The 1940 Durand Cup is particularly historic for Mohammedan Sporting because it marked the club’s first-ever Durand Cup victory, and it also featured a key milestone in the tournament’s history—being the first Durand Cup final to be held outside Calcutta. The final was played at the Irwin Amphitheatre in Delhi, which is now known as the Dhyan Chand National Stadium. Here’s a closer look at this historic win:
Year: 1940
Venue: Irwin Amphitheatre (now Dhyan Chand National Stadium), Delhi
Final Score: Mohammedan Sporting 2-1 Royal Warwickshire Regiment
Opponents: Royal Warwickshire Regiment (British Indian Army team)
- Mohammedan Sporting’s First Durand Cup Victory:
This 2-1 win marked Mohammedan Sporting’s first-ever Durand Cup title, a major milestone for the club. It solidified their status as one of the prominent clubs in Indian football.
- Historic Venue Change to Delhi:
The 1940 Durand Cup was significant because it was the first time the tournament was held outside Calcutta (Kolkata), and the final was played at the Irwin Amphitheatre in Delhi. The stadium, now known as Dhyan Chand National Stadium, hosted the final that year. This venue shift marked a new chapter in the tournament’s history and contributed to the national spread of football in India.
- The Final Match:
The final was contested between Mohammedan Sporting and the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, which was a team from the British Indian Army. Mohammedan Sporting emerged victorious with a 2-1 win, with the goals coming from their star players. The win was hard-fought, with Mohammedan Sporting overcoming the British military team, showing their resilience and footballing prowess.
- The 1940 Tournament:
The 1940 Durand Cup was part of the period when Mohammedan Sporting was building its legacy in Indian football. The club had a strong squad during this era and had previously been runners-up in the Durand Cup, but this victory marked their breakthrough.
The tournament held great significance not just for Mohammedan Sporting, but for Indian football in general, as it showcased the growing competitiveness of clubs against British teams.
Mohammedan Sporting’s Rise: The 1940 victory was a key moment in Mohammedan Sporting’s footballing history, helping establish them as one of the premier clubs in India. Their triumph laid the foundation for future success in various domestic tournaments.
Impact on Indian Football: The Durand Cup had been a dominant football tournament in India for decades, and Mohammedan Sporting’s victory helped cement their reputation in the sport. This win would be remembered not only because of the first-ever title for the club but also because of the historical context in which it was achieved, with the final marking a significant event in the tournament’s legacy.
Significance of the Venue (Irwin Amphitheatre/Dhyan Chand National Stadium): The Irwin Amphitheatre, which later became the Dhyan Chand National Stadium, holds historical importance in Indian football. By hosting the 1940 Durand Cup final, the venue made its mark in football history. Later, the stadium became synonymous with Indian sports, especially as the home ground for Indian hockey.
The 1940 Durand Cup victory was the beginning of a golden era for Mohammedan Sporting in Indian football. The club has since won multiple major domestic trophies, and this win added to their legacy as one of Kolkata’s giants.
Over the years, Mohammedan Sporting continued to be one of the most successful and popular clubs in India. Their historic 1940 Durand Cup victory remains a proud part of the club’s rich heritage.
The 1940 Durand Cup victory for Mohammedan Sporting was a defining moment for the club, as they claimed their first-ever Durand Cup title with a 2-1 win over the Royal Warwickshire Regiment. This victory was especially significant because it was the first time the final was played outside Calcutta—in Delhi at the Irwin Amphitheatre (now Dhyan Chand National Stadium). The achievement marked a milestone not only for the club but also in the history of the Durand Cup and Indian football in general.
Mohammedan Sporting’s triumph in 1940 remains a key chapter in the club’s rich legacy, and it is still celebrated by fans and historians of Indian football.
