Imphal, July 15, 2026: The Durand Cup Trophy Tour reached Manipur University, Canchipur, on Wednesday, giving students, schoolchildren and members of the University community an opportunity to connect with one of Asia’s oldest and most prestigious football tournaments.
The trophies arrived at the University campus at 12:45 p.m. as part of the Imphal leg of the 135th edition of the Durand Cup and halted for about 30 minutes. The visit formed part of the wider Trophy Tour ahead of the tournament matches scheduled in Imphal.
Vice-Chancellor in-charge Prof. Sumitra Phanjoubam welcomed the trophies on behalf of the University community. She thanked the organisers, the GOC in Command, members of the Armed Forces, University officials, faculty members, staff, officers, students, schoolchildren from neighbouring institutions, and representatives of the print and electronic media for their presence.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Phanjoubam said the arrival of the Durand Cup trophies at Manipur University was not merely ceremonial. She described it as a rare opportunity for students to come in contact with a glorious sporting legacy and to draw inspiration from the values associated with sport.
She said football teaches teamwork, leadership, companionship, perseverance, hard work and dedication. These values, she observed, are important not only in sports but also in education and public life.
The programme was attended by Vice-Chancellor in-charge Prof. Sumitra Phanjoubam, Registrar Prof. Moirangthem Premjit Singh, Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Konsam Himalay Singh (Retd.), GOC 57 Mountain Division Major General Subhankar Basu, SM, VSM, Prof. Maibam Chourjit Singh, Head of the Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, Manipur University, and other organisers.
Students from different schools welcomed the Durand Cup trophies as the convoy entered the Manipur University campus. Their participation gave the event a youthful and cultural character and placed schoolchildren at the centre of the public reception.
Prof. Sumitra Phanjoubam said Manipur is widely regarded as one of the sporting powerhouses of the country. Despite its small geographical area, the state has produced Olympians, Arjuna Awardees, national champions and international achievers across several disciplines.
She observed that in Manipur, sporting excellence often comes from ordinary families, local grounds and familiar neighbourhoods. This close link between everyday life and national achievement has given the state a distinct sporting identity.
Her message to the students was that success is possible through discipline, hard work, perseverance, dedication and a positive mindset. She expressed the hope that some of the students present at the event may one day represent Manipur and India in national and international competitions.
The Durand Cup, established in 1888, is one of the oldest football tournaments in Asia. It has a long association with the Indian Armed Forces and occupies an important place in the history of Indian football.
The role of 19 Garhwal Rifles in facilitating the Durand Cup Trophy Tour to Manipur University was also acknowledged. As part of the Local Organising Committee for the 135th edition of the Durand Cup in Imphal, 19 Garhwal Rifles has been playing a lead role in planning, coordination and execution of the Imphal leg.
The Commanding Officer of 19 Garhwal Rifles is the Nodal Officer for the event. The battalion has served as the single point of contact for coordination among military formations, civil authorities, state agencies, event production teams, security personnel, venue managers and local institutions.
The smooth arrival of the Trophy Tour at Manipur University reflected the coordination behind the event. It also allowed the Durand Cup legacy to reach an academic campus where young people could understand its wider meaning.
The stated purposes of the Trophy Tour included youth engagement, football legacy, national integrity, visibility and pride. At Manipur University, these objectives found expression through the participation of students, teachers, schoolchildren, organisers, military representatives and the media.
Prof. Sumitra Phanjoubam thanked the organisers for including Manipur University in the Trophy Tour and expressed confidence that the students would be motivated to adopt a healthy lifestyle, remain positive, work hard and persevere in their chosen fields.
The Durand Cup Trophy Tour at Manipur University was brief, but its message was clear. It reminded students that education and sport belong together, and that Manipur’s football legacy must continue to inspire the next generation.
Naorem Mohen is the Editor of Signpost News. Explore his views and opinion on X: @laimacha.
Naorem Mohen
View More PostsNaorem Mohen is the Editor of Signpost News. Explore his views and opinion on X: @laimacha.
