The 134th IndianOil Durand Cup 2025 kicked off with great enthusiasm in Jamshedpur. The excitement of the spectators was palpable as the match began amidst light rain at the JRD Tata Sports Complex Stadium.
Durand Cup 2025: India's most prestigious and historic football tournament, the 134th IndianOil Durand Cup, commenced on Thursday with a vibrant ceremony at the JRD Tata Sports Complex Stadium in Jamshedpur. In the opening match of Group C, Jamshedpur FC put on a stellar performance, defeating Nepal's Tribhuvan Army FC 3-2 to begin their campaign on a high note.
The match provided plenty of excitement for the spectators and also reinforced the spirit of India-Nepal friendship. Amidst light rain showers, the thousands of spectators present in the stadium enthusiastically cheered on the players.
Stormy Start in the First Half, A Downpour of Three Goals
The match began very aggressively. Jamshedpur FC coach Khalid Jamil fielded a team comprised entirely of Indian players, including new names such as Manveer Singh, Jayesh Rane, Nishu Kumar, Sarthak Golui, and Vincy Barretto. The first major event of the match occurred in the 4th minute when Sarthak Golui scored, capitalizing on a mistake by Tribhuvan Army's goalkeeper, Samit Shrestha. The goal came from a long throw-in by Praful Kumar Vai, which the goalkeeper failed to handle.
Subsequently, in the 26th minute, Tribhuvan's captain, George Prince Karki, equalized, bringing the score to 1-1. The goal came from a brilliant low shot off a pass from Gillespie Karki. However, Jamshedpur responded swiftly, regaining the lead in the 31st minute when Manveer Singh scored from a through ball by Vincy Barretto.
Excitement Returned in the Second Half, Badla's Winning Goal
The pace slowed down slightly in the second half, but the match remained exciting. In the 64th minute, Tribhuvan Army's defender, Ananta Tamang, scored a powerful long-range goal from 35 yards out, leveling the score at 2-2. This goal was arguably the most spectacular moment of the match from a technical standpoint. However, the tie did not last long.
In the 71st minute, Nikhil Barla, who came on as a substitute, scored with a brilliant side-foot shot from a cross by Sanan Mohammed, giving Jamshedpur the lead for the third time. This proved to be the decisive goal, and the final score was 3-2.
Grand Inaugural Ceremony Enthralls
The Durand Cup's inaugural ceremony commenced with the Paika dance, presented by Gulab Singh Munda and his team from Ichagarh. Following this, the Khukuri dance by the 6th Battalion, 8th Gorkha Regiment, the local Jhumair folk art, and the Kalaripayattu performance presented by the 21st Battalion, Madras Regiment, mesmerized the audience.
The chief guests at the ceremony included Jharkhand's Sports Minister Sudivya Kumar, Eastern Command Chief Lieutenant General R. C. Tiwari, and Durand Cup Organising Committee Patron Major General Dhruv Prakash Shah.
Football Stage Becomes a Symbol of India-Nepal Friendship
Prior to the start of the match, senior officers from the Indian and Nepalese armies displayed mutual goodwill. Lieutenant General Tiwari and Major General Shah exchanged mementos and met with the players from both teams to wish them well. The event symbolized the deep friendship between India and Nepal and the cultural exchange through sports.
Besides Jamshedpur FC, Indian Army FT and Ladakh FC are also included in Group C of the Durand Cup 2025. Ladakh FC is participating in this prestigious tournament for the first time. Jamshedpur will host seven matches this time, including one quarter-final match.
