Imphal: Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, and First Lady, Jyoti Bhalla, along with Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and Chief of Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, inaugurated the Imphal leg of the 135th Durand Cup, 2026, at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium, Imphal. The ceremony marked the official commencement of matches in Manipur as part of the prestigious tournament. Established in 1888, the Durand Cup is Asia’s oldest football tournament and remains a revered sporting event where tradition, excellence and passion converge. 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 28th July to 12th August, 2026. Following the inauguration ceremony, the opening match was played between TRAU FC and NEROCA FC.
Deputy Chief Minister, Losii Dikho; Ministers; MLAs; Chief Secretary; Security Advisor; DGP and other senior civil, police and military officers were also present in the ceremony. Lieutenant General VM Bhuvana Krishnan, GOC-in-C, Eastern Command and Patron, Durand Cup Organising Committee (DCOC), GOC 3 Corps, and Inspector General Assam Rifles (South), along with senior officers of the Indian Armed Forces attended the ceremony.
The ceremony was preceded by an impressive showcase of music, martial arts, and cultural performances, featuring a Military Band Fusion, Malkhamb & Chenda Melan, Kalaripayattu & Chenda Melan, Manipuri Folk Dance, Thang-Ta, tribal dances, and other traditional presentations. The vibrant performances set a celebratory tone and reflected the rich cultural diversity and heritage of the nation. The stadium was filled with a passionate crowd, as people from all walks of life gathered to witness the historic moment. Distinguished civil and military dignitaries, along with invited guests and football enthusiasts from across the region, were present in large numbers, contributing to the electrifying atmosphere in the stadium.
