In a landmark moment for football from the Himalayan region, debutants 1 Ladakh FC held seasoned campaigners Tribhuvan Army FC of Nepal to a spirited 1–1 draw in their opening Group C fixture of the 134th Durand Cup at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on Saturday.
Making their maiden appearance in Asia’s oldest football tournament, the youthful Ladakh side announced their arrival in style with a composed and disciplined display, earning their first-ever point on the national stage.
History was scripted in the 23rd minute when defender Siju rose highest to meet a corner kick and nodded home a thunderous header — becoming the first Ladakhi player to score in the Durand Cup.
Tribhuvan Army, dominant in spells of possession, responded in the 40th minute through Nirajan Dhami. The forward latched on to a defence-splitting pass on the counter and calmly slotted it in, celebrating with Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic ‘Siu’ celebration. The teams went into the break level at 1–1.
The second half saw the Nepal side push forward with greater urgency, crafting chances through their flanks and dominating midfield play. But 1 Ladakh FC, coached by Rajan Mani and set up in a compact 4-3-3 formation, held their shape under pressure. The defensive line stood firm, led by sharp goalkeeping and excellent coordination at the back.
Despite several late threats from Tribhuvan Army — including a curling shot that missed the post by inches — the Ladakhi debutants remained unshaken. Their counterattacks, though fewer in the second half, kept the opposition on their toes.
Fatigue crept in as the game wore on, with multiple stoppages for treatment and hydration. However, the final whistle confirmed a historic result for 1 Ladakh FC — one marked not just by the scoreline, but by heart, belief and a milestone moment for football in the region.
The result puts both teams on one point each in Group C, with 1 Ladakh FC earning the admiration of fans and neutrals alike for their fearless debut performance.
