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Hans India
29 minutes ago
- Sport
- Hans India
After a two-year break, 134th edition of Durand Cup tournament kicks off in Manipur
Imphal: The 134th edition of the Durand Cup, Asia's oldest football tournament, kicked off on Wednesday in Manipur after a two-year break due to the ethnic conflict in the northeastern state. The opening match of Group F was played between two football clubs from Manipur TRAU FC and NEROCA FC at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium in Imphal. Football fans were excited to see the tournament return to their state, which has a rich legacy of various sports events. Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla attended the opening match and took part in the inauguration ceremony. The grand opening featured vibrant cultural performances and military displays, showcasing the spirit of unity and peace. A Defence spokesperson said that this iconic tournament's revival in Manipur highlights the healing power of sports and the collective aspiration for stability, resilience, and renewed harmony in the region. Army chief, Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Army's Eastern Command chief, Lt Gen Ram Chander Tiwari and senior other Army, para-military and security and civil officials along with other dignitaries witnessed the opening match of Durand Cup at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium. The Army Chief interacted with players and officials of the local favourites NEROCA FC and TRAU FC before the match. Meanwhile, many football lovers were unhappy because the stadium was too crowded and there were not enough seats for sports enthusiasts. Some people found it difficult to move around or watch the match comfortably. Despite the problems, people were happy and cheerful that such a big football tournament is being held again in Manipur. It is seen as a positive step toward bringing peace and normal life back to the state. A cheerful football lover, Sanday Wangkhemcha while talking to IANS thanked the Army and other organisers for conducting the Durand Cup football tournament in Manipur. 'Amid the ethnic crisis in Manipur, the football tournament would ease the mindset of the people of the state. It would also encourage the young generations to take football as their career. We expect more important football tournaments including Santosh Trophy, Indian Super League can be held in Manipur for the benefit of the sports lovers and common people as well,' Wangkhemcha said. Other Group F matches, including games with the Indian Army Football Team would also be played at the same stadium in the upcoming days. The Durand Cup 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 would be played at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium, Imphal, from July 30 to August 12. The Manipur Governor on July 10, addressed the trophy showcase ceremony of the Durand Cup 2025 held at City Convention Centre in Imphal. He commended the Indian Army's consistent role in promoting sports and national integration and highlighted Manipur's legacy as a powerhouse of sports and emphasised the importance of youth engagement through such tournaments. Bhalla, a former Union Home Secretary, expressed confidence that the Durand Cup would inspire a new generation of young athletes in the region. He had 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 the civil and military establishments. The Indian Army has consistently been a pillar of strength in promoting sports and youth engagement, he had said. During the July 10 ceremony, the trophies – Durand Cup, President's Cup and Simla Trophy were showcased. The trophies, after touring different locations in Manipur, including Sendra, Moirang, Bishnupur, Manipur University, Kangla and Chingmeirong War Cemetery, reached the City Convention Centre on July 10, where the Governor, along with senior civil and military officers, received the trophies. After more than two years of ethnic hostilities between non-tribal Meitei and tribal Kuki-Zo communities President's Rule was promulgated in Manipur on February 13, four days after the resignation of N Biren Singh from the Chief Minister's post.
