Durand Cup's Imphal leg kicks off : 29th jul26 ~ E-Pao! Headlines

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Durand Cup's Imphal leg kicks off
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 28 2026: The Imphal leg of the 135th Durand Cup kicked off at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium with a highly anticipated match between NEROCA FC and TRAU FC today.

Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, first lady Jyoti Bhalla, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and Chief of Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth inaugurated the tournament's Imphal leg.

Established in 1888, the Durand Cup is Asia's oldest football tournament.

Organised by the Indian Armed Forces in collaboration with the Government of Manipur, Imphal will host the group D matches of the tournament at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium from July 28 to August 12 .

Durand Cup's Imphal leg kicks off

The opening ceremony was preceded by an impressive showcase of music, martial arts and cultural performances, featuring Military Band Fusion, Malkhamb & Chenda Melan, Kalaripayattu & Chenda Melan, Manipuri folk dance, Thang-Ta, tribal dance, and other traditional presentations.

With passionate crowds filling the stadium, the vibrant performances set a celebratory tone and reflected the rich cultural diversity and heritage of the Nation.

Deputy Chief Minister, Losii Dikho, several Ministers and officials of the Government and armed forces, including Lt General VM Bhuvana Krishnan, GOC-in-C Eastern Command attended the opening ceremony.

On Facebook, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand wrote, "Delighted to attend the inaugural ceremony of the 135th Edition of the Durand Cup (Imphal Leg) at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium alongside Hon'ble Governor Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla Ji, Chief of Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, and other distinguished dignitaries.

"The spectacular helicopter fly-past, fighter jet fly-past, precision parachute landing by the Indian Army, and vibrant cultural performances made the opening ceremony truly memorable.

"As TRAU FC and NEROCA FC take the field in the opening match, I extend my best wishes to all participating teams for a successful tournament.

May the Durand Cup continue to strengthen the spirit of sportsmanship, unity, and National pride while reaffirming Manipur's legacy as the football capital of India", the Chief Minister wrote.

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