Imphal: Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Wednesday welcomed the trophy tour of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup in Imphal, as the tournament’s three trophies arrived in the state.
The Durand Cup, the President’s Cup and the Simla Trophy were received at a ceremony at the City Convention Centre, attended by senior civil and military officials, football administrators, representatives of participating clubs and members of the football fraternity.
Earlier in the day, the trophies were flagged off from Sendra on the banks of Loktak Lake by Manipur Home and Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Govindas Konthoujam. Escorted by the Thangjing Riders, the convoy travelled through Moirang, Bishnupur, Tiddim Ground, Kangla Fort and Manipur University before reaching Imphal.
Cultural performances and traditional welcomes by students and local communities marked the tour, with public displays of the trophies drawing crowds at several stops.
Bhalla said the return of the Durand Cup to Khuman Lampak Main Stadium was “far more than a sporting event” and could serve as a catalyst for hope and renewal in Manipur.
“It heals, builds bridges, strengthens communities and unites people. The 135th edition of the IndianOil Durand Cup is not merely another chapter in the history of Indian sport. It is a testament to the resilience, optimism and resurgence of Manipur,” the Governor said.
Chief Minister Singh said football was deeply embedded in Manipur’s cultural fabric and that hosting Durand Cup matches in Imphal would provide young players an opportunity to showcase their talent before scouts, clubs and football enthusiasts.
The event also saw the felicitation of sporting icons, including weightlifter Nameirakpam Kunjarani Devi, boxers Laishram Sarita Devi and Laishram Bombayla Devi, and footballer Oinam Bembem Devi.
Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh, Chief of Staff, HQ Eastern Command, said Manipur had made a significant contribution to Indian football, with nearly 80 players from the state featuring in the Indian Super League and other top-tier domestic competitions, while around 20 had represented India internationally.
Manipur’s footballing tradition will be represented in Group D of the tournament by TRAU FC, NEROCA FC and debutants FC Raengdai, alongside the Indian Navy Football Team. Six group-stage matches will be played at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium from July 28 to August 12.
A women’s exhibition match between Kangla Warriors and Sangai Strikers will be held at the SAI Ground in Imphal on July 21, before the Imphal leg of the tournament begins with an opening ceremony on July 28.
The trophies will next travel to Guwahati on July 16. The 135th IndianOil Durand Cup will be held from July 25 to August 23 across Kolkata, Shillong, Imphal, Guwahati and Ranchi.
The tournament will feature 24 teams, including a side from the Sri Lankan Armed Forces, and 43 matches across six venues. It will open with the Kolkata Derby between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC on July 25, with the final scheduled for August 23 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.
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