Ranchi gears up to host Durand Cup 2026 matches for the first time
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Ranchi, July 13: Preparations for the 135th edition of the Durand Cup gathered pace on Monday as the…
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, July 13: Preparations for the 135th edition of the Durand Cup gathered pace on Monday as the Jharkhand government and district administration reviewed arrangements for the prestigious football tournament, which Ranchi will host for the first time.
A high-level meeting was held at the FFP Building in Dhurwa to finalise preparations for the matches scheduled at Birsa Munda Football Stadium, Morabadi, from July 26 to August 16, 2026.
Chairing the meeting, Mukesh Kumar, Secretary of the Department of Tourism, Art, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs, directed all departments to ensure seamless coordination for the successful conduct of the tournament.
He asked officials to maintain high standards in fire safety, stadium branding, accommodation for players and guests, security arrangements, and distribution of invitation letters.
The Secretary also directed the deployment of magistrates as per the match schedule to maintain law and order.
Focus on security and civic arrangements
The Ranchi Municipal Corporation was instructed to ensure cleanliness in and around the stadium, while police and administrative officials were asked to strengthen traffic management and security during the tournament.
Officials from the Health, Electricity, Tourism, Sports, Culture and Information & Public Relations departments were assigned responsibilities to ensure smooth coordination with the district administration.
Trophy tour on July 18
To build excitement ahead of the tournament, the Indian Army will organise a Durand Cup Trophy Tour in Ranchi on July 18.
The trophy will be taken through major routes across the city to engage residents and promote awareness about Asia’s oldest football tournament.
Boost for football in Jharkhand
Officials said hosting the Durand Cup is expected to strengthen Jharkhand’s sporting ecosystem and encourage greater interest in football among young players in the state.
Among those present at the meeting were Ranchi Municipal Corporation Commissioner Sushant Gaurav, Sports Director Chhavi Ranjan, Army Nodal Officer Colonel Hem Chandra, Major Anand, Energy Department Executive Engineer Jaykant Kumar, Civil Surgeon Dr Prabhat Kumar, City Superintendent of Police Rakesh Singh, the Executive Engineer of the Jharkhand Sports Authority, and other officials from the district administration and various departments.
