Daily Current Affairs : 1-July-2023

The 132nd edition of the prestigious Durand Cup has recently kicked off with the grand Trophy tour, a momentous occasion that marks the beginning of this historic football tournament. The Trophy tour was inaugurated by two distinguished personalities, Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande and Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari. Let’s delve deeper into the significance of the Durand Cup, its rich history, unique format, and the trophies that make it an exceptional sporting event.

Durand Cup: Asia’s Oldest and World’s Third Oldest Football Tournament

Background:

The Durand Cup holds the distinction of being Asia’s oldest football tournament, and it is recognized as the third oldest in the world. Its origins can be traced back to 1888 when it was founded in Shimla by Sir Henry Mortimer Durand. Sir Durand is renowned for his role in negotiating the Durand Line, a significant international border between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Format:

The Durand Cup follows an annual format and brings together top Indian football clubs from across the country. This domestic competition serves as a platform for teams to showcase their skills and compete for the coveted title. The tournament has gained immense popularity over the years, attracting passionate football fans and talented players alike.

Governance:

Organized by the Indian Armed Forces in collaboration with the All India Football Federation (AIFF), the Durand Cup exemplifies the strong bond between sports and the armed forces. The tournament is a testament to the spirit of camaraderie and the promotion of sportsmanship among participants.

The Trophies: A Symbol of Excellence

The Durand Cup tournament stands out from other football competitions due to its unique trophy system. The winning team not only receives the Durand Cup, which serves as the primary rolling trophy, but they also claim two additional prestigious trophies:

  1. The Shimla Trophy: Presented by the residents of Shimla in 1904, the Shimla Trophy is another rolling trophy that holds historical significance. It symbolizes the admiration and support of the people for the footballing excellence showcased during the tournament.
  2. The President’s Cup: This distinguished trophy, which is permanently retained by the winning team, was first presented by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, India’s first President, in 1956. The President’s Cup stands as a testament to the recognition and appreciation bestowed upon the champions.
The Durand Line: A Border of Contention

Location:

The Durand Line is an international land border spanning approximately 2,670 kilometers, running between Afghanistan and Pakistan. The western end of the line reaches the border with Iran, serving as a significant geographical demarcation in the region.

Background:

The Durand Line was established in 1893 as the official border between British India and the Emirate of Afghanistan. The line’s creation was the result of diplomatic negotiations between Mortimer Durand, a British diplomat from the Indian Civil Service, and Abdur Rahman Khan, the Afghan Emir at the time.

Dispute:

The Durand Line has been a subject of dispute, primarily from Afghanistan’s perspective. This is because the border cuts through the Pashtun tribal areas and further extends into the Balochistan region, creating political divisions among ethnic Pashtuns, Baloch, and other communities residing on both sides of the border. Afghanistan raises concerns about the impact on cultural, social, and ethnic ties due to this border division.

Important Points:


Durand Cup:

  • Asia’s oldest and world’s third oldest football tournament
  • Founded in 1888 by Sir Henry Mortimer Durand
  • Annual domestic football competition in India
  • Organized by the Indian Armed Forces in association with AIFF
  • Winning team awarded three trophies:
    • Durand Cup (rolling trophy)
    • Shimla Trophy (rolling trophy, first given in 1904)
    • President’s Cup (permanent trophy, first presented in 1956)

Durand Line:

  • International land border between Afghanistan and Pakistan
  • Established in 1893 by Mortimer Durand and Abdur Rahman Khan
  • Runs for approximately 2,670 kilometers
  • Divides Pashtun tribal areas and Balochistan region
  • Subject of dispute, particularly from Afghanistan’s perspective
  • Impacts ethnic, cultural, and social ties of communities on both sides

Trophy Tour:

  • Flagged off by Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande and Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari
  • Marks the beginning of the 132nd edition of the Durand Cup

Significance:

  • Reflects the bond between sports and the armed forces
  • Platform for top Indian football clubs to showcase their skills
  • Promotes sportsmanship and camaraderie among participants
  • Gained popularity over the years, attracting passionate football fans

Trophies:

  • Durand Cup: Primary rolling trophy
  • Shimla Trophy: Rolling trophy, given by Shimla residents in 1904
  • President’s Cup: Permanent trophy, presented by Dr. Rajendra Prasad in 1956

Durand Line Dispute:

  • Divides Pashtun tribal areas and Balochistan region
  • Raises concerns about cultural, social, and ethnic ties
  • Subject of contention, particularly from Afghanistan’s perspective
Why In News

The Trophy tour of the historic 132nd edition of the Durand Cup received an illustrious start as it was ceremoniously flagged off by the esteemed Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande and the distinguished Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari. As the coveted trophy embarked on its journey, it symbolized the shared pride and unity between the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force in promoting the spirit of football and fostering camaraderie amongst athletes.

MCQs about The Durand Cup

  1. Which country shares the Durand Line border with Pakistan?
    A. India
    B. Iran
    C. Afghanistan
    D. China
    Correct Answer: C. Afghanistan
    Explanation: The Durand Line serves as the international land border between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
  2. Who organizes the Durand Cup football tournament?
    A. International Football Federation (FIFA)
    B. All India Football Federation (AIFF)
    C. Asian Football Confederation (AFC)
    D. Indian Premier League (IPL)
    Correct Answer: B. All India Football Federation (AIFF)
    Explanation: The Durand Cup is organized by the Indian Armed Forces in association with the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
  3. What is the significance of the Shimla Trophy in the Durand Cup tournament?
    A. It is the oldest football trophy in Asia.
    B. It is awarded to the runner-up team.
    C. It is a permanent trophy kept by the winning team.
    D. It symbolizes the admiration and support of the people.
    Correct Answer: D. It symbolizes the admiration and support of the people.
    Explanation: The Shimla Trophy, a rolling trophy, was first given by the residents of Shimla in 1904 and represents the appreciation of the people for the footballing excellence displayed during the tournament.
  4. Why is the Durand Line a subject of dispute?
    A. It separates Afghanistan and Pakistan geographically.
    B. It was established by the Indian Civil Service.
    C. It cuts through Pashtun tribal areas and Balochistan region.
    D. It is the longest international land border in the world.
    Correct Answer: C. It cuts through Pashtun tribal areas and Balochistan region.
    Explanation: The Durand Line has faced disputes primarily from Afghanistan’s perspective as it divides Pashtun tribal areas and Balochistan region, politically dividing ethnic Pashtuns, Baloch, and other communities living on both sides of the border.

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