The Imphal Chapter of the 135th Durand Cup commenced with a spectacular opening ceremony at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium today, celebrating Manipur’s rich footballing tradition, the martial legacy of the Indian Armed Forces and the enduring history of Asia’s oldest football tournament before hosts TRAU FC took on NEROCA FC in the opening fixture.
The ceremony was attended by an array of distinguished civil and military dignitaries, including Governor of Manipur Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Chief Minister Shri Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Losii Dikho, Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Konthoujam Govindas Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command and Patron of the Durand Cup Organising Committee Lieutenant General V. M. B. Krishnan, General Officer Commanding, Spear Corps Lieutenant General Girish Kalia, and Vice Chairman of the Durand Cup Organising Committee Major General Dinesh Kumar Singh, alongside senior civil and military officials, representatives of participating clubs, sponsors and members of the football fraternity.
The evening began with the arrival of the competing teams, TRAU FC and NEROCA FC, followed by recorded messages from Chief of Defence Staff General N. S. Raja Subramani and Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth. Military band performances set the tone before the dignitaries arrived for the formal proceedings, which included the National Song, the National Anthem and the felicitation of the Governor and the Chief Minister.
A vibrant cultural programme showcased the rich traditions of Manipur alongside the ceremonial heritage of the Armed Forces. Patriotic performances by singer Silentliu Kamei were followed by a spectacular skydiving display and a ceremonial flypast featuring Army helicopters and fighter aircraft. The audience was also treated to performances by Manipuri singer Sadananda, a Military Jazz Band Fusion ensemble, demonstrations of Mallakhamb, Kalaripayattu and Chenda, traditional Manipuri dance presentations by students of the Manipur Government Dance College, and a captivating display of the indigenous martial art Thang-Ta.
One of the standout moments of the ceremony was the traditional Trophy Drill featuring the tournament’s three prestigious trophies—the Durand Cup, the President’s Cup and the Simla Trophy. An audio-visual presentation celebrating Manipur’s immense contribution to Indian sport and its longstanding association with the Indian Armed Forces further highlighted the state’s unique legacy.
The ceremonial proceedings continued with the march-past of the Eastern Command Flag, the Durand Cup Flag and the All India Football Federation Flag. The two competing teams then entered the field accompanied by young mascots before the Governor met the players and match officials for the customary introductions and a ceremonial group photograph.
An emotional highlight of the evening came when specially abled child Wanglembam Ocenao from BB Paul Mental Development House, Mongsangei, joined the Governor for the ceremonial kick-off and was felicitated on the field. The Governor also posed with the tournament’s iconic trophies before officially declaring the Imphal Chapter of the 135th Durand Cup open with the ceremonial first kick, signalling the start of the opening match between TRAU FC and NEROCA FC.
The ceremony once again reaffirmed Manipur’s status as one of India’s foremost footballing states. Renowned for producing generations of elite footballers and fostering a passionate football culture, the state continues to play a pivotal role in the growth of Indian football while providing one of the Durand Cup’s most vibrant venues.
Organised by the Eastern Command of the Indian Army on behalf of the three Services and supported by the respective host state governments, the Durand Cup, established in 1888, remains Asia’s oldest and the world’s third-oldest surviving football tournament. The competition continues to bring together India’s leading clubs, Services teams and international participants while preserving its unique blend of military tradition and footballing excellence.
