Manipur: Durand Cup returns to football heartland as Imphal prepares to host league matches

The Trophy Tour of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup received a grand welcome in Manipur on Wednesday, July 15, with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh leading the ceremonial reception as the tournament's three iconic trophies arrived in Imphal ahead of the prestigious football competition.

The ceremonial function, held at the City Convention Centre in Imphal, was attended by senior civil and military officials, including Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Eastern Command; Chief Secretary Dr Puneet Kumar Goel; Security Adviser Kuldiep Singh; Director General of Police Mukesh Singh; and Major General Shubhankar Basu, General Officer Commanding, Red Shield Division.

Earlier in the day, the Durand Cup, the President's Cup and the Simla Trophy were flagged off from Sendra on the banks of Loktak Lake by Manipur Home, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Govindas Konthoujam. Escorted by the Thangjing Riders, the trophies travelled through Moirang, Bishnupur, Tiddim Ground, Kangla Fort and Manipur University before reaching Imphal.

The convoy was welcomed with cultural performances and traditional receptions by students and local communities, while public displays of the trophies at multiple locations drew enthusiastic crowds and generated excitement for the tournament's Imphal leg.

The occasion also celebrated Manipur's rich sporting heritage with the felicitation of distinguished athletes for their contribution to Indian sports. Those honoured included weightlifting legend Nameirakpam Kunjarani Devi, a Padma Shri, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and Arjuna Award recipient; boxer Laishram Sarita Devi; archer Laishram Bombayla Devi, a Padma Shri and Arjuna Awardee; and football icon Oinam Bembem Devi, a Padma Shri and Arjuna Award recipient.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla said the return of the Durand Cup to Khuman Lampak Main Stadium represented much 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," he said.

Bhalla added that the 135th edition of the IndianOil Durand Cup stood as a testament to the resilience, optimism and resurgence of Manipur.

Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh highlighted the state's enduring contribution to Indian football, describing the sport as an integral part of everyday life in Manipur.

He noted that nearly 80 footballers from the state have featured in the Indian Super League and other top-tier domestic competitions, while around 20 have represented India 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," he said.

Imphal is one of the five host cities for the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup, with the Khuman Lampak Stadium set to host league-stage matches as well as a quarter-final.

The tournament features 24 teams divided into six groups. The Imphal leg will see FC Raengdai, the Indian Navy Football Team, NEROCA FC and TRAU FC competing, with matches scheduled to commence from July 28, 2026.