut particularly compelling. The tournament has always celebrated its history, but it has been equally important as a platform for new stories. While some participants arrive carrying generations of legacy, others arrive with little more than ambition, momentum and the opportunity to prove they belong. Baghpat Football Club was born out of a dream to bring football to a region known for its sporting spirit. The idea was simple to create a platform where talented youngsters could learn, compete, and pursue their passion for football without having to leave their hometown. Taken over in 2026, the club started with a small group of passionate individuals who believed that football could inspire and unite the community. What began as a grassroots initiative has steadily grown into a club focused on developing young talent through quality coaching, regular competitions, and the right opportunities. The owner of Baghpat FC, Akhilesh Kumar Singh is a firm believer in the power of sports to shape lives. Driven by a passion for youth development, the owner rebuilt Baghpat Football Club with the vision of giving aspiring footballers a chance to showcase their talent and build a future in the game....