Imphal: After a two-year pause caused by ethnic unrest, the 134th edition of the Durand Cup, Asia’s oldest football tournament, kicked off in Manipur on Wednesday with a spirited Group F opener between local clubs TRAU FC and NEROCA FC at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium in Imphal.
The return of the prestigious tournament to Manipur marks a symbolic step toward peace and normalcy in the strife-torn state.
The stadium buzzed with anticipation as football enthusiasts welcomed the revival of a sport that holds deep cultural significance in the region.
Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, who inaugurated the match, was joined by Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Eastern Command Chief Lt Gen Ram Chander Tiwari, and other senior military, paramilitary, and civil officials.
The opening ceremony featured cultural performances and military displays, reflecting the resilience and unity of the state.
A Defence spokesperson said the return of the Durand Cup to Manipur highlights the healing power of sports and signals a collective aspiration for stability and reconciliation.
Despite logistical challenges — overcrowding and limited seating — fans expressed joy at witnessing top-tier football return to their home state. Many saw the event as more than just a game.
“Amid the ongoing ethnic tensions, this tournament is a breath of fresh air. It’s not just entertainment; it’s hope. We want to see more tournaments like this — even the Santosh Trophy or ISL matches,” said Sanday Wangkhemcha, a local football enthusiast.
The Durand Cup will be held from July 23 to August 23 across five cities — Imphal, Shillong, Kokrajhar, Kolkata, and Jamshedpur.
Imphal will host six Group F matches between July 30 and August 12, including fixtures featuring the Indian Army Football Team.
Governor Bhalla, addressing the Durand Cup trophy showcase on July 10, lauded the Indian Army’s longstanding role in fostering national integration and youth engagement through sports.
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Calling Manipur a “powerhouse of Indian sports,” he voiced confidence that the tournament would inspire a new generation of athletes.
During the trophy tour leading up to the tournament, the Durand Cup, President’s Cup, and Simla Trophy were showcased across multiple Manipur locations, including Moirang, Bishnupur, and Manipur University, before arriving at the City Convention Centre in Imphal.
The tournament’s return comes at a crucial time for Manipur.
The state has been under President’s Rule since February 13 following months of violent conflict between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities and the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh.
