What Happened at the 134th Durand Cup Kickoff in Manipur?

Imphal, July 30 (NationPress) The 134th iteration of the Durand Cup, recognized as Asia’s oldest football tournament, commenced on Wednesday in Manipur following a two-year hiatus caused by ethnic strife in the northeastern state.

The opening match of Group F featured two local football clubs, TRAU FC and NEROCA FC, at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium in Imphal.

Fans were eager to witness the tournament's return, celebrating the state's rich sporting heritage.

Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla was present at the opening match and participated in the inauguration ceremony.

The grand kickoff included colorful cultural performances and military displays, embodying the essence of unity and peace.

A Defence spokesperson noted that the revival of this iconic tournament in Manipur emphasizes sports' ability to heal and the shared desire for stability, resilience, and renewed harmony in the region.

Among the attendees were Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Lt Gen Ram Chander Tiwari, and various senior military, paramilitary, and civil officials, all present at the Durand Cup opening at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium.

The Army Chief interacted with players and officials from local favorites NEROCA FC and TRAU FC prior to the match.

However, many football enthusiasts expressed dissatisfaction due to overcrowding at the stadium, with insufficient seating for the large turnout.

Some attendees found it challenging to navigate or view the match comfortably.

Despite these issues, there was an overall sense of joy and excitement for the major football tournament returning to Manipur.

This event is viewed as a significant stride towards restoring peace and normalcy in the state.

A passionate football fan, Sanday Wangkhemcha, expressed gratitude to the Army and organizers for hosting the Durand Cup in Manipur.

“In the midst of the ethnic turmoil in Manipur, the football tournament is likely to uplift the spirits of the people. It may inspire the youth to pursue careers in football. We hope for more prestigious tournaments, such as the Santosh Trophy and Indian Super League, to take place in Manipur for the benefit of sports enthusiasts and the community,” Wangkhemcha shared.

Upcoming days will feature additional Group F matches, including games involving the Indian Army Football Team, all hosted at the same venue. The Durand Cup tournament is scheduled to run from July 23 to August 23 across five cities in India—Imphal, Shillong, Kokrajhar, Kolkata, and Jamshedpur. Six group stage matches will occur at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium from July 30 to August 12.

On July 10, the Manipur Governor presided over the trophy showcase ceremony for the Durand Cup 2025 at the City Convention Centre in Imphal.

He praised the Indian Army's ongoing contributions to sports and national unity while highlighting Manipur’s legacy as a sports powerhouse, emphasizing the need for youth engagement through such events.

Bhalla, a former Union Home Secretary, expressed optimism that the Durand Cup would motivate a new generation of young athletes in the region.

He stated that hosting this tournament in Imphal again reflects the state’s profound passion for football and the collaborative efforts of both civil and military entities.

The Indian Army has consistently served as a key supporter of sports and youth initiatives. During the July 10 ceremony, trophies including the Durand Cup, President’s Cup, and Simla Trophy were displayed.

The trophies, after touring various locations in Manipur such as Sendra, Moirang, Bishnupur, Manipur University, Kangla, and Chingmeirong War Cemetery, were received at the City Convention Centre on July 10 by the Governor and senior civil and military officials.

Following more than two years of ethnic conflicts between the non-tribal Meitei and tribal Kuki-Zo communities, President’s Rule was enacted in Manipur on February 13, just four days after N Biren Singh resigned as Chief Minister.