Ranchi: A heady mix of football, patriotism and culture swept through Birsa Munda Football Stadium on Sunday as Ranchi made its debut as a host city for the Durand Cup.The opening ceremony of the tournament’s 135th edition turned the packed stadium into a carnival. Tribal artistes in traditional attire showcased Jharkhand’s martial heritage with an energetic Paika dance, while soldiers of the Army’s Sikh Regiment drew loud cheers with a spirited Bhangra performance.Patriotic presentations by Army personnel added to the celebratory mood before IAF aircraft roared across the Ranchi skyline in an aerial display, leaving spectators spellbound.“It is a proud moment for Ranchi. The air show and performances by soldiers filled the stadium with patriotic fervour.
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We hope the city gets to host more such matches,” said football enthusiast Vishal Kumar.As the ceremony gave way to action on the pitch, scarves went up and chants echoed around the stands. Jamshedpur FC gave the home state supporters more reason to celebrate, cruising to a 5-0 win over tournament debutants Defenders FC of the Sri Lankan armed forces in Ranchi’s maiden Durand Cup fixture.Earlier, the district administration briefed officials deployed at the venue on security, crowd control and traffic management. DC Manjunath Bhajantri and SSP Rakesh Ranjan directed personnel to ensure mandatory screening, orderly parking, emergency preparedness and coordinated response.Ranjan said security would remain the top priority and asked personnel to maintain vigilance and stay at their designated posts throughout the matches.
