India (B) beat England to lift trophy of 12th Manipur Polo International tournament
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, November 29 2018:
The 12th Manipur Polo International Tournament was won by India (B) defeating England by 7-4 in the final match held at Mapal Kangjeibung, Imphal Pologround today.
The closing ceremony was graced by Governor of Manipur Dr Najma Heptulla, Speaker Y Khemchand Singh and P Saratchandra Singh as Chief Guest, President and Guest of Honour respectively.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Governor expressed her happiness to be part of the closing ceremony.
She thanked the organisers for giving the opportunity to be a part of the 12th Manipur Polo International, 2018 which is a part of the Sangai Festival.
Deeply impressed by the arrangements and the display at the function, the Governor said it is unfortunate that despite organising the International Polo Tournament every year with active participation from foreign teams, the Manipuri Polo is yet to make its mark in the National scene.
She further stated that, Manipur, although a small State, is the powerhouse of sports which has produced Olympian like Mary Kom who recently won Gold Medal in Women's World Boxing Tournament for the sixth time.
The game originated from traditional Manipuri Polo - Sagol Kangjei which was played in the bygone days having its own rules known as Kangjeirol.
The rules have undergone many changes in recent times and as approved by Indian Polo Association (IPA), it is now played as per IP A rules.
The game is only one of a kind because it is played on Manipuri Pony.
The game is unique in its own way because it is played at the historic oldest Pologround in the world - Mapal Kangjeibung or Imphal Pologround using a pony (small, sturdy and agile), a recognised breed of India.
The Governor also said that renewed efforts need to be made to save the breed of Manipuri Pony from extinction and hoped that the tournament will help in highlighting the issue and lead to a more concerted effort to save the animal.
She expressed her appreciation that the State Government has taken the initiative to establish a Pony Sanctuary at Heingang, Imphal East District and a Pony Breeding Farm at Lamphel, Imphal West District.
The polo tournament organised as a part of Sangai Festival has added a different flavour to the festival.
The tournament has been made bigger by the participation of the foreign teams including players from USA, England and Uruguay which has enhanced the popularity of the game.
She congratulated Members of the Manipur Horse Riding & Polo Association, Captains and Members of participating teams including those from abroad, the winners and the runners of the tournament for a game well-played.
Later, the Chief Guest and dignitaries presented trophy and cash awards to the winners, runners up and participating teams.
The Polo tournament which began from Novemeber 22 to 29 was participated by five teams which include India A & B, Uruguay, England and USA and was held at Mapal Kangjeibung, the oldest pologround in the world.
The 12th Manipur Polo International Tournament was organised by All Manipur Polo Association and sponsored by Department of Tourism, Government of Manipur.
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