East Bengal FC secured a memorable victory in the Durand Cup final held at Kolkata, captivating football fans with an exceptional team performance against traditional rivals Mohun Bagan. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the high-stakes match at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, witnessing the historic clash firsthand alongside thousands of energetic spectators.
Edmund Lalrindika Delivers Historic Hat-Trick
The standout story of the match was forward Edmund Lalrindika, whose dominant performance yielded a spectacular hat-trick. His clinical finishing proved decisive in breaking down the opposition defense and guiding East Bengal to glory. This feat places Lalrindika in elite company, echoing the legendary achievement of Bhaichung Bhutia, who scored a famous derby hat-trick for East Bengal against Mohun Bagan in the 1997 Federation Cup semi-final, twenty-nine years earlier.
Defence Minister Commends the Champions
Following the final whistle, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh shared his appreciation for the winning side on social media. He congratulated East Bengal FC on lifting the trophy, noting that their relentless determination and seamless teamwork earned them deserved victory and national honor. Singh praised the high standard of play displayed during the tournament final and acknowledged the role of sports in fostering national spirit.
Historic Milestone for East Bengal FC
The Durand Cup victory caps off a historic period for East Bengal FC. Beyond their domestic triumph, the club achieved a unique milestone by becoming the first Indian football club to qualify both its men's and women's teams for the Asian Football Confederation group stages in the same season. Alongside Uzbekistan side FC Nasaf, East Bengal stands as one of only two Asian clubs to achieve this dual continental qualification for the 2026–27 campaign.
Public Reaction
Football enthusiasts and supporters reacted enthusiastically across social media platforms, celebrating the club's trophy win and hailing Edmund Lalrindika's remarkable scoring performance. Fans also expressed gratitude to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for attending the prestigious final and commended the Indian Armed Forces for their long-standing stewardship and promotion of Indian football through the Durand Cup.
