Ranchi welcomes 135th IndianOil Durand Cup Trophy Tour

The Trophy Tour of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup reached Ranchi, which will host the tournament for the first time. The ceremonial event highlighted the city's preparations and Jharkhand's football tradition ahead of the opening match scheduled for July 26

Hyderabad: The Trophy Tour of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup arrived in Ranchi on Saturday, marking the city’s debut as a Durand Cup host venue.

Following its successful stop in Guwahati, the tournament’s three iconic trophies were welcomed at the Kerketta Auditorium, Dipatoli Military Station, during a ceremonial function organised by the Eastern Command of the Indian Army.

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The event was attended by Sudivya Kumar, Minister for Tourism, Art, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Jharkhand, as the Chief Guest, and Maj Gen Sajjan Singh Maan, General Officer Commanding, Combat IBG 23, as the Guest of Honour.

Sudivya Kumar said: “It is a matter of great pride and immense pleasure to welcome the 135th IndianOil 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.”

The ceremony at the Kerketta Auditorium featured a screening tracing the legacy of the Durand Cup and the ceremonial unveiling of the tournament’s three trophies at Rashtrapati Bhavan earlier this month.

Maj Gen Sajjan Singh Maan, General Officer Commanding, Combat IBG 23, said, “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 football tradition.”

Colonel Hem Chandra, Nodal Officer, Ranchi, highlighted the significance of Ranchi joining the Durand Cup’s list of host venues and outlined the city’s preparations for the tournament. He said they looked forward to showcasing Jharkhand’s passion for football and making Ranchi’s debut as a Durand Cup host a memorable success.