# East Bengal Clinches Durand Cup Title as Edmund Lalrindika Scores Historic Hat-Trick in Kolkata Derby

> Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the Durand Cup final in Kolkata, praising East Bengal FC for their victory over Mohun Bagan. Edmund Lalrindika starred with a sensational hat-trick to seal the triumph.

**Type:** article · **Category:** Leaders Speak · **Published:** 2026-08-23 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/neta-ji/durnda-kapa-phainala-men-ista-bngala-ka-parachama-edamnda-lalarindika-ki-haitrika-se-racha-gaya-naya-itihasa-20805 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** rajnathsingh

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.

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## What this means for you
**For Football Fans:** The high level of competition in historic tournaments like the Durand Cup boosts the overall standard and reach of domestic Indian football.

**For Supporters:** East Bengal's continental qualification alongside domestic glory marks a significant step forward for Indian football clubs on the Asian stage.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. Where was the Durand Cup final played?
The Durand Cup final match was held at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.

### 2. Which team won the Durand Cup title?
East Bengal FC emerged victorious in the final match to lift the Durand Cup trophy.

### 3. Who scored a hat-trick in the Durand Cup final?
East Bengal forward Edmund Lalrindika scored a spectacular hat-trick during the final.

### 4. Who held the previous historic derby hat-trick record for East Bengal?
Bhaichung Bhutia previously scored a derby hat-trick for East Bengal against Mohun Bagan in the 1997 Federation Cup semi-finals.

### 5. What did Defence Minister Rajnath Singh say about the match?
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the match in Kolkata and congratulated East Bengal on social media, praising their determination and teamwork.

## Leader Profile: Rajnath Singh
- **Role:** Union Defence Minister
- **Born:** 10 July 1951, Chandauli, Uttar Pradesh
- **Party:** Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
- **Education:** MSc in Physics

India's Defence Minister since 2019, a former Home Minister and two-time BJP National President. He was Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh (2000–02).

### Political Career & Achievements
- Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh (2000–2002)
- BJP National President (2005–09 & 2013–14)
- Union Home Minister (2014–2019)
- Union Defence Minister (since 2019)
- Member of Parliament from Lucknow

### Quick Facts
- Worked as a physics lecturer before entering politics.
- Was jailed for nearly two years during the 1975 Emergency.


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