Durand Cup kicks off in Imphal; fans flock to stadium as govt declares half day

The 134th edition of the Indian Oil Durand Cup – Imphal Chapter, kicked off with great enthusiasm at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium, on July 30.
 

Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla inaugurated the tournament in the presence of Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, senior officials from the Manipur government, top Army officials, the state DGP, and the Security Advisor.
 

Organised by the Indian Army with support from the Manipur Government, the tournament’s return to Imphal has reignited passion among local football fans. The inaugural match saw homegrown teams Tiddim Road Athletic Union FC (TRAU FC) and North Eastern Re-Organising Cultural Association Football Club (NEROCA FC) clash on the field, cheered on by a packed stadium brimming with thousands of supporters.
 

The opening ceremony featured traditional performing arts, which captivated the crowd before the match, adding colour and cultural vibrancy to the event.
 

To allow fans to attend, the Manipur government declared a half-day holiday.
 

This year’s Imphal Chapter features Group F, which includes four formidable teams: TRAU FC, NEROCA FC, Indian Navy Football Team, and Real Kashmir FC. The matches will continue till August 12.