Kolkata, often hailed as the football capital of India, is set to host the highly anticipated semi-final and final matches of the Durand Cup 2024 at the iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, also known as Salt Lake Stadium.
The stadium will once again be the centre of attention as the historic tournament reaches its final stages.

The semi-finals and final will mark the return of top-tier football to Kolkata after an unexpected disruption earlier in the tournament. The highly anticipated Kolkata Derby between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, which was originally scheduled for August 18, had to be abandoned due to security concerns.
The city has been engulfed in protests following the tragic rape and murder of a woman and the killing of a doctor from RG Kar Hospital, which led to heightened tensions and safety concerns in the region.
Despite these setbacks, the Durand Cup Organizing Committee has expressed confidence in resuming matches in Kolkata, beginning with the final three games of the tournament.
The quarter-final stage of the Durand Cup 2024 promises thrilling encounters as some of the best teams in Indian football compete for a spot in the semis. The quarter-finals kick off on August 21 with NorthEast United FC taking on Indian Army FT at 4:00 PM at Sai Stadium in Kokrajhar. Later that evening, East Bengal will face Shillong Lajong FC at 7:00 PM at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.
On August 23, the focus will shift to Jamshedpur, where Mohun Bagan will clash with Punjab FC at the JRD Tata Sports Complex Stadium at 4:00 PM. That same evening, Salt Lake Stadium will host a thrilling encounter between Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters at 7:00 PM, setting the stage for the grand finale in Kolkata.
The excitement in Kolkata is palpable as fans eagerly await the return of the tournament. Despite the earlier disruption, the Salt Lake Stadium is expected to welcome football enthusiasts in full force as the Durand Cup reaches its climax.
With the semi-finals and final scheduled to be held in this storied venue, the tournament's organizers are optimistic about concluding the event on a high note.
As the oldest football tournament in Asia, the Durand Cup continues to capture the imagination of fans and players alike, and the final stages promise to deliver memorable moments in Indian football history.