Imphal, July 28: The Imphal chapter of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup got underway with a colourful opening ceremony at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium on Tuesday, celebrating Manipur’s rich sporting culture, the military traditions of the Indian Armed Forces and the legacy of Asia’s oldest football tournament before hosts TRAU FC took on local rivals NEROCA FC in the opening match.
The tournament is being organised by the Indian Armed Forces with the support of the Government of Manipur.
The ceremony was attended by Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Losii Dikho, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command Lieutenant General V. M. B. Krishnan, General Officer Commanding of Spear Corps Lieutenant General Girish Kalia, General Officer Commanding of Bengal Sub Area Major General Dinesh Kumar Singh, along with senior civil and military officials, representatives of participating clubs, sponsors, partners and members of the football fraternity.
The programme began with the arrival of the participating teams, TRAU FC and NEROCA FC, followed by recorded messages from Chief of Defence Staff General N. S. Raja Subramani and Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth. Military band performances, the National Song and National Anthem, and the felicitation of the Governor and Chief Minister formed part of the formal proceedings.
A series of cultural and military displays entertained the spectators throughout the evening. Singer Silentliu Kamei performed patriotic songs before a skydiving demonstration and a ceremonial flypast by Army helicopters and fighter aircraft. The programme also featured performances by Manipuri singer Sadananda, a Military Jazz Band Fusion ensemble, demonstrations of Mallakhamb, Kalaripayattu and Chenda, a traditional Manipuri dance by students of the Manipur Government Dance College and an exhibition of the indigenous martial art Thang-Ta.
One of the ceremony’s highlights was the traditional Trophy Drill, showcasing the tournament’s three coveted trophies – the Durand Cup, the President’s Cup and the Simla Trophy. An audio-visual presentation also paid tribute to Manipur’s rich sporting legacy and its long-standing contribution to the Indian Armed Forces.
The ceremonial proceedings continued with the march of the Eastern Command Flag, the Durand Cup Flag and the All India Football Federation Flag, followed by the entry of both teams alongside child mascots. Governor Bhalla later met the players and match officials before participating in the official group photograph.
A touching moment came when specially abled child Wanglembam Ocenao from BB Paul Mental Development House, Mongsangei, joined the Governor for the ceremonial kick-off and was felicitated on the field. The Governor also posed with the tournament’s three trophies before officially declaring the Imphal chapter of the competition open with the ceremonial kick-off.
The opening ceremony once again highlighted Manipur’s significant contribution to Indian football. Widely regarded as one of the country’s football strongholds, the state has consistently produced top players and continues to provide one of the most passionate footballing atmospheres in the nation.
The 135th IndianOil Durand Cup is being organised by the Eastern Command of the Indian Army on behalf of the three Services with the support of the respective host state governments. Established in 1888, the Durand Cup is Asia’s oldest football tournament and the world’s third-oldest surviving football competition.
The tournament is being held from July 25 to August 23 across Kolkata, Ranchi, Guwahati, Shillong and Imphal. A total of 24 teams, including a side representing the Sri Lankan Armed Forces, will compete in 43 matches across six venues. All matches will be streamed live on Sony LIV and telecast on Sony Ten 5 HD and Sony Ten 5 SD.
