Guwahati, July 1 -- The 135th edition of the IndianOil Durand Cup is set to begin on July 25, bringing together 24 teams for a month-long football tournament across five cities: Kolkata, Guwahati, Imphal, Shillong and Ranchi. The tournament will conclude with the final at Kolkata's Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on August 23.

This year's competition will feature clubs from the Indian Super League (ISL), Services teams, regional outfits and international participants. Seven teams will make their maiden appearance in the prestigious tournament, adding fresh competition to one of Asia's oldest football championships.

Imphal's Khuman Lampak Stadium will stage league matches between July 28 and August 17, besides hosting one quarter-fina...