KOLKATA: The 131st edition of Durand Cup - the oldest football tournament in Asia - will kick off with the Kolkata derby between ATK Mohun Bagan and East Bengal at the Salt Lake Stadium on August 16.
According to the fixtures officially released on Wednesday, the Big Two have been clubbed in Group B with Mumbai City, Indian Navy and Rajasthan United.
Eleven Indian Super League teams will be joined by five I-League teams and four outfits from the Indian Armed Forces in the tournament.
Last year's runners-up Mohammedan Sporting, the third team from Kolkata, are in Group A, along with defending champions FC Goa, Bengaluru FC, Jamshedpur FC and Indian Air Force.
Mohammedan Sporting will launch their campaign against FC Goa at the Salt Lake Stadium on August 19.
This edition of Durand Cup will be held in five venues across three states, including Khuman Lampak Stadium in Imphal and Guwahati's Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium.
The Salt Lake Stadium will host the final on September 18.
With ATKMB set to play their AFC Cup inter-zone semi-finals on September 7 at the Salt Lake Stadium, the Juan Ferrando-coached side will finish their Durand Cup group campaign with the game against Mumbai City FC on August 28.
DURAND CUP GROUPINGS
Group A: Mohammedan Sporting, FC Goa, Bengaluru FC, Jamshedpur FC, Indian Air Force
Group B: ATK Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Mumbai City, Indian Navy, Rajasthan United
Group C: Chennaiyin FC, Hyderabad FC, Neroca FC, TRAU, Army Red
Group D: Kerala Blasters, Odisha FC, NorthEast United, Sudeva FC, Army Green
KOLKATA BIG 3 FIXTURES
ATK MOHUN BAGAN: Vs East Bengal (August 16), Vs Rajasthan United (August 20), Indian Navy (August 24), Vs Mumbai City (August 28)
EAST BENGAL: Vs ATKMB (August 16), Vs Mumbai City (August 22), Vs Rajasthan United (August 26), Vs Indian Navy (Sept. 3)
MOHAMMEDAN SPORTING: Vs FC Goa (August 19), Vs Bengaluru FC (August 25), Vs Jamshedpur FC (August 31), Vs Indian Air Force (Sept. 4)
