Shillong: Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth opened the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium in Imphal this Tuesday. He stood alongside Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and the state chief minister to kick off the tournament. The event honors Asia's oldest football competition.
Military brass filled the stadium. Lt Gen V.M.B. Krishnan, Lt Gen Girish Kalia, and Maj Gen Dinesh Kumar Singh joined the ceremony. Fans watched TRAU FC and NEROCA FC players enter the field. Recorded messages from Chief of Defence Staff General N.S. Raja Subramani and General Seth played for the crowd. Bands played as dignitaries arrived.
Performers filled the air with music and movement. Silentliu Kamei sang patriotic tunes while skydiving teams and Army helicopters marked the occasion. The program featured Sadananda, a military jazz fusion, and displays of Mallakhamb, Kalaripayattu, Chenda, and Thang-Ta. Students from the Manipur Government Dance College performed traditional dances. Attendees viewed the three championship trophies: the Durand Cup, the President’s Cup, and the Simla Trophy.
A special moment occurred on the pitch. Wanglembam Ocenao, a child from B.B. Paul Mental Development House, joined the Governor for the ceremonial kick-off. The Governor later officially opened the chapter. The tournament serves as a hub for local talent. "The ceremony underlined Manipur’s deep-rooted association with Indian football and the Durand Cup."
This edition runs from July 25 to August 23, 2026. It hosts 24 teams across five cities, including Kolkata, Ranchi, Guwahati, and Shillong. The field features one foreign side from the Sri Lankan armed forces. These squads will battle through 43 matches across six venues.
Comments