Ranchi, July 19: Ranchi officially began its countdown to the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup on Saturday as the tournament’s Trophy Tour arrived in the Jharkhand capital, which is set to host the prestigious competition for the first time.
After its stop in Guwahati, the Durand Cup, President’s Cup and Simla Trophy were received at the Kerketta Auditorium, Dipatoli Military Station, during a ceremonial function organised by the Eastern Command of the Indian Army.
Jharkhand’s Minister for Tourism, Art, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs, Sudivya Kumar, attended the event as the chief guest, while Major General Sajjan Singh Maan, General Officer Commanding, Combat IBG 23, was the guest of honour. Senior civil and military officials, representatives of participating clubs, sponsors and members of the football fraternity were also present.
Speaking at the ceremony, Sudivya Kumar described Ranchi’s inclusion as a host city as a proud moment for Jharkhand. He said the state was looking forward to welcoming leading Indian clubs and an international team for the tournament, with the opening match on July 26 expected to be attended by Chief Minister Hemant Soren. He also thanked the Indian Army for helping bring the tournament to Ranchi and invited football fans to be part of the celebration.
The ceremony featured a presentation on the history of the Durand Cup and the recent unveiling of the tournament trophies at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Cultural performances, including Bhangra, Santhali and Chhau dances, showcased Jharkhand’s rich heritage before the three trophies were officially displayed.
Major General Sajjan Singh Maan said the expansion of the Durand Cup to Ranchi, following Jamshedpur’s successful hosting last year, reflected the organisers’ commitment to taking elite football to new regions while strengthening Jharkhand’s football culture. He added that the inclusion of the Birsa Munda Football Stadium in the tournament would allow more fans across the state to experience one of India’s oldest and most prestigious football competitions.
Following the ceremony, the Trophy Road Show travelled through Ranchi, passing Kokar, Lalpur Chowk, Karamtoli Road, Kutchery Road and Sujata Chowk before returning to Dipatoli Military Station. The convoy also stopped at Nucleus Mall, Morabadi Ground and Firayalal Chowk, where cultural performances and Army band displays drew large crowds eager to catch a glimpse of the iconic trophies.
Colonel Hem Chandra, Nodal Officer for Ranchi, said the city was fully prepared to host the tournament and looked forward to showcasing Jharkhand’s passion for football. He expressed confidence that Ranchi’s first experience as a Durand Cup host would be a memorable one.
The Trophy Tour will continue in Gumla on July 20, where the trophies will be welcomed by the district administration before a roadshow through the town. The programme will include tributes to Param Vir Chakra awardee Albert Ekka, a boys’ exhibition football match and a prize distribution ceremony, bringing the Jharkhand leg of the Trophy Tour to a close.
On the field, Ranchi will host all Group C matches at the Birsa Munda Football Stadium. The group features Indian Super League side Jamshedpur FC, Sporting Club Delhi, the Indian Air Force Football Team and Sri Lankan Armed Forces outfit Defenders FC, making their Durand Cup debut.
Ranchi’s first-ever Durand Cup match will be played on July 26 when Jamshedpur FC take on Defenders FC. The city will stage group matches until August 13 before hosting a quarter-final on August 16.
The 135th IndianOil Durand Cup will be held from July 25 to August 23 across Kolkata, Ranchi, Guwahati, Shillong and Imphal. The tournament will feature 24 teams competing in 43 matches, with the opening fixture seeing Mohun Bagan Super Giant face East Bengal FC in the Kolkata Derby at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on July 25. The final will also be played at the same venue on August 23.
