NEW DELHI - The 121st Osian’s-Durand Cup, Asia’s oldest football tournament is currently underway at the Dr. Ambedkar Stadium, New Delhi. The tournament qualifying has concluded and it is in its quarterfinals phase.
Quarterfinal league group one has Churchill Brothers SC, Mahindra United, Mumbai Football Club, and Army XI. Group two has JCT - Phagwara, Sporting Clube de Goa, Air-India, and Tata Football Academy.

Denzil Franco of SALGAOCAR SC and Robin Singh of Tata Football Academy tussle for the ball.

Nagen Tamang of New Delhi Heroes is the current Golden Boot Leader of the tournament with four goals. Manish Khatri of New Delhi Heroes is second with three goals. Eight players are tied for third with three goals.
“Our aim is to popularize, encourage and assist in improving the standard of sports in general and football in particular, we wish to inculcate discipline and sportsman spirit amongst the players and teams by organizing the Durand Football Tournament annually”, added a spokesperson from Durand Football Tournament Society (DFTS).

“We are happy to be associated with the Osian’s Durand Cup for the 3rd year in a row, we strongly believe that football is the next big thing in the country. Corporate interest for the sport is building up, which is extremely critical for the development of football in the country. IOS plans to further build the momentum and diversify into various other football development processes nationally”, said Neerav Tomar, Director of IOS.
The tournament final will be on September 7, 2008.

A total of Rs. 2 million will be paid as prize money to encourage the players & teams and to infuse more enthusiasm among them - Rs. 800,000 for the winners and Rs. 600,000 for the runners up. Cash awards will also be given out to the Best Player of the Tournament, Best Player of the Final Match, Best Coach and Best Goalkeeper. Additionally the Golden Boot for the Highest Goal Scorer will be awarded as well.

The Durand Football Tournament Society (DFTS) supported by Osian’s Connoisseurs of Art Pvt. Ltd., India’s pioneering arts and cultural institution and Infinity Optimal Solutions Pvt. Ltd., a Delhi based Sports Management Company will host the 121st edition of the Osian’s-Durand Cup for the 3rd year in a row.
Due to India’s addiction with cricket, football like other sports has been neglected by Indians. Organizers are hoping this tournament will expose football to Indians.

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