Ranchi scripts history with spectacular opening ceremony as 135th IndianOil Durand Cup makes historic debut in the city

Ranchi, July 26, 2026: Ranchi etched its name into Durand Cup history as the city made its debut as a host with a spectacular opening ceremony of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup, organised by the Indian Armed Forces and supported by the Government of Jharkhand, for the first time at the Birsa Munda Football Stadium on Sunday. The grand spectacle celebrated India’s rich military traditions, the vibrant cultural heritage of Jharkhand and the enduring legacy of Asia’s oldest football tournament before the opening fixture of the tournament kicked off.

The opening ceremony was graced by Shri Sudivya Kumar, Hon’ble Minister, Department of Tourism, Art, Culture, Sports & Youth Affairs, Government of Jharkhand, Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, Chief of Naval Staff; Major General W.M.P.W.N.D.B. Weerakoon, RSP, USP, ndc, Senior Vice President, Defenders FC (Sri Lanka Army Football Team);; Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh, UYSM, AVSM, YSM, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Eastern Command and Chairman, Durand Cup Organising Committee; Major General Dinesh Kumar Singh, SM, VSM, General Officer Commanding, Bengal Sub Area and Vice Chairman, Durand Cup Organising Committee;

The ceremony commenced with a spectacular flypast and a stirring Army Band performance before the spotlight shifted to Jharkhand’s rich cultural heritage through specially curated state cultural performances. The audience also witnessed a traditional Khukri Martial Arts display and an energetic Bhangra performance, creating a vibrant showcase of India’s cultural diversity.

Among the highlights of the evening was the ceremonial Trophy Drill featuring the three iconic trophies awarded to the champions of the Durand Cup, the Durand Cup, the President’s Cup and the Simla Trophy. An audio-visual presentation then traced the remarkable 138-year journey of Asia’s oldest football tournament and its enduring contribution to Indian football.

The ceremonial proceedings continued with the march of the flag bearers carrying the Eastern Command Flag, the Durand Cup Flag and the FIFA Fair Play Flag, followed by the FIFA Anthem and the entry of the participating teams and match officials. The dignitaries greeted both teams on the field before participating in the ceremonial group photograph and kick-off, officially inaugurating the Ranchi leg of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup ahead of the opening fixture.

The successful hosting of the opening ceremony marked another significant milestone in the continued expansion of the Durand Cup. Following Jamshedpur’s successful hosting of the tournament last year, Ranchi became the newest host city, further strengthening Jharkhand’s growing stature on India’s football map.

Organised by the Eastern Command of the Indian Army on behalf of the three Services and with the support of the respective host state governments, the Durand Cup is Asia’s oldest and the world’s third-oldest surviving football tournament. Established in 1888, the competition continues to bring together India’s leading clubs, Services teams and international participation while preserving its unique military and footballing legacy.

The 135th edition is being played across five host cities—Kolkata, Ranchi, Guwahati, Shillong and Imphal—with 24 teams competing across 43 matches. The matches will be streamed live by Sony LIV across six countries, while Sony Ten 5 SD HD will telecast the matches