Edmund Lalrindika’s hat-trick fires East Bengal to Durand Cup win over Mohun Bagan
Edmund Lalrindika scored a hat-trick as East Bengal defeated Mohun Bagan 4-1 in the Durand Cup final, ending the club’s 22-year wait for the trophy in a match reported on August 26, 2026.
Lalrindika’s rise traces back to the AIFF youth system; his Facebook bio reads “AIFF Regional Football Academy” and he has described himself as, “I am the product of the AIFF Development Programme.” He said he joined the AIFF Development Programme “at around 11 and spent my youth career there. It taught me discipline and shaped me as a player, playing a big role in where I am today.”
The performance at the Durand Cup final transformed Lalrindika’s profile: his three goals helped deliver the title to East Bengal and the coverage of the match framed him as a central figure in that derby night. The club’s 4-1 victory over Mohun Bagan concluded the final and secured the trophy after a 22-year gap.
On grassroots development, Lalrindika spoke about early coaching and facilities, saying, “It is very important for young players to learn the basics and develop their skills from an early age. I was lucky to have those facilities, and I’m really thankful to the AIFF for the opportunities I received. I feel very lucky to have been part of that programme, and everything I learned there has helped me as I have grown older.”
He described a personal moment surrounding the final, reporting that he and his sister had prayed for a hat-trick before the match and that, after completing it, “The first thing I remembered was to give glory to God,” he said. The victory also carried extra meaning after last season’s semi-final exit, and Lalrindika credited coach Antonio López Habas, saying, “This is just the beginning, and I hope we can win many more trophies with Habas in the future.”
Addressing international opportunities, Lalrindika referenced an upcoming fixture involving India and Brazil, saying, “For every Indian player, it would be a dream to play against Brazil.” He added his immediate focus remains on club form: “All I can do is work hard and give my best for my club. If I get called up, I will give everything to my country.”
With the India–Brazil match mentioned as the next notable international occasion, Lalrindika said he will continue to work for club performances and, if selected, “give everything” at the national level.