“133rd IndianOil Durand Cup Kicks Off in Grand Style in Jamshedpur”

Jamshedpur, July 28, 2024: The 133rd IndianOil Durand Cup made a grand debut in Jamshedpur with a spectacular opening ceremony held at the JRD Tata Sports Complex. The ceremony was attended by Chief Guest Shri Banna Gupta, Hon’ble Minister of Health, Govt of Jharkhand, and Lt General Ram Chander Tiwari, UYSM, AVSM, SM, GOC-in-C, Eastern Command and Patron, Durand Cup Organising Committee (DCOC).

The opening match was declared open by a ceremonial kick-off by the dignitaries, marking the beginning of the tournament. Lt General Ram Chander Tiwari addressed the audience, saying, “The Indian Army is proud to host this prestigious tournament in Jamshedpur, which has always been the beacon of grassroots development of the sport in the region.”

Shri Banna Gupta also addressed the audience, saying, “This is a proud moment for the state of Jharkhand to host the prestigious Durand Cup for the very first time. Sports has been a part of our culture, and we have produced some of the greatest sportspersons in the country.”

The opening ceremony was a grand affair, with a breathtaking Akashganga drop by the Indian Airforce team, followed by a spectacular Fly Past of the Army Aviation Helicopters. The aerial show was followed by a colorful cultural performance, featuring traditional Paika Dance and Chhau Dance by local artists, Bhangra and Kalaripayattu by Indian Army soldiers, and a Dog Show by the Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) Centre, Meerut.

The ceremony ended with the kick-off of the opening match between Jamshedpur FC and Assam Rifles Football Team, which Jamshedpur FC won 3-0.

Jamshedpur will host Group D, consisting of Jamshedpur FC, Chennaiyin FC, Indian Army Football Team, and Assam Rifles Football Team. All matches of the IndianOil Durand Cup will be broadcast LIVE on the Sony Sports Network and can also be livestreamed on the SonyLiv OTT platform.