Imphal: Football fever gripped Manipur on Wednesday as the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup trophy tour arrived in the state. The festivities began at Sendra View Point near Loktak Lake. State home minister Govindas Konthoujam flagged off the iconic Durand Cup, President’s Cup, and Shimla Trophy. The trophies then traveled through Moirang, Bishnupur, Tiddim Ground, Kangla Fort, and Manipur University. Thangjing Riders escorted the convoy while local communities provided a traditional welcome.
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh hosted a formal launch at the City Convention Centre later that day. Other attendees included Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh, Chief Secretary Dr. Puneet Kumar Goel, Security Adviser Kuldiep Singh, DGP Mukesh Singh, and Major General Shubhankar Basu. Officials honored several athletes, including Nameirakpam Kunjarani Devi, Laishram Sarita Devi, Laishram Bombayla Devi, and Oinam Bembem Devi.
Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh noted the state’s massive impact on the sport. Nearly 80 athletes from Manipur have played in the Indian Super League. Twenty have competed internationally. Governor Bhalla championed the tournament’s return to Khuman Lampak Main Stadium. He stated, "It is a catalyst for hope and renewal. The roar of our football-loving crowds can achieve what few policy initiatives alone can accomplish."
Khuman Lampak Main Stadium will host Group D league matches from July 28 to August 17. The venue will also hold one quarter-final match. Participating teams include NEROCA FC, TRAU FC, the Indian Navy Football Team, and debutants FC Raengdai.
On the sidelines, Minister Konthoujam addressed reports of an Indian Army camp fire in Senapati district. He stated the government is awaiting further details but linked the incident to the recent ambush in Nagaland.
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