Indian Army Chief Inaugurates Imphal Chapter of Durand Cup

Imphal, India Jul 28, 2026 ALN: Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth attended the inauguration of the Imphal chapter of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium in Imphal on Tuesday, along with Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and the state’s Chief Minister. This event is significant not only for the sport of football but also for the cultural and historical context it represents, particularly in a state like Manipur, which has a rich sporting heritage and a strong connection to the Indian armed forces.

The opening ceremony celebrated Manipur’s rich sporting heritage, the martial traditions of the Indian armed forces, and the enduring legacy of Asia’s oldest football tournament. The Durand Cup, established in 1888, is not just a football competition; it embodies a deep historical connection between the military and sports in India. The tournament was initially named after Sir Mortimer Durand, who was the Foreign Secretary of India at the time, and it has evolved into a platform showcasing not only footballing talent but also the spirit of camaraderie and competition among the armed forces.

Among those present at the inauguration were Lt Gen V.M.B. Krishnan, GOC-in-C, Eastern Command and patron of the Durand Cup Organising Committee; Lt Gen Girish Kalia, GOC, 3 Corps; and Maj Gen Dinesh Kumar Singh, GOC, Bengal Sub Area and vice chairman. Their presence underscores the importance of the event within military circles and the emphasis placed on sports as a means of fostering teamwork and resilience among soldiers.

The ceremony commenced with the arrival of the participating teams, TRAU FC and NEROCA FC, who represent the local footballing culture and are key players in the region's sports narrative. Following this, recorded video messages from Chief of Defence Staff General N.S. Raja Subramani and General Seth were played, highlighting the significance of the tournament and its role in promoting sportsmanship and unity among diverse communities.

Military band performances preceded the arrival of dignitaries, setting an inspiring tone for the proceedings. The National Song and National Anthem were played, followed by the felicitation of the Governor and Chief Minister, which reflected the respect and recognition given to the event by local authorities. The cultural programme featured a rich tapestry of performances, including patriotic songs by Silentliu Kamei, a skydiving display, and a ceremonial flypast by Army helicopters and fighter aircraft, which not only entertained but also instilled a sense of pride in the audience.

The audience also witnessed performances by Manipuri singer Sadananda, a military jazz band fusion, demonstrations of Mallakhamb, Kalaripayattu, and Chenda, a traditional Manipuri dance by students of the Manipur Government Dance College, and a display of the indigenous martial art Thang-Ta. These performances highlighted the cultural diversity of India and the rich heritage of Manipur, showcasing how sports and culture can intertwine to create a unique atmosphere.

This was followed by the ceremonial Trophy Drill showcasing the three trophies awarded to the champions — the Durand Cup, the President’s Cup, and the Simla Trophy. The trophies symbolize not only victory in sports but also the hard work, dedication, and passion that teams invest in their pursuit of excellence. An audio-visual presentation highlighted Manipur’s sporting legacy and its contribution to the armed forces, emphasizing the state’s role in nurturing talented athletes who have made their mark on the national and international stage.

The ceremonial proceedings continued with the march of the Eastern Command Flag, the Durand Cup Flag, and the All India Football Federation Flag, followed by the entry of TRAU FC and NEROCA FC alongside children. This inclusion of children signifies the importance of youth engagement in sports and the aspiration to inspire the next generation to pursue their dreams in athletics. In a heart-warming moment, specially abled child Wanglembam Ocenao of B.B. Paul Mental Development House, Mongsangei, joined the Governor for the ceremonial kick-off and was felicitated, showcasing the inclusive spirit of the event.

The Governor also posed with the three trophies before officially inaugurating the Imphal chapter of the Durand Cup, following which the opening fixture between TRAU FC and NEROCA FC commenced. The match itself is a continuation of the local football rivalry and a testament to the passion for the sport that runs deep in the region. The excitement and enthusiasm of the fans, many of whom have traveled from across the state, reflect the integral role that football plays in the social and cultural fabric of Manipur.

The ceremony underlined Manipur’s deep-rooted association with Indian football and the Durand Cup. Renowned for producing some of the country’s finest footballers, the state continues to nurture talent and provide one of the tournament’s most passionate atmospheres. The local football culture is characterized by vibrant community support, with fans often filling stadiums to cheer for their teams, creating an electric atmosphere that is hard to replicate elsewhere.

Organised by the Eastern Command of the Indian Army on behalf of the three services and with support from host state governments, the Durand Cup is Asia’s oldest and the world’s third-oldest surviving football tournament. The tournament has a storied history and has seen numerous prestigious teams participate, including those from the armed forces and international clubs. Established in 1888, it continues to bring together leading clubs, services teams, and international participation while preserving its military and footballing legacy.

The 135th edition is being played from July 25 to August 23, 2026, across five host cities — Kolkata, Ranchi, Guwahati, Shillong, and Imphal — featuring 24 teams, including one foreign side representing the Sri Lankan armed forces, competing in 43 matches at six venues. This expansion of the tournament to multiple cities highlights the growing popularity of football in India and the commitment of organizers to promote the sport at various levels. The inclusion of international teams further enhances the competitive spirit of the tournament and provides local players with invaluable exposure to different styles of play.