Ranchi Gears Up to Host Durand Cup 2026 for the First Time; Preparations in Full Swing

Ranchi: Jharkhand’s capital is set to witness one of India’s most prestigious football tournaments for the first time as preparations gather pace for the 135th edition of the Durand Cup 2026, scheduled to be held from July 26 to August 16 at the Birsa Munda Football Stadium, Morabadi.

A high-level review meeting was held on Monday at the FFP Building in Dhurwa under the chairmanship of Mukesh Kumar, Secretary, Department of Tourism, Art, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs, to assess the progress of preparations and ensure seamless execution of the tournament.

During the meeting, the Secretary directed all concerned departments to maintain the highest standards in event management, emphasizing that there should be no lapses in arrangements. Key focus areas included fire safety, stadium branding, accommodation for players and officials, invitation management, crowd control, and comprehensive security measures.

Officials were instructed to deploy magistrates as per the match schedule to ensure effective law and order management. The Ranchi Municipal Corporation was asked to maintain cleanliness in and around the stadium, while police and district administration officials were directed to strengthen traffic management and security arrangements throughout the event.

To build excitement among football fans, the Indian Army will organize a Durand Cup Trophy Tour in Ranchi on July 18, during which the iconic trophy will be taken through major city routes to engage the public and promote the tournament.

Representatives from the district administration, health department, power department, Jharkhand State Sports Promotion Society, tourism, culture, and information and public relations departments have been assigned specific responsibilities to ensure smooth coordination.

Hosting the Durand Cup marks a significant milestone for Jharkhand’s sporting landscape. The tournament is expected to boost football culture in the state, inspire young athletes, and showcase Ranchi’s capability to host national-level sporting events, further strengthening its reputation as an emerging sports destination in eastern India.