Jamshedpur FC eye redemption as Durand Cup kicks off in city today Men of Steel to face Nepal’s Tribhuvan Army FC

Jamshedpur, July 23: Jamshedpur FC is all set to hit the ground running as competitive football returns to the JRD Tata Sports Complex after more than four months. This time, as the Durand Cup sets the stage, Jamshedpur opens its campaign against Tribhuvan Army Football Team from Nepal in front of a packed stadium.

The last time the Jamshedpur played a match here was on March 5, in the Indian Super League against Odisha FC.

The Men of Steel will be keen to erase the bitter memories of last year’s group stage heartbreak. Jamshedpur began their 2024 Durand Cup campaign in style with a 3-0 win over Assam Rifles, followed by a gritty 2-1 victory against Chennaiyin FC. But in the final group game, despite going 2-0 up against Indian Army FT, they fell to a shocking 3-2 defeat. That collapse knocked them out, even after securing two wins, as goal difference didn’t go in their favour.

Head Coach Khalid Jamil knows what’s at stake. “It is a very important tournament. I’ve played in the Durand Cup myself. The organisation is excellent and it keeps getting better every year,” said Jamil. “We must go step by step and think only about this match. The first game is always crucial.”

Tribhuvan Army FT is no stranger to Indian competition. A disciplined and physically fit unit, the Nepalese Army side has featured regularly in the Durand Cup in recent years. Last season, they were drawn in a tough group alongside FC Goa, Shillong Lajong, and Rangdajied United, finishing third. But Jamil is not taking anything lightly. “They are a very fit team. They’ve been coming to India for the past few years. They know our players well and always work hard. We cannot afford to take them lightly.”

Jamshedpur FC comes into the 2025 edition with a strengthened squad. New signings like Nishu Kumar, Suhair VP, and Vincy Barretto add experience and youthfulness  across the pitch. Jamil has also placed trust in young prospects alongside senior names, hoping to find the right mix early. “It’s important the players blend quickly. The focus has been on working as one unit,” he said. “The players must mix and start doing well from the very first game.”

The return of football to the JRD also means the return of the fans, something Jamil values deeply. “Fans must come and support us. We need their support always,” he said with conviction.

Speaking ahead of the match, Tribhuvan Army FC Head Coach, K.C Meghraj said, “We are playing the tournament for the third consecutive year and this year we feel like we are at our best level. The boys are ready to give it their all tomorrow and we hope to put our best performance in the field against a quality opposition. We are excited and we will show that energy in the field.”

Jamshedpur will look to start strong again, but this time, with the aim of finishing stronger. The match kickoff is at 5.30 PM with the inaugural ceremony starting at 4.30 PM. Match will be live on Sony Sports 2 (channel) and Sonly Liv (App).

Jamshedpur FC announce 28-member squad

Jamshedpur, July 23: As football returns to the JRD Tata Sports Complex after more than four months, Jamshedpur FC have named a 28-member squad for the 2025 Durand Cup, with midfielder Pronay Halder and foreigner Rei Tachikawa set to lead the team.

JFC DURAND CUP SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Albino Gomes, Amrit Gope, Ayush Jena

Defenders: Pratik Chaudhari, Ashutosh Mehta, Nishu Kumar, Sarthak Golui, Jestin George, Stephen Eze, Calvin Baretto, Praful Kumar, Kartik Choudhary

Midfielder: Germanpreet Singh, Rei Tachikawa, Pronay Halder, Mobashir Rahman, Jayesh Rane, Sreekuttan VS, Ritwik Das, Sourav Das, Vincy Barretto, Mohammed Sanan, Nikhil Barla, Chawngthu Lalhriatpuia

Forward: Manvir Singh, Daniel Lalhlimpuia, Suhair VP, Lawmsangzuala

Durand Cup inaugural function to witness spectacular defense extravaganza, cultural celebration

Jamshedpur, July 23: The legendary Durand Cup is set to launch with a spellbinding inaugural function that promises to etch itself into the memories of all who attend before the kickoff of the match between Jamshedpur FC and Tribhuvan Army FC.

Starting promptly at 4:30 PM, this will be a truly a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle, an electrifying fusion of culture, valor, and awe-inspiring precision. It would be a dazzling evening that elevates your spirit and ignites your patriotism, and simply cannot afford to miss this mesmerizing defense show.

The magnificent evening will commence with the vibrant and evocative Paika Dance performed by talented local artists, bringing history alive through their dynamic movements. This will be followed by the razor-sharp artistry and explosive energy of the traditional Khukhri Dance, showcasing martial elegance at its finest. The skies will then come alive with gravity-defying maneuvers during the sensational Microlight Air Display by AAW, leaving spectators absolutely spellbound.

The cultural celebration continues with the colorful, rhythmic joy of the Jhumair Dance by local folk artists, sweeping audiences away with their brilliant performances. Prepare to marvel at the raw intensity and ancient mastery of Kalaripayattu, India’s legendary martial art that demonstrates centuries of warrior tradition.

The grand finale features heart-stopping aerial marvels that will leave you breathless. Feel your pulse race as three mighty IAF Hawks thunder overhead in a glorious fly-past by fixed wings, followed immediately by the elegant sweep of three Cheetah helicopters from Army Aviation, showcasing the sheer prowess and capability of India’s military aviation.

Durand Cup Opener Set for Houseful Crowd

Jamshedpur, July 23: Football fever gripped the city on Tuesday as fans swarmed the JRD Tata Sports Complex to grab tickets for Jamshedpur FC’s opening match of the Durand Cup. Within hours, every ticket was gone.

The Durand Cup had announced free entry for their group stage matches, with physical tickets available from the stadium box office. What followed was an overwhelming response. By 3 PM, all tickets had been distributed. Long queues had formed since the morning, with supporters from across the city waiting patiently, many turning up in JFC colours, hoping to catch a glimpse of their team’s return to action after four months.

This means Wednesday’s clash against Tribhuvan Army FC of Nepal will be played in front of a packed house. It’s Jamshedpur’s first competitive match since the ISL semi-final second leg in April, and anticipation is high not just for the result but for the atmosphere inside the Furnace.