Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla attends Durand Cup trophy showcase

IMPHAL — Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, accompanied by State Chief Secretary PK Singh, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, and DGP Rajiv Singh, attended the Trophy Showcase Ceremony of the 134th Edition Durand Cup held at City Convention Centre, Imphal, on Thursday.

During the ceremony, the trophies – the Durand Cup, the President’s Cup and the Simla Trophy – were showcased.

Earlier, the trophies, after touring different locations including Sendra, Moirang, Bishnupur, Manipur University, Kangla, and Chingmeirong War Cemetery in three districts covering 70 km, reached the City Convention Centre, where the governor, along with senior civil and military officers, received them.

Also read: Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma unveils Durand Cup Trophies in Shillong

During the ceremony, Lt. Gen. Mohit Malhotra, COS Headquarters Eastern Command and Chairman of the Durand Cup Organising Committee; GOC 3 Corps, Lt. Gen. Abhijit S Pendharkar; GOC 57 Mtn Division, Maj. Gen. SS Kartikeya; and IGAR , Maj. Gen. Ravroop Singh also joined the trophy showcase ceremony.

The tournament will be held from July 23 to August 23 across five cities in India – Imphal, Shillong, Kokrajhar, Kolkata and Jamshedpur.

Six group stage matches will be played at the iconic Khuman Lampak Main Stadium in Imphal from July 30 to August 12. The group features local favourites TRAU FC and NEROCA FC, besides Indian Navy FT and Real Kashmir FC.

Speaking at the showcase ceremony, Bhalla highlighted Manipur’s legacy as a powerhouse of sports and emphasised the importance of youth engagement through such tournaments. Commending the Indian Army’s consistent role in promoting sports and national integration, the governor expressed confidence that the Durand Cup will inspire a new generation of young athletes in the region.

He further stated that hosting this tournament in Imphal once again is a testament to the state’s deep passion for football and the collective efforts of both civil and military establishments.

The enthusiastic participation of the people of Manipur in such initiatives reflects the deep mutual respect and the strong emotional bond between the Armed Forces and society, he added.

The governor congratulated all organisers and supporting teams for their hard work in executing the Trophy Showcase Ceremony of the 134th edition of the Durand Cup.

Olympians Kshetrimayum Thoiba Singh and Saikhom Mirabai Chanu, along with other eminent sports personalities, coaches, celebrities, and NCC cadets, also attended the ceremony.