Asem Bhakta
Special Correspondent North East
Imphal: The Imphal Chapter of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup, organised by the Indian Armed Forces with the support of the Government of Manipur, got underway in grand fashion at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium on Tuesday. The spectacular opening ceremony celebrated Manipur’s rich sporting heritage, the martial traditions of the Indian Armed Forces and the enduring legacy of Asia’s oldest football tournament, ahead of the opening fixture between TRAU FC and NEROCA FC.
The opening ceremony was graced by Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Hon’ble Governor of Manipur; Shri Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Manipur; General Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, Chief of the Army Staff; Dr. Losii Dikho, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur; Shri Konthoujam Govindas Singh, Hon’ble Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports; Lieutenant General V. M. B. Krishnan, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, GOC-in-C Eastern Command and Patron, Durand Cup Organising Committee; Lieutenant General Girish Kalia, AVSM, VSM, GOC 3 Corps; and Major General Dinesh Kumar Singh, SM, VSM, GOC Bengal Sub Area and Vice Chairman, Durand Cup Organising Committee, along with senior civil and military officials and members of the football fraternity.
The cultural programme featured patriotic songs by Silentliu Kamei, a skydiving display, flypast by Army helicopters and fighter aircraft, performances by Sadananda, Military Jazz Band Fusion, demonstrations of Mallakhamb, Kalaripayattu and Chenda, Manipuri dance, and Thang-Ta.
The highlight was the ceremonial Trophy Drill showcasing the Durand Cup, President’s Cup and Simla Trophy, followed by an AV on Manipur’s sporting legacy.
In a heart-warming moment, specially abled child Wanglembam Ocenao of BB Paul Mental Development House joined the Hon’ble Governor for the ceremonial kick-off. The Governor then officially inaugurated the Imphal Chapter.
MATCH RESULT:
Following the ceremony, the Imphal Derby between TRAU FC and NEROCA FC ended in a 0-0 draw before a packed Khuman Lampak crowd. Both teams played an intense 4-2-3-1 formation. TRAU were reduced to 10 men after Adriko Rogers received a second yellow, but held firm as NEROCA pressed late with multiple corners. Goalkeeper Sapam Nongpoknganba made crucial saves to keep the scoreline goalless.
The opening ceremony underlined Manipur’s deep-rooted association with Indian football. The state continues to play a pivotal role in nurturing talent and providing one of the tournament’s most passionate atmospheres.
Organised by the Eastern Command of the Indian Army, the Durand Cup is Asia’s oldest and the world’s third-oldest football tournament, established in 1888.
The 135th IndianOil Durand Cup will be played from July 25 to August 23, 2026, across five host cities — Kolkata, Ranchi, Guwahati, Shillong and Imphal. The tournament features 24 teams, including the Sri Lankan Armed Forces, competing across 43 matches. Matches will be streamed live on SonyLIV and telecast on Sony TEN 5 HD and SD.
