Durand Cup's Glorious Return to Imphal: A Festival of Football and Culture

The 134th edition of the Durand Cup made a victorious return to Imphal, Manipur's capital, after a two-year pause on Wednesday. The iconic Khuman Lampak Stadium became the focal point of football fervor as local giants TRAU FC faced off against NEROCA FC in the eagerly awaited Group F match, rekindling the region's innate passion for the sport. Distinguished personalities including Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, and Justice Kempaiah Somashekar, Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court, graced the occasion with their presence.

Festivities kicked off an hour before the game, transforming the stadium into a vibrant hub of celebrations. Attendees enjoyed a mesmerizing display combining military precision and cultural richness, spotlighting Manipur's colorful heritage alongside the Indian Armed Forces' pride. The cultural segment was inaugurated with a dramatic flypast by Army Aviation helicopters, led by Lt Col Pushkar Choudhary, prominently bearing the National and Durand Cup flags. Ground-level excitement was further elevated by a performance from the Indian Army Pipe Band, followed by an intense Krav Maga demonstration by the Grenadier Regiment. A release confirmed these attractions.

The Jawaharlal Nehru Manipuri Dance Academy presented an enthralling fusion show, artfully blending dances such as Langdeng, Thang-Ta, Dhol-Cholom, Kabui Jagoi, Pung-Cholom, and Vasanata Raas, culminating in a dazzling visual spectacle. This was succeeded by a captivating Kalarippayattu demonstration by the 'Gallant Thambis' of the Madras Regiment. The Chief Guest's interaction with the players and officials preceded the formal inauguration of the Imphal leg of the Durand Cup 2025 through a ceremonial kick-off.

In the audience were Indian Women's Football Team stars Dangmei Grace, N. Ratanbala Devi, Ph. Nirmala Devi, Th. Martina Devi, and Linda Kom Serto — recently qualified for the AFC — who engaged the crowd by tossing signed footballs into the stands, igniting young fans' enthusiasm and nurturing the sport's future. During the half-time break, the Assam Rifles Symphony Band and local artist Ms. Rani Sharma with her troupe kept the audience entertained, adding to the festival's lively atmosphere.

The contest concluded in a thrilling 1-1 draw. Raj Singh's (58th minute) long-range curler gave TRAU the lead in the second half, while NEROCA FC's Arunjacki equalized with a dramatic flying header during extra time just before the full-time whistle. Group F's lineup also includes I-League side Real Kashmir FC and Indian Navy FT. With six matches planned at the Khuman Lampak Stadium, each promises to draw full crowds in this football-loving city.

(With inputs from agencies.)