Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla highlighted the state’s rich football legacy during the 135th Durand Cup 2026 Trophy Showcase in Imphal, reaffirming support for youth sports, grassroots football development, sports infrastructure, and the tournament’s role in promoting unity, peace, and sporting excellence.
Manipur’s rich footballing tradition once again took centre stage as Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh attended the Trophy Showcase Ceremony of the 135th Durand Cup 2026 at the City Convention Centre in Imphal on Wednesday. The event celebrated the arrival of Asia’s oldest football tournament while highlighting Manipur’s enduring contribution to Indian football and its commitment to nurturing the next generation of athletes.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Bhalla described Manipur as one of India’s premier football nurseries, noting that the state has consistently produced talented players who have brought recognition to both the state and the nation. He said Manipur’s football legacy continues to inspire generations of young athletes and remains a driving force behind the sporting aspirations of its youth.
The Governor reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening sports infrastructure and promoting grassroots football development. According to him, sustained investment in training facilities and youth programmes will help identify emerging talent while further strengthening the state’s sporting ecosystem.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh echoed these sentiments, stating that football is deeply woven into Manipur’s culture and identity. He said the state has produced several outstanding footballers whose achievements continue to motivate aspiring players. The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s resolve to expand sports facilities, improve coaching infrastructure and create greater opportunities for young athletes to compete at higher levels.
The ceremony featured the display of the tournament’s three historic trophies—the President’s Cup (1956), the Durand Cup (1888) and the Simla Trophy (1903). These iconic trophies began their nationwide journey after being ceremonially flagged off earlier this month by President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre.
Earlier in the day, the promotional campaign for the 135th Durand Cup in Manipur commenced with the flagging off of the Trophy Tour from Sendra in Bishnupur district, generating enthusiasm among football enthusiasts across the state.
Governor Bhalla described the Durand Cup as much more than a football tournament, calling it a celebration of history, resilience and the unifying spirit of sports. He expressed confidence that hosting the tournament in Imphal would inspire young footballers to pursue excellence while reinforcing the values of discipline, teamwork and perseverance.
He further observed that the return of the prestigious tournament to Manipur would encourage greater public participation in sports, strengthen community unity and contribute positively to the state’s socio-economic development. The Governor also acknowledged the efforts of the Indian Armed Forces in bringing the tournament back to Imphal, saying the initiative reflects a commitment to promoting peace, normalcy and nation-building through sports.
Chief Minister Khemchand Singh expressed gratitude to the Armed Forces for organising the tournament and assured full cooperation from the state government to ensure its successful conduct. He noted that hosting the matches at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium would strengthen local sports infrastructure, boost economic activity and provide footballers from Manipur with an opportunity to showcase their abilities on a national platform.
Later in the day, Governor Bhalla attended the closing ceremony of the 19th Governor’s Taekwondo Cup, Manipur 2026, held at the Khuman Lampak Indoor Stadium. Organised by the All-Manipur Taekwondo Association, the championship has served as a significant platform for nurturing young martial artists since its establishment in 2005.
Speaking during the closing ceremony, the Governor emphasised that sports play a vital role in building confidence, resilience and discipline among young people while fostering teamwork and character. He expressed confidence that Manipur would continue producing exceptional athletes through the combined efforts of sports associations, coaches, parents and dedicated youth.
The Governor congratulated all winners and participants for their performances and praised the All-Manipur Taekwondo Association for its continued contribution to the growth of the sport in the state.
Established in 1888, the Durand Cup remains Asia’s oldest football tournament and one of India’s most prestigious sporting competitions. Organised by the Indian Armed Forces in collaboration with the Government of Manipur, Imphal will host the Group D matches at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium from July 28 to August 12, 2026.
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The ceremony was attended by several senior dignitaries, including Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel, Director General of Police Mukesh Singh, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, Chief of Staff Eastern Command Lt Gen Gambhir Singh, GOC Red Shield Division Maj Gen Shubhankar Basu, Inspector General of Assam Rifles (South) Maj Gen Gaurav Sharma, senior civil and military officials, athletes and members of the public. The event underscored Manipur’s continuing reputation as a sporting powerhouse and reaffirmed its vision of empowering youth through football and other sporting disciplines.
