Imphal: Even as the FIFA World Cup 2026 has concluded, football fever continues closer to home with the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup 2026 kicking off at Imphal’s historic Khuman Lampak Stadium on Tuesday.
Despite heavy rain just ahead of the opening ceremony, thousands of football enthusiasts, young and old alike, thronged the stadium to witness the opening match between two of Manipur’s prominent homegrown football clubs, TRAU FC and NEROCA FC.
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh graced the inaugural ceremony of the Durand Cup, one of Asia’s oldest football tournaments.
The opening ceremony featured colourful cultural performances by artists from Manipur and other parts of the country, highlighting the nation’s rich cultural diversity.
The packed Khuman Lampak Main Stadium, with a capacity of over 35,000 spectators, erupted in cheers as security forces put on a spectacular aerial display and paragliding demonstration, adding excitement and grandeur to the opening festivities.
The is the second consecutive Durand Cup held in Manipur.
The 135th IndianOil Durand Cup is being held from July 25 to August 23 across Kolkata, Shillong, Imphal, Guwahati and Ranchi
In Manipur, six group-stage matches will be played at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium from July 28 to August 12.
On Tuesday, Governor Bhalla announced a half holiday for both government and private sectors, to encourage and promote the football tournament.
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