Rajnath Singh Congratulates East Bengal on Durand Cup Triumph

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated East Bengal FC after witnessing the Durand Cup final in Kolkata, where the Red and Gold Brigade secured a memorable victory.

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… pic.twitter.com/uqTcYuWq3n

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 23, 2026

Taking to social media, Singh praised East Bengal's relentless determination and impeccable teamwork, saying their efforts had brought the club victory and glory.
The Defence Minister specifically highlighted Edmund Lalrindika's hat-trick and East Bengal's clinical performance, which helped the club end a 22-year wait for the Durand Cup.

"True spirit of Indian football on display during the finals," Singh said while congratulating the team and signing off with a message for the Red and Gold Brigade:

"Well done, Red & Gold Brigade!"
East Bengal defeated arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant 4-1 in the final at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangana, with Lalrindika scoring three goals and Bipin Singh adding another.

The triumph secured East Bengal's 17th Durand Cup title, taking them level with Mohun Bagan as the joint-most successful club in the history of Asia's oldest football tournament.

Relive the prize distribution ceremony as champions and standout performers are honoured.#135thEditionofIndianOilDurandCup #PoweredbySBIandCIL #DeshKaCup #ManyChampionsOneLegacy pic.twitter.com/U6ZEAziy19

— Durand Cup (@thedurandcup) August 23, 2026

For East Bengal, the victory marked a landmark moment as the club ended more than two decades of waiting for Durand Cup glory.