Local side Jamshedpur FC to take on Assam Rifles as Steel City of India set for spectacular IndianOil Durand Cup debut

• Mohammedan SC to take on Inter Kashi in the second match of the day in Kolkata

Jamshedpur/Kolkata, July 27, 2024: ‘The Steel City of India’, Jamshedpur, is all set for the grand opening of the 133^rd IndianOil Durand Cup as the Jharkhand city makes its debut as hosts of the prestigious century old tournament with the opening game pitting local side Jamshedpur FC against Assam Rifles Football Team in a Group D openerat the JRD Tata Sports Complex. This first Super Sunday game kicks-off at 4 PM IST. The second at Kolkata’s Kishore Bharati Krirangan will see former champions Mohammedan Sporting take on Durand debutants Inter Kashi with this Group B game scheduled for a 7 PM IST start.

All 43 matches of the 133rd IndianOil Durand Cup will be broadcast LIVE on the Sony Sports Network (Sony Ten2 HD) as well as livestreamed on the SonyLiv OTT platform

The crowd will be treated to a thrilling skydiving display and a flypast by Rotary Wing Aircraft from the Army Aviation Wing. A collage of cultural events will then commence, before the Chief Guest, Shri. Hemant Soren, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Jharkhand, opens the game with a symbolic kick-off of the match ball.

Jamshedpur FC, popularly known as the Red Miners are under the tutelage of Khalid Jamil and with an opportunity to play at home in a big tournament such as this, will look to overwhelm Assam Rifles.

Speaking ahead of the game, Khalid Jamil said, “We’re on home turf, but that’s no excuse to take things lightly. We must approach this game with utmost seriousness and respect for our opponents, Assam Rifles. A good start is crucial, and every single player and staff member is focused and geared up for this match. We can’t afford to underestimate them – it’s time to put in the work and make our home advantage count.”

On the other hand, Assam Rifles who last participated in the 130^th edition of the competition, will look to pull-off an upset in the Group and make life difficult for the more accomplished teams. 

In the second match of the day, I-League champions Mohammedan SC,will hope for a winning start in front of their home fans at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan. 

They will look to better their performance from the last edition in which they missed the knockout places by virtue of goal difference.The two time winners of the Durand Cup (1940, 2013) will look to go one place better and qualify for the knockouts this time around at the very least.

Head Coach of the Mohammedan SC Reserves side Hakim Ssengendosaid, “We are excited about our first game in the Durand Cup and it is a chance for the youngsters to prove themselves at the start of the season. The atmosphere is very good and the fans are very excited to see our team play. We cannot wait to get on the pitch and get to a good start.”

Inter Kashi FC who debuted in the I-League during this past season, will look to provide a good account of themselves in this top Cup competition. They finished a respectable fourth in their first season proving that they will be tough opponents. With some experienced players like Arindam Bhattacharya and other exciting young players, the first professional team from Uttar Pradesh will look to impress everyone with their performances. 

The 24-teams have been divided into six groups with Groups A, B and C being played in Kolkata while Group D, E and F being held in Jamshedpur, Kokrajhar and Shillong respectively. Group toppers and two best second-placed teams will make it to the quarterfinals scheduled in Kokarajhar and Jamshedpur, besides Kolkata.

ABOUT DURAND CUP

A symbol of India’s football history and culture, the Durand Cup is Asia’s oldest and the world’s third oldest football tournament. Organised by the Indian Army on behalf of the three Services, the Durand Cup has been the breeding ground for India’s best footballing talent, over the years.

The inaugural edition happened in Shimla in 1888 and then the tournament moved to New Delhi in 1940, where it was held till 2016. In 2019, the tournament came under the aegis of the Eastern Command and moved to the eastern part of the country, with Kolkata, the Mecca of Indian football and the Eastern Command Headquarters, being the home base. What makes the Durand Cup even more unique is that the winners get three trophies, two rotating (Durand Cup and Shimla Trophy) and one for permanent keep (President’s Cup).

As we embark on this exciting journey over the coming weeks, let us celebrate the beautiful game of football, honour the traditions of the Durand Cup, and look forward to witnessing moments of brilliance that will be etched in our memories forever.