Shroff’s Potential Debut in Asia’s Oldest Tournament
Tiger Shroff, a prominent Bollywood personality, is reportedly set to make his professional football debut after being included in Mumbay FC’s squad for the 135th Durand Cup. The tournament, recognized as Asia’s oldest football tournament and the third-oldest football competition globally, is currently underway. Sources indicate that Shroff has been consistently training with the team and could feature in the club’s final group-stage match.
Mumbay FC, a club launched by Shroff in 2024, is making its first appearance in the elite competition. The club’s participation has drawn significant attention within Asian football circles. Shroff has served as the club’s brand ambassador since its inception and has maintained a lifelong passion for football, often training with professional athletes and participating in local exhibition matches in Mumbai.
The club, backed by entrepreneur Ali Ahmed, is scheduled to travel to Shillong on July 30 for its group-stage fixtures. If Shroff takes to the field, he would join a growing list of Bollywood figures associated with Indian football, following the path of John Abraham, whose NorthEast United FC has become a notable club in the country.
Mumbay FC’s Journey to the Durand Cup
Mumbay FC’s qualification for the Durand Cup follows a period of rapid ascent since its founding in July 2024 by Ali Ahmed and technical director Zoheb Khan. The club achieved success by winning the inaugural Maharashtra State Club League Championship and securing a third-place finish in I-League 3 last season. This performance earned them their maiden qualification for the prestigious tournament.
The club secured its spot in the 135th Durand Cup after a successful campaign in the Maharashtra State Senior Men’s Football League. This rapid progress through local division circuits led to national promotion into I-League 3. Shroff has previously made a brief appearance for the side during a local division fixture in past seasons and has expressed pride in the team’s quick development, highlighting the talent in Mumbai that deserves platforms like the Durand Cup.
For the upcoming tournament, Mumbay FC has been placed in Group E. Their opponents in the group stage include Shillong Lajong FC, Nongkseh Sports & Cultural Club, and Langsning FC. All of Mumbay FC’s group-stage matches are scheduled to be played in Shillong, where they will test their squad against high-level domestic competition.
The Durand Cup: A Historical Overview
The Durand Cup has a rich history, dating back to its establishment in 1888 in Shimla by Sir Mortimer Durand. It holds the distinction of being the oldest football tournament in Asia and the third-oldest football competition worldwide. The tournament brings together clubs from various leagues, including the Indian Super League, the I-League, and teams from the armed forces.
Under its current format, participating teams are divided into groups for a round-robin stage. The top-performing teams from these groups then advance to the knockout rounds, culminating in a final match. The 135th edition of the tournament is currently in progress.
A source quoted in a report indicated that Shroff has registered with the team and is highly likely to make an appearance in the final group-stage match, having trained regularly with the squad. Mumbay FC will travel to Shillong on July 30 for their group-stage fixtures.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
