Short Summary

On July 10, 2025, the 134th Durand Cup Trophy Tour made a stunning appearance at Sendra, near Loktak Lake in Manipur. The flag-off ceremony, a vibrant roadshow featuring the famed Durand Cup trophy, was graced by Olympic weightlifting champion Saikhom Mirabai Chanu and senior Army officials. The roadshow will traverse major routes in Imphal, culminating at the City Convention Centre for a special Trophy Showcase in the presence of Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh. Manipur will host Group F matches of the tournament from July 23 to August 23, 2025, at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium, with TRAU FC, NEROCA FC, Indian Navy FT, and Real Kashmir FC participating .

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1. Setting the Stage: Durand Cup Legacy Meets Manipur’s Charm

The Durand Cup, established in 1888, is Asia’s oldest football tournament—a fixture of sporting heritage and military pride. Its 134th edition, spanning July 23 to August 23, 2025, marks a nod to tradition and local fandom. When the Trophy Tour touched down at Loktak Lake, it wasn’t just a ceremonial event—it was Manipur’s sporting heartbeat syncing with national legacy

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2. The Roadshow Launch: Ceremony at Loktak Lake

Why Sendra and Loktak Lake?

Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India, is more than just a scenic backdrop—it’s a cultural epicenter. Holding the flag-off at Sendra amplified the event’s symbolic connection to regional identity and reverence for natural beauty

Star-studded Ceremony

Having Mirabai Chanu, India’s Olympic weightlifting champion, as a guest of honour elevated the event from just another sports spectacle. Alongside senior Army officials, her presence highlighted the intersection of athletic achievement and disciplined excellence

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3. The Roadshow: Spreading the Football Fever

Route Map

The roadshow charts a journey through Imphal’s veins—from Sendra to urban hubs, culminating at City Convention Centre. Such visibility energizes fans, especially in the lead-up to matches.

Trophy Showcase

At the end point, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh will usher in a formal ceremony. Fans will finally touch history, view the legendary trophy in person, and feel part of the Durand legacy

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4. Why This Matters: Durand Cup’s Arrival in Manipur

Football Fever in the North-East

The North-East region thrives on football. Clubs like TRAU FC and NEROCA FC already have legions of fans. Bringing the Durand Cup feels like a homecoming, not just locally but climatically for the sport.

Heritage Meets the Present

By touring major Northeastern states, including Manipur, the Durand Cup connects millennials with roots stretching back over a century

Economic & Social Ripple Effects

Street vendors, local transports, youth engagement—all hum to a louder beat during such grand sporting celebrations. The roadshow supercharges that beat.

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11. Final Words: More Than a Trophy

The Durand Cup Trophy Tour isn’t just rolling steel—it carries history, ambition, and glue for Manipur’s sporting soul. It’s a message: this region isn’t just witnessing football—it’s reshaping it. From Loktak Lake to the stadium lights, fans are part of a story bigger than sport. They’re holding a torch for tradition fusing into tomorrow.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the 134th Durand Cup and when will it be held?
The 134th Durand Cup, the oldest football tournament in Asia, runs from July 23 to August 23, 2025. It follows a flag-off by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on July 4, 2025

2. Why did the Trophy Tour start at Loktak Lake?
Loktak Lake offers a powerful symbolic backdrop—rooted in Manipur’s natural beauty and cultural heritage—making it an ideal location to kickstart the roadshow .

3. Who attended the flag-off ceremony?
The flag-off was graced by Olympic weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu, senior Army officials, and later Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla with Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh at the Trophy Showcase

4. What teams are in Group F and where will matches be played?
Group F, to be held at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium in Imphal, includes TRAU FC, NEROCA FC, Indian Navy FT, and Real Kashmir FC .

5. How can fans engage beyond attending matches?
Fans can join the roadshow, attend Trophy Showcase events, support their teams through social media, and participate in local football clinics and school tournaments in the lead-up.

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