News18
an hour ago
- Sport
- News18
Durand Cup 2025: Late Drama As NEROCA FC Hold TRAU FC In Imphal Derby
Last Updated: NEROCA FC drew 1-1 against 10-man TRAU FC in the Imphal Derby at the 134th edition of the Durand Cup. The Imphal Derby lived up to its billing as NEROCA FC snatched a dramatic 1-1 draw against 10-man TRAU FC in their Group E opener of the 134th Durand Cup, here at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium. Khunjamayum Raj Singh's second-half goal gave TRAU the lead, but a stoppage-time equalizer by Arunkumar Singh, denied them all three points in a fiercely contested encounter. TRAU Head Coach Thangjam Saran Singh opted for an all-Indian starting eleven in and with a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Nepolean Morangthem leading the line. On the other hand, NEROCA Head Coach Gyan Moyon named a strong 4-4-2 lineup, which included three foreigners, Jackson Emmanuel Gomado, Mark Harrison Junior, and Ekomobong Victor Philip, to bolster the attack. The match kicked off with NEROCA FC pressing high and dictating tempo early on. Their first real chance came in the opening minutes when skipper Angom Kinesh Singh's shot was blocked by TRAU defender Rakesh, and Mark Harrison fired the rebound wide. As the game progressed, TRAU grew into the contest, finding their rhythm in midfield and enjoying a spell of possession, though both sides struggled to create clear-cut chances. TRAU focused on a possession-based approach, while NEROCA looked to hurt them on the counter. Despite flashes of attacking intent, neither side registered a shot on target in the first 30 minutes. The electric atmosphere inside the stadium, packed with vocal local supporters, added to the derby's intensity. Tactical discipline from both teams made for a gritty and physical first half, which ended goalless despite the intensity on display. The second half began with the same ferocity. In the 47th minute, NEROCA's Roger Khuman saw his effort blocked, and further chances from Mark Harrison and Nongthongbam Japes, went wide of the mark. It was TRAU who finally broke the deadlock in the 58th minute. Right-back Khunjamayum Raj Singh surged forward from near the corner flag and delivered what seemed like a cross, but the ball curled into the goal, glancing past NEROCA keeper Santosh Singh to give TRAU a 1-0 lead. NEROCA tried to respond quickly, with Japes nearly through in the 62nd minute, but TRAU's defence, led by Dhananjoy Singh, held firm. Jackson Gomado had another go in the 68th minute, but his shot was again blocked by a resilient TRAU backline. Drama unfolded in the 73rd minute when TRAU's Dhanachandra Mutum received a second yellow card and was sent off, leaving his side to play the remaining minutes with 10 men. The match turned frantic as NEROCA pushed hard for an equaliser. Substitute Zlex Mangang broke into the box but was denied brilliantly by Akash Meetei, and in the 86th minute, TRAU goalkeeper Sapam Singh made a stunning save to his left to deny a powerful header from substitute Arunkumar Singh. With the game heading into stoppage time, TRAU dropped deep to defend their slender lead. But NEROCA finally found the breakthrough in the 96th minute after a well-orchestrated build-up. A cross from the left flank by Zlex was headed across goal by NFC player Waikhom to Arunkumar Singh, who timed his dive perfectly to nod the ball into the bottom corner and secure a dramatic late equalizer. TRAU FC will be disappointed to have conceded so late after a gritty performance, while NEROCA FC will take heart from their late fightback as both teams opened their Group E campaign with a point each. News18 Sports brings you the latest updates, live commentary, and highlights from cricket, football, tennis, badmintion, wwe and more. Catch breaking news, live scores, and in-depth coverage. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : durand cup Imphal Derby Neroca FC TRAU FC view comments Location : Imphal, India, India First Published: July 30, 2025, 18:57 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hans India
an hour ago
- Sport
- Hans India
‘This tournament will impact generations': Durand Cup brings relief to crisis-hit Imphal
Imphal: As the storied Durand Cup made a return to Imphal after a two year absence, fans in the city of Manipur rushed in numbers as the footballing action began on Wednesday. Local sides Tiddim Road Athletic Union FC (TRAU FC) and North Eastern Re-Organising Cultural Association Football Club (NEROCA FC) faced each other in the 'Imphal Derby' in the Group F opener of the 134th Durand Cup as Asia's oldest football tournament returns to Manipur after a gap of two years. Football Lover, Sanday Wangkhemcha, hopes the tournament provides relief to the people in times of crisis, citing the ethnic violence that has gripped the city. 