Manipur leaders welcome 135th Durand Cup trophies to Imphal

Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh formally received the trophies of the 135th Durand Cup in Imphal on Wednesday, marking a significant moment as the tournament’s three historic trophies arrived in the state. The ceremonial event took place at the City Convention Centre, Imphal, with attendance from Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh, Chief of Staff of HQ Eastern Command, Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel, senior civil and military officials, club representatives, and members of the football community. Governor Bhalla described the return of the Durand Cup to the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium as “far more than a sporting event. It is a catalyst for hope and renewal. The roar of our football-loving crowds can achieve what few policy initiatives alone can accomplish. It heals, builds bridges, strengthens communities and unites people. The 135th edition of the IndianOil Durand Cup is not merely another chapter in the history of Indian sport. It is a testament to the resilience, optimism and resurgence of Manipur.” Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh stated, “Football is not merely a sport in Manipur, it is a shared language that unites communities and transcends generations. It is deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Manipur, from grassroots tournaments in our villages to the electrifying atmosphere at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium. Hosting Durand Cup matches in Imphal is a matter of great pride and, more importantly, provides our young footballers with an invaluable opportunity to showcase their talent before scouts, clubs and football enthusiasts from across the nation.” Earlier that day, the three trophies—the Durand Cup, the President’s Cup, and the Simla Trophy—were flagged off from the Sendra on the banks of Loktak Lake by Govindas Konthoujam, Minister for Home and Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of Manipur. The event also honoured prominent sporting figures from Manipur for their achievements, including Nameirakpam Kunjarani Devi, Laishram Sarita Devi, Laishram Bombayla Devi, and Oinam Bembem Devi. Escorted by the Thangjing Riders, the trophies travelled through Moirang, Bishnupur, Tiddim Ground, Kangla Fort, and Manipur University before reaching Imphal. At several stops, cultural performances and traditional welcomes by students and local communities marked the journey, attracting enthusiastic crowds and heightening anticipation for Imphal’s Durand Cup matches. The Trophy Tour concluded with a ceremony at the City Convention Centre celebrating Manipur’s contribution to Indian football and its ongoing relationship with the sport. The programme featured a screening on the Durand Cup’s legacy, an exchange of mementoes, felicitation of dignitaries, and a formal display of the three trophies, with speeches from senior army officials, the Chief Minister, and the Governor. Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh emphasised Manipur’s significance in Indian football, noting that “Nearly 80 footballers from Manipur have featured in the Indian Super League and other top-tier domestic competitions, while around 20 have proudly worn the Indian jersey at the international level. It is a remarkable achievement for a state of Manipur’s size to contribute so significantly to Indian football. Manipur may be small in geographical size, but it is immense in its love for football. It proves that the true strength of the game lies not in numbers or scale, but in passion, commitment and spirit.” Officials highlighted the Durand Cup’s 138-year legacy and its role in promoting excellence, discipline, unity, and national integration, while stressing the importance of developing young talent and supporting Manipur’s football tradition. Manipur will be represented in the 135th Durand Cup tournament by TRAU FC, NEROCA FC, and debutants FC Raengdai, who will compete in Group D alongside the Indian Navy Football Team. The Khuman Lampak Main Stadium will host six group-stage matches from July 28 to August 12, 2026, providing local supporters with the chance to watch three home teams play on a historic national stage. Following the successful Trophy Tour, attention now turns to the football action in Imphal. A Women’s Exhibition Football Match between Kangla Warriors and Sangai Strikers will take place at the SAI Ground, Imphal, on July 21. The Imphal chapter of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup will officially commence with its opening ceremony on July 28. The trophies will next be presented in Guwahati on July 16 as excitement builds towards the tournament’s start on July 25, 2026. The 135th Durand Cup is scheduled from July 25 to August 23, 2026, across five cities: Kolkata, Shillong, Imphal, Guwahati, and Ranchi, with Ranchi hosting for the first time. Organised by the Eastern Command of the Indian Army on behalf of the three Services and supported by host state governments, the Durand Cup is the world’s third-oldest surviving football competition, established in 1888. This edition features 24 teams, including one foreign side from the Sri Lankan Armed Forces, competing in 43 matches at six venues. The tournament will begin with the Kolkata Derby between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on July 25 and conclude with the final at the same venue on August 23, 2026.