Durand Cup 2026 had a grand start in Ranchi, the capital was colored in the colors of football, Jamshedpur FC defeated Defender FC 5-0.

Ranchi: The Ranchi leg of the 135th Durand Cup 2026, Asia's oldest football tournament, was inaugurated grandly on Sunday. Jamshedpur FC and Sri Lanka Army's Defenders FC were face to face in the opening match of Group C at the Birsa Munda Football Stadium in Morabadi. A total of seven matches of Group C will be played in the Ranchi phase, which started amidst great atmosphere and enthusiasm.

Jamshedpur FC defeated Defender FC in the inaugural match.

In the inaugural match, Jamshedpur FC performed brilliantly and defeated Defender FC (Sri Lanka Army) 5-0. During the match, Jamshedpur FC players displayed aggressive play and registered a one-sided victory and made a winning start to the tournament.

Ranchi is now becoming a big center of football also.

Sports Minister of Jharkhand Government Sudivya Kumar and Rajya Sabha MP Mahua Maji formally inaugurated the competition after getting introduced to the players. During this time, the presence of thousands of football lovers proved that Ranchi is now becoming a big center of not only cricket and hockey but also football.

Extensive security arrangements were made for the match. Entry into the stadium was given only through zero ticket. Spectators were allowed inside only after security checks at the entry gates. The security arrangements from the police, administration and organizing committee were completely tight, due to which the spectators did not have to face any kind of problem.

Indian Army soldiers performed brilliantly

The opening ceremony made the entire event memorable. The soldiers of the Indian Army displayed great discipline, courage and bravery. The helicopter show, jet show and military stunts enthralled the spectators. The patriotic programs presented on the ground colored the atmosphere of the entire stadium with patriotism and the audience encouraged the artists and soldiers with thunderous applause.