The report says the idea was discussed during preparations for the latest edition, with venue availability identified as the central challenge. The men’s competition is described as a 24-team tournament spread across five venues, including Kolkata, Shillong, Imphal, Ranchi and Guwahati.
Adding a women’s event to that footprint would require more than available pitches. Training facilities, changing rooms, accommodation, medical support and broadcast planning would all need to be aligned with the existing schedule.
A compact tournament may therefore be the most realistic starting point. Fewer teams and a shorter calendar could give organisers room to test the structure without placing excessive pressure on host cities.
The proposal follows a women’s exhibition match in Imphal, staged by the Indian Armed Forces and the Manipur government. That match provides a clear local reference point for the wider idea, but a proper Durand Cup competition would offer a stronger pathway for players and clubs.
A recognised tournament under the Durand Cup name could improve visibility, create meaningful fixtures and give supporters a reason to follow the women’s game beyond one-off events. It would also place the competition within a historic football brand rather than treating women’s football as a separate promotional exercise.
The first edition would not need to mirror the men’s tournament. A smaller field, concentrated venues and consistent facilities could be more valuable than an ambitious schedule that stretches resources.
The next edition will reveal whether the proposal moves beyond discussion. As the men’s competition begins across its expanded regional footprint, organisers will face a useful test: whether the Durand Cup can build a sustainable women’s event alongside its established men’s tournament.