Pioneer News Service
Ranchi
Ranchi is fully prepared to host the Durand Cup—Asia’s oldest and most prestigious football tournament—for the very first time. From July 26 to August 16, the Birsa Munda Football Stadium in Morhabadi will host seven high-profile matches. Prior to the opening kickoff, Chief Minister Hemant Soren will officially inaugurate the tournament at an opening ceremony attended by several VVIPs, dignitaries, and special guests, featuring cultural performances as a major highlight.
The arrival of this historic tournament has sparked immense excitement among local sports enthusiasts. The Ranchi leg will feature six Group C league matches and one quarterfinal. The state government, the Indian Army, the district administration, and the sports department have finalized nearly all preparations for the event.
The 30,000-capacity stadium has been upgraded to meet international standards. Final touches are being put on the pitch, floodlights, player dressing rooms, security arrangements, and other essential amenities to ensure an exceptional experience for both players and spectators.
This tournament brings top-tier Indian football talent to Ranchi. Star winger Ritwik Das and experienced defender Pratik Chaudhari of Jamshedpur FC will be among the prominent names showcasing their skills. The inclusion of Sri Lanka’s Defenders FC will add an international flavor to the competition. Group C features a competitive lineup including Jamshedpur FC, the Indian Air Force, SC Delhi, and Defenders FC.
To encourage maximum turnout, the sports department has made entry completely free for spectators. However, entry will strictly require a complimentary ticket. Multiple ticket distribution counters have been set up at the stadium complex, and tickets will be issued according to stadium capacity to manage crowds and maintain security.
Sports Director Chhavi Ranjan stated, “While entry is free for spectators, securing a ticket is mandatory. We have implemented this system to ensure the crowd matches the stadium’s capacity. In past major events, sudden overcrowding caused logistical challenges. This time, additional police personnel will be deployed, and comprehensive security measures are in place.”
The action kicks off on July 26 at 5:00 PM, with Jamshedpur FC taking on Sri Lanka’s Defenders FC. Subsequent group matches will take place on July 29, August 4, August 7, August 10, and August 13, followed by the quarterfinal on August 16. Hosting an event of this magnitude is expected to provide Jharkhand’s young athletes a massive platform to learn, grow, and draw inspiration.
