Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], August 23 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday congratulated East Bengal for winning the Durand Cup 2026, praising the team's determination, teamwork and performance in the final against Mohun Bagan in Kolkata.
Singh said the victory showcased the true spirit of Indian football and highlighted Edmund Lalrindika's hat-trick and the team's clinical display that helped East Bengal end a 22-year wait for the prestigious title.
"Witnessed the Durand Cup final match in Kolkata today. I congratulate the East Bengal club on winning the Cup. Their relentless determination and impeccable teamwork have brought victory and glory to them. Edmund Lalrindika's hat-trick and the team's clinical display ended a 22-year wait in style. True spirit of Indian football on display during the finals. Well done, Red & Gold Brigade!" Rajnath Singh wrote on X.
East Bengal FC delivered a dominant performance to defeat arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant 4-1 in the final of the 135th Durand Cup at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Sunday. The victory helped East Bengal lift the prestigious trophy for the 17th time, bringing them level with Mohun Bagan's record tally of 17 Durand Cup titles.
Mohun Bagan started the final with greater possession and looked to create opportunities through Anirudh Thapa and Liston Colaco, with Manvir Singh and Jamie Maclaren leading the attack. However, East Bengal quickly turned the game in their favour with a ruthless attacking display, scoring two goals within two minutes.
Captain Mohamad Basim Rashid played a key role in opening the scoring in the 10th minute, delivering a brilliant through ball to Bipin Singh, who calmly finished past the goalkeeper to give East Bengal the lead. Two minutes later, Edmund Lalrindika doubled the advantage with a powerful strike from outside the box.
Despite trailing, Mohun Bagan continued to press forward and created chances, but East Bengal goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill stood firm, making crucial saves, including one from Liston Colaco's free-kick.
East Bengal extended their lead further in the 22nd minute through another brilliant team move. Edmund Lalrindika started the attack, and after a series of passes involving Hardik Bhatt and Daniel Ramirez, he completed the move by beating the goalkeeper and scoring his second goal of the night.
Mohun Bagan reduced the deficit in the 33rd minute when Manvir Singh produced a fine finish after receiving a through ball from Lalengmawia. The goal gave the Mariners hope of a comeback as they continued to push forward.
However, East Bengal struck again just before half-time. In the 44th minute, Jay Gupta helped redirect Basim Rashid's free-kick into the danger area, allowing Edmund Lalrindika to score his third goal of the match and complete his hat-trick. East Bengal went into the break with a commanding 4-1 lead.
In the second half, Mohun Bagan made attacking changes and continued to dominate possession, but East Bengal's defence remained organised. Gill made several important saves, including a stop from another dangerous Liston Colaco free-kick, while defenders Sandip Mandi, Anwar Ali and Hardik Bhatt effectively handled the pressure.
East Bengal focused on counter-attacks and had opportunities to increase their lead, but Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith denied them on multiple occasions. The Mariners introduced players such as Lallianzuala Chhangte, Miguel Ferreira and Sahal Abdul Samad in search of goals, but East Bengal maintained their defensive discipline.
Mohun Bagan continued to attack until the final whistle but failed to find another breakthrough. East Bengal eventually secured a memorable 4-1 victory to become champions of the 135th Durand Cup.
The triumph ended East Bengal's 22-year wait for the Durand Cup title and added another major trophy to their recent achievements after winning the Indian Super League earlier this year. Edmund Lalrindika's hat-trick and a complete team performance helped the Red and Gold Brigade create history in one of Indian football's biggest rivalries.