The Trophy Tour of the 135th Durand Cup received a grand welcome in Imphal today as Governor of Manipur, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, and Chief Minister of Manipur, Shri Yumnam Khemchand Singh, led the celebrations marking the arrival of the tournament’s three iconic trophies in the football-loving state.
The ceremonial function at the City Convention Centre, Imphal, was attended by Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh, UYSM AVSM YSM, Chief of Staff, HQ Eastern Command; Dr Puneet Kumar Goel, IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Manipur; Shri Kuldiep Singh, IPS (Retd), Security Adviser, Government of Manipur; Shri Mukesh Singh, IPS, Director General of Police, Manipur; Major General Shubhankar Basu, SM VSM, General Officer Commanding, Red Shield Division; Major General Gaurav Sharma, SC SM, Inspector General, Assam Rifles (South), along with senior civil and military officials, representatives of participating clubs and members of the football fraternity.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Governor of Manipur, said, “The return of the Durand Cup to the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium is far more than a sporting event. It is a catalyst for hope and renewal. The roar of our football-loving crowds can achieve what few policy initiatives alone can accomplish. It heals, builds bridges, strengthens communities and unites people. The 135th edition of the Durand Cup is not merely another chapter in the history of Indian sport. It is a testament to the resilience, optimism and resurgence of Manipur.”
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Chief Minister of Manipur, said, “In our state, football is not merely a sport — it is a shared language that unites communities and transcends generations. It is deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Manipur, from grassroots tournaments in our villages to the electrifying atmosphere at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium. Hosting Durand Cup matches in Imphal is a matter of great pride and, more importantly, provides our young footballers with an invaluable opportunity to showcase their talent before scouts, clubs and football enthusiasts from across the nation.”
Earlier in the day, amid great fanfare, the three iconic trophies—the Durand Cup, the President’s Cup and the Simla Trophy—were ceremonially flagged off from the picturesque Sendra on the banks of Loktak Lake by Shri Govindas Konthoujam, Minister for Home and Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of Manipur.
The occasion also celebrated Manipur’s remarkable sporting legacy with the felicitation of some of the state’s most distinguished sporting icons for their achievements and contributions to Indian sport. Among those honoured were Smt Nameirakpam Kunjarani Devi, Arjuna Awardee, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Awardee and Padma Shri recipient in weightlifting; Smt Laishram Sarita Devi, Arjuna Awardee in boxing; Smt Laishram Bombayla Devi, Arjuna Awardee and Padma Shri recipient in archery; and Smt Oinam Bembem Devi, Arjuna Awardee and Padma Shri recipient and one of India’s most celebrated footballers.
Escorted by the Thangjing Riders, the Trophy Tour travelled through Moirang, Bishnupur, Tiddim Ground, Kangla Fort and Manipur University before reaching Imphal. Cultural performances and traditional welcomes by students and local communities greeted the convoy throughout its journey, while public displays of the trophies attracted enthusiastic crowds and heightened excitement for the Imphal leg of the 135th Durand Cup.
The Trophy Tour concluded at the City Convention Centre, where the ceremony celebrated Manipur’s enduring contribution to Indian football. The programme featured a presentation on the history of the Durand Cup, an exchange of mementoes, felicitation of dignitaries and the ceremonial display of the tournament’s three trophies.
Also addressing the gathering, Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh, UYSM AVSM YSM, Chief of Staff, HQ Eastern Command, said, “Football is part of the everyday rhythm of life in Manipur. No conversation about Indian football is complete without mentioning this remarkable state. Nearly 80 footballers from Manipur have featured in the Indian Super League and other top-tier domestic competitions, while around 20 have proudly worn the Indian jersey at the international level. It is a remarkable achievement for a state of Manipur’s size to contribute so significantly to Indian football. Manipur may be small in geographical size, but it is immense in its love for football. It proves that the true strength of the game lies not in numbers or scale, but in passion, commitment and spirit.”
The dignitaries underlined the Durand Cup’s 138-year legacy and reaffirmed the importance of nurturing young talent while strengthening Manipur’s rich footballing tradition. This year’s tournament will see TRAU FC, NEROCA FC and debutants FC Raengdai represent the state in Group D alongside the Indian Navy Football Team.
Imphal will host six Group D matches at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium from July 28 to August 12, 2026. Ahead of the tournament, a Women’s Exhibition Football Match between Kangla Warriors and Sangai Strikers will be played at the SAI Ground, Imphal, on July 21 before the city’s campaign officially begins with the opening ceremony on July 28.
The Trophy Tour will now move to Guwahati on July 16 as anticipation continues to build ahead of the kick-off of the 135th Durand Cup on July 25.
