Imphal: Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Thursday graced the Trophy Showcase Ceremony of the 134th Edition of the Durand Cup 2025, marking the official arrival of Asia’s oldest football tournament in the state after a two-year hiatus.
Earlier in the day, the three iconic trophies—the Durand Cup, Shimla Trophy, and President’s Cup—were displayed during a special event at the scenic Sendra View Point near Loktak Lake.
Following the display, the trophies embarked on a ceremonial tour covering a 70-kilometre route through Moirang, Bishnupur, Manipur University, Kangla, and Chingmeirong War Cemetery before culminating at the City Convention Centre in Imphal. The Governor, along with senior civil and military officials, received the trophies at the final venue.
Speaking at the event, Governor Bhalla highlighted Manipur’s status as a sports powerhouse and underscored the importance of youth engagement through tournaments like the Durand Cup. He commended the Indian Army for its enduring contribution to promoting sports and national integration, expressing confidence that the tournament would inspire a new generation of athletes in the region.
“Hosting the Durand Cup once again in Imphal is a testament to Manipur’s deep passion for football and the collaborative efforts of both the civil and military establishments,” said Governor Bhalla. “The enthusiastic participation of the people reflects the deep mutual respect and strong emotional bond between the Armed Forces and our society.”
The Governor also extended congratulations to the organisers and support teams for successfully executing the showcase event and wished all participating teams the very best.
The ceremony was also attended by Chief Secretary P.K. Singh, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, DGP Rajiv Singh, Lt Gen Mohit Malhotra (COS HQ Eastern Command and Chairman DCOC), Lt Gen Abhijit S Pendharkar (GOC 3 Corps), Maj Gen S S Kartikeya (GOC 57 Mtn Div), and Maj Gen Ravroop Singh (IGAR–South).
Eminent sports personalities, including Olympians Kshetrimayum Thoiba Singh and Saikhom Mirabai Chanu, along with coaches, NCC cadets, and local celebrities, were also present.
Notably, President Droupadi Murmu ceremonially flagged off the three trophies from the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre on July 4, ahead of the tournament’s multi-city rollout.
The Durand Cup 2025 will be held from July 23 to August 23 across five cities, Imphal, Shillong, Kokrajhar, Kolkata, and Jamshedpur.
Imphal’s Khuman Lampak Main Stadium will host six Group Stage matches from July 30 to August 12. Football fans in Manipur can look forward to high-octane action featuring 24 teams, including home favourites NEROCA FC and TRAU FC.
Match days in Imphal are scheduled for July 30, August 1, 4, 7, 10, and 12, with all games kicking off at 4:00 PM.
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