Durand Cup trophies arrive in Imphal as Manipur Governor and CM welcome tour

Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh welcomed the trophy tour of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup in Imphal on Wednesday. The tour brought three trophies to the state, with the President’s Cup and the Simla Trophy arriving along with the main Durand Cup.

The trophies were received at a ceremony held at the City Convention Centre. Senior civil and military officials, football administrators, representatives of participating clubs, and members of the football fraternity attended the event.

Trophies flagged off on Loktak Lake route

Earlier in the day, the trophies were flagged off from Sendra on the banks of Loktak Lake. Manipur Home and Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Govindas Konthoujam flagged off the convoy, which then travelled through Moirang, Bishnupur, Tiddim Ground, Kangla Fort, and Manipur University before reaching Imphal.

During the route, the trophy tour included traditional welcomes and cultural performances by students and local communities. The public also had chances to view the trophies during stops in different parts of the state, with crowds gathering along the way.

Durand Cup matches in Imphal from July 28

At the Imphal welcome, the Governor described the return of the Durand Cup to Khuman Lampak Main Stadium as more than a sporting event, saying it could act as a catalyst for hope and renewal in Manipur. The Chief Minister said football is closely linked to Manipur’s cultural life and that hosting matches in Imphal can help young players get noticed by scouts, clubs, and football fans.

The event also included 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, noted that Manipur has contributed a large number of players to Indian football, including nearly 80 players in the Indian Super League and other top domestic competitions, and around 20 who have represented India internationally.

Manipur’s teams in the tournament’s Group D are set to be represented by TRAU FC, NEROCA FC, and debutants FC Raengdai, along with 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 is scheduled for July 21 at the SAI Ground in Imphal, after which the Imphal leg will begin with an opening ceremony on July 28.