Pioneer News Service
Ranchi
Jharkhand took a significant step onto India’s footballing map on Saturday as Ranchi welcomed the Trophy Tour of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup, marking the city’s historic debut as a host venue for the country’s oldest and one of the world’s most prestigious football tournaments. The ceremonial event, organised by the Eastern Command of the Indian Army at the Kerketta Auditorium in Dipatoli Military Station, generated widespread enthusiasm ahead of the tournament’s arrival in the state capital.
Minister for Tourism, Art, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs, Sudivya Kumar, attended the ceremony 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, football administrators and members of the sporting fraternity also participated in the celebrations.
Addressing the gathering, the minister described the occasion as a matter of immense pride for Jharkhand and said Ranchi was privileged to host leading Indian football clubs along with an international team. He announced that Chief Minister Hemant Soren would grace the opening match on July 26 and thanked the Indian Army for bringing the prestigious tournament to the state. Inviting football enthusiasts to witness the competition, he said the government looked forward to extending Jharkhand’s traditional hospitality to all visiting teams and guests.
The ceremony featured a presentation on the rich legacy of the Durand Cup, followed by the ceremonial display of the tournament’s three iconic trophies—the Durand Cup, the President’s Cup and the Simla Trophy. Colourful cultural performances, including Santhali, Chhau and Bhangra dances, highlighted Jharkhand’s diverse cultural heritage before the Trophy Road Show was flagged off.
The convoy carrying the trophies travelled through key locations across Ranchi, including Kokar, Lalpur Chowk, Karamtoli Road, Kutchery Road and Sujata Chowk, with halts at Nucleus Mall, Morabadi Ground and Firayalal Chowk. Cultural performances by the Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs and displays by Army bands drew large crowds of football enthusiasts eager to catch a glimpse of the trophies.
Major General Maan said the expansion of the tournament to Ranchi after its successful hosting in Jamshedpur last year reflected the organisers’ commitment to taking top-quality football to emerging centres while strengthening Jharkhand’s footballing tradition.
The Trophy Tour will next travel to Gumla on July 20 before proceeding to Kolkata. Ranchi will host all Group C fixtures at the Birsa Munda Football Stadium from July 26 to August 13, besides staging a quarter-final on August 16. The 135th IndianOil Durand Cup will be held from July 25 to August 23 across five host cities, featuring 24 teams, including Sri Lankan Armed Forces side Defenders FC, competing in 43 matches.
