Durand Cup returns to Jamshedpur for second consecutive year with grand trophy showcase

Lt. Gen Mohit Malhotra, AVSM SM, Chief of Staff, Eastern Command presenting the official ball to Shri. Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Hon’ble Governor of Jharkhand. 

Khel Today Bureau

Jamshedpur: The Steel City of India welcomed back the 134th IndianOil Durand Cup as the city gets ready to host Asia’s oldest football tournament for the second consecutive year. The three trophies of the Durand Cup were showcased here at the XLRI Auditorium in the presence of Shri. Santosh Gangwar, Hon’ble Governor of Jharkhand who was the Chief Guest of the event. Also present, were Shri Ramdas Soren, Hon’ble Minister of School Education & Literacy Development, Government of Jharkhand, Lt. Gen Mohit Malhotra, AVSM, SM, Chief of Staff, HQ Eastern Command and Chairman, Durand Cup Organising Committee and Shri. DB Sundara Ramam, Vice President Corporate Services, Tata Steel Limited.

The three glittering pieces of silverware, the Durand Cup, the original prize and the rolling Shimla Trophy (presented by residents of Shimla in 1904), as well as the President’s Cup which the winners keep permanently, will be then taken on a roadshow later in the day covering prominent city landmarks generating immense enthusiasm in the football loving city.

Speaking on the occasion Shri. Santosh Gangwar, Hon’ble Governor of Jharkhand said, “As one of Asia’s oldest and most prestigious football tournaments, the Durand Cup is a symbol of tradition, discipline, and sporting excellence. The hosting of the Durand Cup in Jamshedpur for the second consecutive year is a testament to the state’s growing stature in Indian sports. Its presence here reinforces the spirit of unity and aspiration among our youth. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India’s sporting ecosystem has undergone a transformative shift with initiatives like Khelo India and TOPS empowering thousands of young athletes across the nation. Jharkhand, with its deep-rooted passion for football and a legacy of producing national and international talent, stands proudly at the heart of this movement. I extend my best wishes to all participating teams and hope this tournament continues to inspire generations to dream big.”

From (L-R) – Lt. Gen Mohit Malhotra, AVSM SM, Chief of Staff, Eastern Command; Shri.D B Sundara Ramam, Vice President Corporate Services, Tata Steel Limited; Shri. Ramdas Soren, Hon’ble Minister of School Education & Literacy Development, Government of Jharkhand; Shri. Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Hon’ble Governor of Jharkhand; Major Gen. Paramvir Singh Dagar, VSM, General Officer Commanding, Cockerel Division; Shri Shekhar Jamuar IAS, Director Sports, Department of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sports & Youth Affairs, Government of Jharkhand; Shri Karn Satyarthi IAS, District Collector, East Singhbhum with the three Durand trophies.

Also speaking on the occasion was the Guest of Honour for the event, Shri. Ramdas Soren emphasised, “As we all know Durand Cup is the oldest tournament in Asia and it has so much history and it will be an honour for us to host this tournament again. Today I am feeling proud to say that Jharkhand has produced many players for the country whether it is in hockey or cricket and we have always contributed to sports. So it’s a matter of great pride to have this tournament again in Jamshedpur and I hope that the people of Jharkhand enjoy the Durand Cup.”

The audience were also treated to some enthralling performances with local artists performing Santhali and Chhau dances along with a Bhangra dance.

Lt. Gen Mohit Malhotra shared his thoughts, “ For over 137 years, the Durand Cup has witnessed the evolution of Indian football, producing legends, uniting communities, and igniting passions across generations. In recent years, under the stewardship of Eastern Command, the Durand Cup has experienced remarkable growth in stature, reach and quality. Our efforts, in close partnership with stakeholders across the country, have ensured that the tournament retains its heritage while embracing modern professionalism. I invite the people of this great city, football enthusiasts, and the vibrant youth of Jharkhand to come forward, be part of history, and experience world-class football at your doorstep. Together, let us celebrate the beautiful game, honour tradition, and inspire the next generation.”

Tata Steel’s commitment to sports shines with the organisation’s association of the prestigious Durand Cup, continuing their support from the previous year. This underscores Tata Steel’s role in supporting football in the country and especially in Jamshedpur for many decades.

“At Tata Steel, sports is a way of life. We have a long history of promoting football in India, from grassroots to professional leagues. Today, as we kick off the Durand Cup Trophy Tour, Tata Steel feels proud to be associated with the Indian Army and the Government of Jharkhand and thank them for giving us an opportunity to host part of the Durand Cup Football Tournament in Jamshedpur.” said Shri. DB Sundara Ramam, Vice President Corporate Services, Tata Steel Limited.

The three trophies will travel through key city landmarks, including Mango Bus Stand, Sakchi Circle, and JUSCO Circle, before being displayed at the JRD TATA Sports Complex, which will be hosting the matches. Later, the trophies will also be showcased at Bistupur Square.

The Trophy tour will continue (8th July) from Jubilee Park at 6 AM and will be on display at the Tata Motors from 9 AM to 11 AM. The trophy will be displayed at the Tatanagar Railway Station from 12 Noon for three and a half hours before it moves on to the P&M Mall which will be the final destination of the tour.

Jamshedpur will host four teams with hosts and pride of the Steel City Jamshedpur FC, 1 Ladakh FC who will be making their debut in Durand Cup, Indian Army FT and a Foreign Services Team adding international flavour to the tournament. A total of seven matches, including one quarterfinal will be played at the JRD Tata Sports Complex with the first match scheduled on 24th July with the other group stage matches to be played on 29th July, 2nd, 5th, 8th and 11th of August. The quarterfinals will be played on 17th August.