Imphal Welcomes Back the Durand Cup After a Gap of Two Years

Imphal, July 30, 2025: After a two-year hiatus, the 134th edition of the IndianOil Durand Cup made a triumphant return to Imphal, the capital of Manipur. The iconic Khuman Lampak Stadium hosted a highly anticipated Group F clash between local teams TRAU FC and NEROCA FC, reigniting the region’s deep-rooted passion for football.

Gracing the grand opening ceremony ahead of kick-off were Hon’ble Governor of Manipur, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla; General Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM, Chief of Army Staff; Lieutenant General Ram Chander Tiwari, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, GOC-in-C Eastern Command and Patron, Durand Cup Organising Committee (DCOC); and Lieutenant General Abhijit Pendharkar, AVSM, YSM, GOC Spear Corps.

The celebrations began an hour prior to the match, creating a festive atmosphere in the stadium. Spectators were treated to an exhilarating mix of military displays and cultural performances that reflected both the vibrancy of Manipur’s traditions and the pride of the Indian Armed Forces.

Representing the state government and institutions were Justice Kempaiah Somashekar, Hon’ble Chief Justice, Manipur High Court; Shri Kuldiep Singh, IPS, Security Advisor to the Govt of Manipur; Shri Rajiv Singh, IPS, DGP Manipur; Shri Karung Hoikhupngir Kom, General Manager (LPG-Ops), IndianOil; and Shri Kh. Okendra Singh, Assistant General Manager, SBI.

The cultural segment began with a flypast by Army Aviation helicopters led by Lt Col Pushkar Choudhary, carrying the National Flag and Durand Cup flag. On the ground, the Indian Army Pipe Band set the mood, followed by an intense Krav Maga display by the Grenadiers Regiment. A fusion performance by the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipuri Dance Academy blended Langdeng, Thang-Ta, Dhol-Cholom, Kabui Jagoi, Pung-Cholom, and Vasanata Raas into a dazzling visual treat. This was followed by a gripping Kalarippayattu demonstration by the ‘Gallant Thambis’ of the Madras Regiment.

Before the match commenced, the Chief Guest met the players and officials, and then formally inaugurated the Imphal leg of the Durand Cup 2025 by a symbolic kick off.

Also present in the stands were Indian Women’s Football Team stars Ms. Dangmei Grace, Ms. N. Ratanbala Devi, Ms. Ph. Nirmala Devi, Ms. Th. Martina Devi, and Ms. Linda Kom Serto – all part of the squad that recently qualified for the AFC. They engaged with the crowd by tossing signed footballs into the stands, energizing young fans and promoting the sport.

The half-time break saw lively performances by the Assam Rifles Symphony Band and local artist Ms. Rani Sharma with her band, adding to the festive fervour.

Joining the two local favourites in Group F are I-League side Real Kashmir FC and Indian Navy FT. Six matches are slated to be played at the Khuman Lampak Stadium, each expected to draw packed stands in this football-loving city.