'We would like to welcome the Durand Cup, the oldest football tournament in Asia. First I would like to thank the Indian Army for organising and bringing the tournament back and giving a chance to give the public to witness the cup in Imphal. We are in crisis in Manipur, with the tournament we can ease the mindset of the people. I would like to wish the teams all the best. This tournament will impact the generations who want to play football,' Wangkhemcha told IANS. The Governor of Manipur Ajay Kumar Bhalla attended the opening match and took part in the inauguration ceremony, which also featured a colourful cultural programme. However, many football lovers were unhappy because the stadium was too crowded and there were not enough seats for everyone. Some people found it difficult to move around or watch the match comfortably. Even with the problems, people were happy that such a big tournament is being held again in Manipur. It is seen as a positive step toward bringing peace and normal life back to the state. The historical rivalry between these two Manipuri giants has produced memorable encounters over the years, with both teams sharing a combined 21 major honors - 10 for NEROCA and 11 for TRAU. In their head-to-head record since 2020, NEROCA holds the advantage having won 7 out of 11 encounters, with TRAU winning only 2 matches and 2 ending in draws. However, derby matches often produce unexpected results, and both teams will be fully aware that past records count for little in such high-stakes encounters. Group F also features the Indian Navy Football Team and Real Kashmir FC, making it a competitive group where every point will be crucial for qualification to the knockout stages. Six group winners and two best second-placed teams across all groups will advance to the quarterfinals, adding extra pressure on both teams to secure a positive result in their opening fixture. In the match, Arunjacki delivered a dramatic finish for NEROCA FC, netting a late equaliser in the dying moments of the ImphalDerby to level the scores just before the final whistle. TRAU FC 1-1 NEROCA FC
United News of India
3 hours ago
- Politics
- United News of India
Army Chief meets Manipur Governor, discusses security
Imphal, July 30 (UNI) General Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), today called on the Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, at the Raj Bhavan in Imphal. He was accompanied by the Army Commander of Eastern Command, the General Officer Commanding 3 Corps, and other senior Army officials. During the meeting, Governor Bhalla extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Army leadership for the successful execution of Operation Sindoor, lauding the Indian Army's professionalism, unwavering commitment, and sustained efforts in maintaining peace and stability in the region. The discussions also touched upon the commencement of the 134th edition of the Durand Cup, one of Asia's oldest and most prestigious football tournaments, which begins today. General Dwivedi expressed his appreciation to the Governor and the Government of Manipur for their consistent support and facilitation in organising the high-profile sporting event. The interaction underscored the strong civil-military cooperation in the region and reaffirmed the Army's role not just in national security but also in promoting sporting and cultural engagement. UNI NS RKM
News18
5 hours ago
- Sport
- News18
Rusty Mohun Bagan eye strong start in Durand Cup build-up to ACL2
Kolkata, Jul 30 (PTI) Reigning ISL champions Mohun Bagan might have appeared rusty in a recent CFL derby but would like to pit up an improved show when they take on city rivals Mohammedan Sporting in a Group B clash of the Durand Cup at the Salt Lake Stadium on Wednesday. Bagan lost the season's first Kolkata Derby 2-3 to East Bengal, that match featured a mixed squad and was not part of their main pre-season plan. So, this will be the Mariners' first major competitive outing of the season, with the prestigious tournament serving as a crucial build-up to their AFC Champions League 2 campaign, scheduled iin less than two months' from now. Mohun Bagan, who finished runners-up in the Durand Cup last year after losing to NorthEast United FC in a penalty shootout, are taking this edition seriously despite being without their foreign recruits and head coach Jose Molina. They are expected to join in the second week of August just in time for the knockouts, should they qualify. In the meantime, assistant coach Bastab Roy is leading preparations with a full-strength Indian squad, combining core ISL players and developmental talent. Among those are Ashis Rai, Manvir Singh, Liston Colaco, Deepak Tangri, Apuia, Abhishek Suryavanshi, Anirudh Thapa, Glan Martins and goalkeeper Vishal Kaith. All eyes will be on new signing T Abhishek Singh, a defender, who joined from Punjab FC on a record transfer deal. Youngsters Suhail Bhat and Kiyan Nassiri are likely to lead the frontline in the absence of foreign strikers, as the Mariners who have won the title a record 17 times will look to hit the ground running. Mohun Bagan's Durand Cup campaign also comes amid broader uncertainty in Indian football, with a deadlock between the AIFF and its commercial partner FSDL delaying ISL pre-season plans for several clubs. Mohammedan Sporting, meanwhile, will be under pressure after a 1-2 loss to debutants Diamond Harbour FC in their opening group game as the two teams would look to renew their age-old rivalry. Despite taking a first-half lead through Adison in the 36th minute, they failed to hold on. The Black Panthers, who narrowly missed out on knockout qualification last year, will be desperate to bounce back and avoid another early exit. They had reached the final in 2021 and the semi-finals in 2022. Kick-off: 7pm IST. PTI TAP KHS KHS view comments First Published: July 30, 2025, 15:00 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
