Ranchi marked a historic milestone in Indian football by hosting the opening ceremony of the 135th Durand Cup for the first time at the Birsa Munda Football Stadium. Organised by the Indian Armed Forces with the support of the Government of Jharkhand, the grand ceremony blended military tradition, cultural heritage and sporting excellence, setting the stage for another edition of Asia’s oldest football tournament.
The event was attended by several distinguished dignitaries, including Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Jharkhand Tourism, Art, Culture, Sports & Youth Affairs Minister Shri Sudivya Kumar, Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Eastern Command and Chairman of the Durand Cup Organising Committee, Major General Dinesh Kumar Singh, Vice Chairman of the Organising Committee, Major General Sajjan Singh Maan, General Officer Commanding, Ranchi Area, Major General W.M.P.W.N.D.B. Weerakoon of the Sri Lanka Army Football Team, and Shri Mukesh Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Department of Tourism, Art, Culture, Sports & Youth Affairs, Government of Jharkhand.
The opening ceremony commenced with a spectacular flypast and a stirring performance by the Army Band, reflecting the tournament’s deep-rooted military heritage. The celebrations then showcased Jharkhand’s vibrant cultural identity through an engaging presentation of traditional and contemporary performances. A traditional Khukri Martial Arts demonstration and an energetic Bhangra performance further highlighted India’s rich cultural diversity.
One of the key attractions of the ceremony was the ceremonial Trophy Drill featuring the tournament’s three prestigious trophies—the Durand Cup, the President’s Cup and the Simla Trophy. An audio-visual presentation traced the remarkable 138-year history of the competition, highlighting its enduring contribution to the growth of Indian football and its unique association with the Armed Forces.
The formal proceedings continued with the march of flag bearers carrying the Eastern Command Flag, the Durand Cup Flag and the AIFF Fair Play Flag, followed by the entry of the participating teams and match officials. The dignitaries greeted the players on the field before participating in the ceremonial group photograph and kick-off, officially inaugurating the Ranchi leg of the tournament ahead of the opening match.
Ranchi’s successful debut as a host city marks another important step in the continued expansion of the Durand Cup. Following Jamshedpur’s successful hosting of the tournament in the previous edition, the inclusion of Ranchi further strengthens Jharkhand’s position as an emerging destination for major football events in the country.
Organised by the Eastern Command of the Indian Army on behalf of the three Services and supported by the respective host state governments, the Durand Cup, established in 1888, remains Asia’s oldest football tournament and the world’s third-oldest surviving football competition. Over the decades, it has evolved into one of India’s premier football tournaments, bringing together leading clubs, Services teams and international participants while preserving its rich military and sporting legacy.
