Shillong, July 16: The 135th IndianOil Durand Cup Trophy Tour arrived in Imphal on Wednesday, with Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh leading the ceremonial welcome for the tournament’s three iconic trophies.
Held at the City Convention Centre, the event celebrated Manipur’s rich footballing legacy as the Durand Cup, President’s Cup and Shimla Trophy made their way through the football-loving state ahead of the tournament, which kicks off on July 25.
The ceremony was attended by senior civil and military officials, including Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh, Chief of Staff, HQ Eastern Command; Chief Secretary Dr Puneet Kumar Goel; Security Adviser Kuldiep Singh; Director General of Police Mukesh Singh; Major General Shubhankar Basu, General Officer Commanding, Red Shield Division; Major General Gaurav Sharma, Inspector General, Assam Rifles (South), along with representatives of participating clubs and members of the football fraternity.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Bhalla described the return of the Durand Cup to the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium as more than just a sporting event. “The return of the Durand Cup is a catalyst for hope and renewal. The roar of our football-loving crowds can heal, build bridges, strengthen communities and unite people. This tournament reflects the resilience, optimism and resurgence of Manipur,” he said.
Chief Minister Singh said football remains deeply embedded in the state’s identity and continues to unite communities across generations. “In Manipur, football is not merely a sport but a shared language. Hosting the Durand Cup provides our young footballers with an invaluable opportunity to showcase their talent before scouts, clubs and football enthusiasts from across the country,” he said.
Earlier in the day, the trophy tour was flagged off from the scenic Sendra on the banks of Loktak Lake by Home and Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Govindas Konthoujam. Escorted by the Thangjing Riders motorcycle group, the convoy travelled through Moirang, Bishnupur, Tiddim Ground, Kangla Fort and Manipur University before reaching Imphal. Traditional performances and community welcomes greeted the trophies at various stops, drawing enthusiastic crowds.
The occasion also honoured several of Manipur’s sporting legends for their contributions to Indian sport. Among those felicitated were former weightlifter Nameirakpam Kunjarani Devi, Arjuna Awardee, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Awardee and Padma Shri recipient in weightlifting; Laishram Sarita Devi, Arjuna Awardee in boxing; Laishram Bombayla Devi, Arjuna Awardee and Padma Shri recipient in archery; and Arjuna Awardee, Padma Shri recipient and former India women’s football captain, Oinam Bembem Devi.
Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh praised Manipur’s unmatched contribution to Indian football, noting that nearly 80 footballers from the state have played in the Indian Super League and other top domestic competitions, while around 20 have represented India internationally.
“Manipur may be small in geographical size, but it is immense in its love for football. The state’s contribution proves that the true strength of the game lies not in numbers, but in passion, commitment and spirit,” he said.
That footballing tradition will once again be on display during this year’s Durand Cup. Local clubs TRAU FC, NEROCA FC and debutants FC Raengdai have been drawn in Group D alongside the Indian Navy Football Team. The Khuman Lampak Main Stadium will host six group-stage matches between July 28 and August 12.
Ahead of the tournament, Imphal will also host a women’s exhibition match between Kangla Warriors and Sangai Strikers at the SAI Ground on July 21.
The tournament will be held from July 25 to August 23 across five host cities – Kolkata, Shillong, Imphal, Guwahati and Ranchi. A total of 24 teams, including Sri Lankan Armed Forces, will compete in 43 matches, with the final scheduled at Kolkata’s Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on August 23.
