Imphal: Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Wednesday attended the Trophy Showcase Ceremony for the 135th Durand Cup 2026 at the City Convention Centre, marking the arrival of Asia’s oldest football tournament in the state.
Organised jointly by the Indian Armed Forces and the Manipur government, the event showcased the tournament’s three prestigious trophies-the President’s Cup, the Durand Cup and the Simla Trophy. The trophies began their nationwide tour after being ceremonially flagged off by President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre earlier this month.
Earlier in the day, the tournament’s promotional campaign in Manipur was launched with a trophy procession from Sendra in Bishnupur district.
Imphal will host the Group D fixtures of the Durand Cup at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium from July 28 to August 12, bringing top domestic football action back to the state.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Bhalla described the Durand Cup as more than a sporting competition, saying it represents a legacy of history, resilience and national unity through football. He praised Manipur’s rich football culture and expressed hope that the tournament would inspire young players while providing them with a platform to showcase their talent.
The Governor also commended the Indian Armed Forces for bringing the prestigious tournament back to Manipur, saying the initiative would contribute to promoting peace, restoring normalcy and strengthening the spirit of nation-building.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said football occupies a special place in Manipur’s sporting culture and thanked the Armed Forces for hosting the tournament in the state. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the event. He said the matches at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium would strengthen sports infrastructure, provide economic opportunities and give local footballers greater national exposure.
The ceremony was attended by Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel, Director General of Police Rajiv Singh, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, Chief of Staff of the Eastern Command Lt Gen Gambhir Singh, General Officer Commanding Red Shield Division Maj Gen Shubhankar Basu, Inspector General Assam Rifles (South) Maj Gen Gaurav Sharma, along with senior civil, police and military officials.