Manipuri Polo in need of national momentum: Ganesan
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR
Imphal, November 29 2022:
While expressing elation that the Manipur gifted the game of polo to the world, Governor La Ganesan has called for collective and effective efforts for saving the endangered Manipuri pony.
The Governor stressed on the need for increasing the pony population in the state during his speech at the prize distribu tion cum closing function of the 14th Manipur Polo Internation al-2022, which was organised by Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association.
The tournament ended with the final match between India (B) Manipur and the United Kingdom (UK) at Mapal Kangjeibung, here, on Tuesday.
The UK team beat India (B) Manipur by a margin of two goals, with the former scoring 10 goals and the latter only 8 goals.
Governor La Ganesan handed over the winning trophy with a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh, medals and certificate to the UK team, while Youth Affairs & Sports minister Letpao Haokip handed over the runners-up trophy with a cash prize of Rs 1.5 lakh, medals and certificate to the India (B) Manipur team.
It may be mentioned here that five polo teams, namely India (A) Indian Polo association, India (B) Manipur, Indian Navy, the United States of America and the United Kingdom participated in the tournament.
Speaking as chief guest at the closing ceremony, Governor Ganesan reminded that Manipur has given the game of Polo to the world and it is a matter, of pride for the state.
The present day polo originated from the traditional Manipuri Polo - Sagol Kangjei.
The Manipur Polo International, a tournament approved by the Indian Polo Association is the only one of its kind played on Manipuri Pony.
The tournament is unique not only because it is played on Manipuri Pony but also because it is being played at the historic oldest Polo ground in the world - Mapal Kangjeibung or Imphal Pologround, he said.
While stating that in-spite of being a small state, Manipur is regarded as a powerhouse of sports in India, apart from its prowess in its cultural roots and literature, Ganesan equated Manipur to a beacon of light for the country in the field of sports.
However, Manipuri Polo is in need of some national momentum.
Previously, the International Polo Tournament could not be held for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he said.
The Governor continued that besides giving emphasis on development of tourism sector and sports, the primary objective of conducting the tournament is to save the polo pony.
This tournament organised by the Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association as a part of the Manipur Sangai Festival-2022 has been a major attraction of the festival.
The tournament occupies a well-deserved pride of place in the festival and it has been made grander by the participation of foreign teams and players.
The presence of these foreign teams and players will give fresh impetus to the popularity of the game, he observed, while expressing gratitude to the players and organisers for making the tournament a grand success.
He also appreciated the initiative of the state government to establish a Pony Sanctuary at Heingang in Imphal East district and a Pony Breeding Farm at Lamphel in Imphal West district as part of the mission to protect and preserve Manipuri pony.
Presided over by TA & Hills/Horticulture and Soil Conservation minister Letpao Haokip, the valedictory function was also attended by Education minister Th Basantakumar Singh, Manipur Olympic Association president MLA Th Radheshyam Singh, Ambassadors of Myanmar and Cambodia, High Commissioner of Brunei to India, SBI-NE chief general manager Arvind Kumar Singh and SBI NE-II general manager Lumkim Thangboi as guests of honour.