The excitement is palpable as the city gears up to host the Group D matches of the prestigious Durand Cup Football Tournament. The matches will be played from 28 July to 24 August at the renowned JRD Sports Complex, bringing together top teams and international talents in a thrilling display of football prowess.
In a prelude to the tournament, a grand 'Trophy Tour' has been scheduled for 19 July. The tour will commence from the XLRI campus and will traverse various significant locations across the city, allowing residents to catch a glimpse of the coveted trophy. The District Magistrate cum Deputy Commissioner, Ananya Mittal, conducted an inspection at the XLRI venue in preparation for the Trophy Tour inauguration. Accompanying him were Colonel Manas Kundu of the Indian Army, Major Mohit Jain, District Transport Officer Dhananjay, SDM Dhalbhum Parul Singh, District Public Relations Officer Panchanan Oraon, and District Sports Officer Avinesh Tripathi.
Group D of the Durand Cup features formidable teams including Jamshedpur FC, Chennaiyin FC, the Bangladesh Armed Forces, and the Indian Army. These matches promise to deliver high-octane football action and are a significant highlight for sports enthusiasts in the region. The opening ceremony for the Group D matches will be held on 28 July at the JRD Sports Complex, marking the beginning of a month-long football extravaganza. Other groups will compete in Kolkata, Shillong, and Kokrajhar, spreading the excitement of the Durand Cup across various locations.
During the inspection at XLRI, District Magistrate cum Deputy Commissioner Ananya Mittal reviewed several critical aspects to ensure the smooth conduct of the event. This included assessing the law and order situation, player accommodations, traffic management, and arrangements for the arrival of dignitaries throughout the tournament. Mittal provided necessary guidelines to ensure all preparations are thorough and effective.
“It is a proud moment for Jamshedpur where the sports lovers of the district will get a chance to see international level sports talents playing. All the necessary preparations are being made concrete by the district administration so that the players, sports lovers, and all the dignitaries coming here return with golden memories,” stated Mittal, underscoring the significance of hosting such a prestigious event in the city.
Colonel Manas Kundu of the Indian Army echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the collaboration between the army and the district administration to ensure a successful tournament. “The Durand Cup is a symbol of sportsmanship and excellence. We are committed to making this event a memorable experience for everyone involved,” he said.
