Durand Cup kicks off in Imphal; TRAU FC, NEROCA FC play out 1-1 draw

The spirit of football came alive as the prestigious Durand Cup 2025 kicked off with a spectacular opening ceremony in Imphal’s Khuman Lampak Stadium on Wednesday.
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, officially inaugurated the tournament in the presence of India’s Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi among others, amidst thunderous applause and vibrant cultural performances that reflected the rich heritage of Manipur.
The grand event marks a proud moment for the state as it continues to be a vital host in one of Asia’s oldest and most celebrated football tournaments.
The commencement of the 134th edition of the tournament was marked by vibrant cultural programmes featuring pipe band display, Krav Maga demonstration, a lively Manipuri folk dance, a captivating performance of Kalaripayattu, among others. These performances added colour and festivity to the event.
The cultural segment began with a flypast by Army Aviation helicopters led by Lt Col Pushkar Choudhary, carrying the National Flag and Durand Cup flag.
On the ground, the Indian Army Pipe Band set the mood, followed by an intense Krav Maga display by the Grenadiers Regiment.
A fusion performance by the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipuri Dance Academy blended Langdeng, Thang-Ta, Dhol-Cholom, KabuiJagoi, Pung-Cholom, and Vasanata Raas into a dazzling visual treat.
This was followed by a gripping Kalarippayattu demonstration by the ‘Gallant Thambis’ of the Madras Regiment.
Before the match commenced, the chief guest met the players and officials, and then formally inaugurated the Imphal leg of the Durand Cup 2025 by a symbolic kick off.
Also present in the stands were Indian Women’s Football Team stars Dangmei Grace, N Ratanbala Devi, Ph. Nirmala Devi, Th Martina Devi, and Linda Kom Serto – all part of the squad that recently qualified for the AFC.
They engaged with the crowd by tossing signed footballs into the stands, energizing young fans and promoting the sport.
The half-time break saw lively performances by the Assam Rifles Symphony Band and local artist Ms. Rani Sharma with her band, adding to the festive fervour.
Joining the two local favourites in Group Fare I-League side Real Kashmir FC and Indian Navy FT. Six matches are slated to be played at the KhumanLampak Stadium, each expected to draw packed stands in this football-loving city.
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.
The Durand Cup—Asia’s oldest association football tournament—continues to exemplify sporting spirit and national pride, fostering unity and enthusiasm for the sport across generations.
The opening match was played between NEROCA FC and TRAU FC.
A thrilling display of passion and footballing spirit as TRAU FC and NEROCA FC played out an intense 1-1 draw in Wednesday’s high-octane Manipur Derby.
The score of today’s match stood at 0-0 in the first half.
A proud symbol of India’s footballing legacy, the Durand Cup is Asia’s oldest and the world’s third-oldest football tournament.
Organized by the Indian Army on behalf of the three Services, it has served as a breeding ground for India’s finest football talent for over a century.
The inaugural edition was held in Shimla in 1888, before the tournament moved to New Delhi in 1940, where it remained for more than seven decades.
In 2019, the Durand Cup came under the aegis of the Eastern Command and shifted to the football heartland of the East, with Kolkata, the Mecca of Indian football and headquarters of the Eastern Command as its home base.
Over the past six years, the tournament has grown from a single-city event into a multi-city, multi-state sporting spectacle.
And this year for the first time ever, the Durand Cup is being played across five states – West Bengal, Jharkhand, Assam, Meghalaya and Manipur.
Adding to its uniqueness, the tournament champions receive three iconic trophies: the Durand Cup and the Shimla Trophy, both rolling honours and the President’s Cup, crafted afresh each year and awarded for permanent keepsake.