State Govt has taken initiatives to preserve indigenous ponies: CM
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, November 29 2015:
Chief Minister O Ibobi on Sunday stated that the Government of Manipur has taken initiatives on establishing an exclusive sanctuary for the Manipuri ponies to protect the indigenous breed from the threat of extinction.
He was speaking at the closing ceremony of the 9th Manipur Polo International, 2015 held at Mapal Kangjeibung.
Attending the closing function of the 9th Manipur Polo International organised by Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association as the Chief Guest, O Ibobi thanked all the Polo players from different parts of the globe who have come to the State to take part in the tournament and for having displayed their skills in the true spirit of the game.
"I am proud to say that, the matches of the tournament were played at this historic ground, Mapal Kangjeibung � the oldest living playground in the world," stated O Ibobi.
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Sagol Kangjei, which is now internationally known as Polo, has been played in Manipur since time immemorial, stated O Ibobi and added people of Manipur are indebted to the forefathers who have handed down the game which has gained immense popularity across the world.
Sagol Kangjei has been played traditionally on the indigenous Manipuri Pony, which is now one of the five rare breeds identified by the Government of India, said Chief Minister.
O Ibobi also expressed concern over the alarming decrease in the population of the indigenous Manipur ponies and stated that the State Government has initiated measures to establish an exclusive sanctuary for the Manipuri Pony to protect the breed from the threat of extinction.
The Chief Minister also invited all the international Polo fraternity to participate in the next year's 10th Manipur Polo International, 2016 at Mapal Kangjeibung, Imphal Pologround.
The closing function was attended by Rural Development and Panchayati Raj/Economic Development and Statistic Minister Francis Ngajokpa as President while Social Welfare and Cooperation Minister AK Mirabai and MLA O Landhoni being the Guests of Honour.
Chief General Manager of State Bank of India, Guwahati PVSLN Murti also attended as Special Invitee.