Football returned in full glory to Imphal as the 134th edition of the IndianOil Durand Cup kicked off in the Manipur capital after a two-year break, with local giants TRAU FC and NEROCA FC squaring off in the Group F opener at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium in Imphal on Wednesday (July 30).
The opening ceremony was a grand affair, featuring military displays, cultural performances and dignitaries from both the armed forces and civil administration. Among those present were Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, and Eastern Command GOC-in-C Lt Gen Ram Chander Tiwari, who also serves as Patron of the Durand Cup Organising Committee (DCOC). Also in attendance was Lt Gen Abhijit Pendharkar, GOC Spear Corps.
The festivities began nearly an hour before kick-off, creating a carnival-like atmosphere for the thousands in attendance. A flypast by Army Aviation helicopters, led by Lt Col Pushkar Choudhary, carried the National and Durand Cup flags, marking the start of proceedings. The Indian Army Pipe Band set the tempo, while the Grenadiers Regiment displayed Krav Maga skills. Traditional Manipuri dances including Langdeng, Thang-Ta, Dhol-Cholom, and Pung-Cholom, performed by the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipuri Dance Academy, were followed by a Kalarippayattu showcase by the Madras Regiment.
Justice Kempaiah Somashekar, Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court, Security Advisor to the state Kuldiep Singh, DGP Manipur Rajiv Singh, IndianOil’s General Manager (LPG-Ops) Karung Hoikhupngir Kom, and SBI Assistant General Manager Kh. Okendra Singh were among the government representatives at the event.
The Chief Guest inaugurated the Imphal leg with a ceremonial kick-off after meeting both teams and officials on the pitch.
Adding a special touch to the evening were Indian women’s footballers – Dangmei Grace, N. Ratanbala Devi, Ph. Nirmala Devi, Th. Martina Devi and Linda Kom Serto – who tossed autographed balls into the crowd, generating excitement among young fans.
During the half-time interval, the Assam Rifles Symphony Band and local artist Rani Sharma with her band kept the energy high with vibrant performances.
The Group F fixtures, which also feature I-League club Real Kashmir FC and Indian Navy FT, will continue at the Khuman Lampak Stadium. With six matches lined up, organisers expect a strong turnout from football fans in the region, known for its deep-rooted love for the game.
