Ranchi to make historic debut as host city for 135th Durand Cup

PNS

Ranchi

Jharkhand’s capital Ranchi is set to script a new chapter in the state’s sporting history as it will host matches of the prestigious 135th Durand Cup for the first time. The development is being seen as a significant milestone for football in the state and is expected to provide a major boost to the sport’s growing popularity in Jharkhand.

The tournament will kick off on July 25, while Ranchi will host matches from July 26 to August 16 at the Birsa Munda Stadium. The venue will stage several league fixtures along with one quarter-final, bringing top domestic and international football action to the city.

Among the prominent teams scheduled to play in Ranchi are Indian Super League side Jamshedpur FC, Sporting Club Delhi, and the Indian Air Force Football Team. Adding an international flavour to the tournament, Defenders FC, representing the Sri Lanka Armed Forces, will make its maiden appearance in the Durand Cup this year.

The 135th edition of the tournament will feature 24 teams, with matches spread across five host cities—Kolkata, Ranchi, Imphal, Shillong, and Guwahati. The inclusion of Ranchi as a host city reflects the organisers’ efforts to expand the tournament’s reach and promote football in emerging sporting hubs across the country.

The tournament final is scheduled to be played on August 23 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.

Recognised as Asia’s oldest football tournament and the third-oldest football competition in the world, the Durand Cup is organised by the Indian Army. Over the years, it has earned a reputation as one of India’s premier football competitions, providing a platform for established clubs, armed forces teams and emerging talent.

Hosting the tournament is expected to inspire local footballers and strengthen the sporting ecosystem in Jharkhand. Sports enthusiasts believe the event will encourage greater youth participation in football while further enhancing Ranchi’s stature as a venue capable of staging major national sporting events.