Asem Bhakta
Special Correspondent North East
Imphal: Good news for football lovers in the region. Manipur capital Imphal is one of the five host cities for the 135th edition of the Durand Cup, with Khuman Lampak Main Stadium set to host league-stage matches from July 28 to August 17, besides one quarter-final.
The fixtures, announced by the Durand Cup Organising Committee, placed Imphal alongside Kolkata, Ranchi, Shillong and Guwahati as venues for this year’s tournament. The competition will begin in Kolkata on July 25 and conclude with the final at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on August 23.
Manipur Leg Fixtures & Teams
The Manipur leg will feature local clubs TRAU FC and NEROCA FC, along with the Indian Navy Football Team and Durand Cup debutants FC Raengdai.
This will be the first time in several years that Imphal hosts Durand Cup matches, bringing top-tier football back to the football-crazy state.
Who is Looking After the Durand Cup in Manipur
The Manipur leg of the tournament is being organized under the aegis of the All Manipur Football Association (AMFA) in coordination with the Durand Cup Organising Committee and Indian Army’s Eastern Command.
Key officials overseeing arrangements in Imphal:
1. AMFA President: Pradip Kumar Moirangthem
2. Organising Secretary for Manipur leg: AMFA officials along with representatives from Khuman Lampak Sports Complex Authority and Manipur Government’s Department of Youth Affairs & Sports
3. Security & Coordination: Manipur Police and Indian Army, mainly Garhwal Rifles, are jointly handling security, logistics and stadium management for the matches
The state government has assured full support for infrastructure, floodlights, and fan facilities at Khuman Lampak to ensure smooth conduct of matches.
About Durand Cup
The Durand Cup is Asia’s oldest football tournament and the 3rd oldest in the world, started in 1888. It is organized by the Indian Army in association with the All India Football Federation (AIFF). This year’s 135th edition will see 24 teams including ISL, I-League and Services teams competing across 5 cities.
With TRAU and NEROCA playing at home, and the return of big tournament football to Imphal, fans are expected to turn out in huge numbers at Khuman Lampak.
