Manipur gears up for 134th Durand Cup 2025
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, July 10 2025:
Cup trophies taken on tour from Sendra to Imphal
The Trophy Tour and Road Show of the 134th edition of the prestigious Durand Cup 2025 (Imphal Chapter) was ceremoniously flagged off this morning at the scenic Sendra View Point near Loktak Lake.
The event was jointly flagged off by Lt General Abhijit S Pendharkar, GOC Corps, and Padma Shri Saikhom Mirabai Chanu, in the presence of Maj General SS Kartikeya, GOC 57 Mountain Division, Government officials, army officials, football enthusiasts, students, and local residents.
Ahead of the flag-off, a special photo session with the Durand Cup trophy and dignitaries was held, followed by a felicitation programme honouring Olympic medallist Mirabai Chanu.
The Trophy Tour covered a 70-kilometer route starting from Sendra at around 11.15 am, passing through Moirang, Bishnupur, Nambol, Keishampat Junction, Singjamei Bazar, Manipur University, Kangla Western Gate, Chingmeirong (War Cemetery), Lamlong Bazar, and concluded at the City Convention Centre, Palace Compound, Imphal West.
Mention may be made that Manipur is gearing up for an exciting football spectacle as Group F matches of the Durand Cup will be played at the iconic Khuman Lampak Main Stadium.
The group features TRAU FC, NEROCA FC, Indian Navy FT, and Real Kashmir FC.
The tournament will be held from July 23 to August 23 across five cities in India--Imphal, Shillong, Kokrajhar, Kolkata and Jamshedpur.
Six Group Stage matches will be played at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium, Imphal from July 30 to August 12 .
Fans can expect six thrilling matches spread over seven dates - July 30 (Wednesday), August 1 (Friday), August 4 (Monday), August 7 (Thursday), August 10 (Sunday), and August 12 (Tuesday) .
All the matches will kick off at 4 pm, promising electrifying action and intense competition.
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla attended the Trophy Showcase Ceremony at City Convention Centre, Imphal.
During the ceremony, the Durand Cup, President's Cup and Shimla Trophy were showcased.
Speaking at the showcase ceremony, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla highlighted Manipur's legacy as a powerhouse of sports and emphasized the importance of youth engagement through such tournaments.
Commending the Indian Anny's consistent role in promoting sports and National integration, the Governor expressed confidence that the Durand Cup will inspire a new generation of young athletes in the region.
He stated that hosting this tournament in Imphal once again is a testament to the State's deep passion for football and the collective efforts of both civil and military establishment.
The Indian Army has consistently been a pillar of strength in promoting sports and youth engagement.
The enthusiastic participation of the people of Manipur in such initiatives reflects the deep mutual respect and the strong emotional bond between the armed forces and the society, he added.
The Governor congratulated all organisers and supporting teams for their hard work in executing the Trophy Showcase Ceremony of the 134th edition of the Durand Cup.
Bhalla extended his best wishes to all participating teams and encouraged the public to participate in making this edition of the tournament a resounding success.
Olympians Kshetrimayum Thoiba Singh, Saikhom Mirabai Chanu and other eminent sports personalities, coaches, NCC cadets, celebrities also attended the ceremony.
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