Ranchi took a significant step towards hosting the Durand Cup for the first time as the tournament’s Trophy Tour arrived in the Jharkhand capital on Saturday, building excitement ahead of the city’s historic debut as a host venue for the 135th edition of the tournament.
After its stop in Guwahati, the three iconic Durand Cup trophies were welcomed at the Kerketta Auditorium, Dipatoli Military Station, in a ceremonial function organised by the Eastern Command of the Indian Army.
Jharkhand Sports Minister Sudivya Kumar led the celebrations, while Major General Sajjan Singh Maan, General Officer Commanding, Combat IBG 23, attended as the guest of honour. Senior civil and military officials, representatives of participating clubs, sponsors and members of the football fraternity were also present.
Addressing the gathering, Sudivya Kumar expressed confidence that Ranchi would successfully host one of India’s oldest football tournaments.
“It is a matter of great pride and immense pleasure to welcome the 135th Durand Cup to Ranchi. We eagerly look forward to the opening match on July 26, which will be graced by the Chief Minister of Jharkhand. Ranchi is privileged to host some of India’s leading football clubs along with an international team, and I am confident that football lovers will witness an exciting tournament. I express my gratitude to the Chief Minister and the Indian Army for making this endeavour possible. I invite everyone to come and be part of this grand sporting celebration. We also extend our traditional hospitality to all the visiting teams and guests.”
The ceremony featured a presentation on the tournament’s rich legacy and the unveiling of the three trophies at Rashtrapati Bhavan earlier this month. Cultural performances, including Bhangra, Santhali and Chhau dances, showcased Jharkhand’s rich heritage before the Durand Cup, President’s Cup and Simla Trophy were formally displayed.
The programme concluded with the flagging off of the Trophy Road Show, which travelled through Kokar, Lalpur Chowk, Karamtoli Road, Kutchery Road and Sujata Chowk before returning to Dipatoli Military Station.
The convoy made stops at Nucleus Mall, Morabadi Ground and Firayalal Chowk, where Army bands and cultural performances drew large crowds of football fans eager to catch a glimpse of the trophies.
Major General Sajjan Singh Maan said Ranchi’s inclusion reflected the tournament’s continued expansion and Jharkhand’s growing football culture.
“Following the successful hosting of the Durand Cup in Jamshedpur last year, the tournament has now expanded to Ranchi for the first time. This reflects our commitment to taking top-quality football to new regions while further strengthening Jharkhand’s rich footballing tradition. We are delighted that the Birsa Munda Football Stadium has become part of the proud legacy of the Durand Cup, giving football fans across the state an opportunity to witness one of India’s most prestigious football tournaments.”
Highlighting the city’s preparations, Ranchi Nodal Officer Colonel Hem Chandra said the state was ready to welcome top domestic and international teams.
“It is a proud milestone as Ranchi prepares to host the Durand Cup for the first time. With top clubs, Services teams and international participation coming to the city, we look forward to showcasing Jharkhand’s passion for football and making Ranchi’s debut as a Durand Cup host a memorable success.”
The Trophy Tour will move to Gumla on July 20 for a public outreach programme before concluding its Jharkhand leg. The event will include a roadshow, floral tributes to Param Vir Chakra awardee Albert Ekka, a football exhibition match and a prize distribution ceremony.
Attention will now turn to the on-field action as Ranchi prepares to 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 side Defenders FC.
Ranchi’s first-ever Durand Cup match will be played on July 26 between Jamshedpur FC and Defenders FC. The city will host Group C fixtures until August 13 before staging a quarter-final on August 16.
The Trophy Tour will next travel to Kolkata on July 22 before the 135th Durand Cup kicks off on July 25.
