Detailed Notes
Originally, the tournament was hosted by the Nagaon Marwari Yubak Sangha, and over the decades it has evolved into a prestigious national-level competition that attracts teams from across India, including clubs, institutional teams, police and armed forces units, and emerging football academies.
Historical Significance
While the Durand Cup is recognized as Asia's oldest football tournament overall, the Independence Day Cup holds the distinction of being the oldest football tournament specifically in Assam. Its establishment in 1947 symbolized both sporting revival and national unity during the post-independence period, making it an integral part of Assam's football heritage.
Venue
Most matches of the Independence Day Cup are played at the Nurul Amin Stadium in Nagaon, which has a seating capacity of approximately 5,000 spectators. The stadium has witnessed several historic finals and remains a major football venue in central Assam.
Tournament Format and Participation
The tournament follows a knockout format and features participation from:
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Renowned Indian football clubs
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Armed forces teams
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State police teams
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Football academies and youth squads
Over the years, teams from outside Assam, including clubs from West Bengal, Kerala, Punjab, and even Bangladesh-based teams, have competed in the tournament, enhancing its national reputation.
Notable Champions and Achievements
Several legendary teams have lifted the Independence Day Cup multiple times. Among the most successful are:
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Oil India FC
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Mohammedan Sporting
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Border Security Force
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Assam Rifles
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Mohun Bagan
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East Bengal
Recent champions include:
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2023: Oil India defeated ASEB
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2024: Asufii FA, Manipur defeated Oil India
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2025: ASEB defeated Sadar Hills FA, Manipur in a penalty shootout
The tournament has completed over 77 editions, demonstrating its remarkable continuity and importance in Assam's sporting culture.
| Edition | Year | Winners | Score | Runners-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | 1969 | Mohammedan Sporting | — | — |
| — | 1971 | Mohammedan Sporting | — | — |
| — | 1972 | Mohammedan Sporting | — | — |
| — | 1976 | Oil India | — | — |
| — | 1977 | Oil India | — | — |
| — | 1979 | Border Security Force | — | Oil India |
| — | 1981 | Assam Rifles | — | — |
| — | 1988 | Mohammedan Sporting | 1-0 | Punjab Police |
| — | 1993 | Border Security Force | 3-0 | Bangladesh Abahani Krira Chakra |
| — | 1994 | Oil India | — | — |
| — | 1996 | Mohun Bagan | — | Border Security Force |
| — | 1997 | Mohun Bagan | — | — |
| — | 1998 | Border Security Force | 2-0 | Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad |
| — | 1999 | Border Security Force | 1-1 (7-6 p) | Tata Football Academy |
| — | 2000 | Indian National | 1-1 (3-1 p) | Assam Regimental Centre |
| — | 2001 | NF Railway | 5-0 | ASEB |
| — | 2002 | East Bengal | 2-0 | Oil India |
| — | 2003 | SAIL, Kolkata | 3-0 | Oil India |
| — | 2004 | Oil India | 2-0 | Khidderpore Sporting Union |
| — | 2005 | Oil India | 1-0 | Nagaland Police |
| — | 2006 | Border Security Force | 4-1 | Assam Police Blues |
| — | 2007 | Mohammedan | 0-0 (3-2 p) | Border Security Force |
| — | 2008-09 | Border Security Force | 0-0 (6-5 p) | Oil India |
| — | 2010 | Assam Rifles | — | — |
| — | 2011 | SSB Ranidanga | — | Langsnig |
| 64th | 2012 | Langsnig | 2-1 | Assam Rifles |
| 65th | 2013 | Assam Rifles | 4-0 | Oil India |
| — | 2016 | Oil India | 2-1 | ASEB |
| — | 2017 | Assam Rifles | 2-0 | Border Security Force |
| — | 2018 | Border Security Force | 1-1 (4-3 p) | Mohammedan |
| — | 2019 | Gokulam Kerala | 1-0 | Border Security Force |
| — | 2021 | ASEB | 1-1 (4-3 p) | Kerala United |
| — | 2022 | Oil India | 1-0 | Assam Rifles |
| — | 2023 | Oil India | 2-0 | ASEB |
| — | 2024 | Asufii FA, Manipur | 2-1 | Oil India |
| — | 2025 | ASEB | 2-2 (15-14 p) | Sadar Hills FA, Manipur |
Importance to Assam Football
The Independence Day Cup has played a major role in:
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Promoting grassroots football in Assam
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Providing exposure to young talent
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Strengthening institutional football teams
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Creating sporting unity across regions
It remains one of the most respected football tournaments in Northeast India and continues to inspire generations of players and fans alike.
Final Answer
The Independence Day Cup, first held in 1947 in Nagaon, is the oldest football tournament of Assam and one of India's longest-running football competitions.