135th IndianOil Durand Cup Trophy Tour Reaches Ranchi, Marking Historic Debut as Host City
By Suman Munshi:
Ranchi, July 18, 2026: The Trophy Tour of the prestigious Durand Cup arrived in Ranchi on Saturday, marking a historic milestone as the city prepares to host matches of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup 2026 for the first time. The grand ceremonial welcome, organised by the Indian Army’s Eastern Command at Dipatoli Military Station, set the stage for an exciting football season in Jharkhand.
The event was led by Sudivya Kumar, who hailed Ranchi’s inclusion as a host venue as a moment of pride for the state. He expressed confidence that the tournament will showcase top Indian and international football talent, inviting fans to participate in what promises to be a grand sporting celebration.
Senior military officials, including Major General Sajjan Singh Maan, highlighted the expansion of the tournament into new regions. He noted that after Jamshedpur’s successful hosting last year, Ranchi’s inclusion reflects a broader effort to strengthen football culture in eastern India and bring high-quality matches closer to fans.
The ceremony featured vibrant cultural performances, including traditional dances like Santhali and Chhau, celebrating Jharkhand’s rich heritage. The iconic trophies—the Durand Cup, President’s Cup, and Simla Trophy—were showcased before a large gathering, followed by a colourful roadshow through key locations of the city, drawing enthusiastic crowds of football lovers.
Ranchi will host all Group C matches at the Birsa Munda Football Stadium, featuring teams such as Jamshedpur FC, Sporting Club Delhi, the Indian Air Force Football Team, and Sri Lanka’s Defenders FC. The city’s campaign begins on July 26 and will also include a quarter-final fixture on August 16.
The 135th IndianOil Durand Cup, one of the world’s oldest football tournaments established in 1888, will be held from July 25 to August 23, 2026, across five cities—Kolkata, Ranchi, Guwahati, Shillong and Imphal. The tournament will kick off with the iconic Kolkata Derby between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.
With Ranchi joining the list of host cities, the Durand Cup continues to expand its footprint, promoting football across emerging sporting hubs and reinforcing its legacy in Indian sports.
— IBG NEWS Report by Suman Munshi
