Governor stresses on importance of conserving Manipuri ponies
9th Manipur Polo International 2015 Kicks Off With Fanfare
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, November 22 2015: Manipur Governor V Shanmuganathan has stressed on the importance of conserving the rare breed of Manipuri ponies pointing out that the State's history and culture always had a space for the "Shamadom Ayangba" .

The Governor expressed his views while inaugurating the 9th Manipur Polo International 2015 at the Mapal Kangjeibung, Imphal.

Delivering his inaugural speech, V Shanmuganathan stated its was common knowledge that the present day Polo had its origin in the traditional Manipuri Polo or 'Sagol Kangjei' and the game has evolved from the traditional to the modern form of Polo over the years.

Governor stresses on importance of conserving Manipuri ponies

Polo or Sagol Kangjei as played in Manipur those days had its own rules known as Kangjeirol.

These rules have undergone drastic changes since then and the game is now played under the International Polo Association rules.

"Interestingly, the Manipur Polo International first organized in the year, 1991 is a tournament approved by the Indian Polo Association and the only one of its kind played on pony", the Governor said.

He said that another unique aspect of the current tournament is that it is played at the historic and oldest living "Pologround in the world - Mapal Kangjeibung or Imphal Pologround" .

V Shanmuganathan however lamented the fact that Manipur has given Polo to the world but the game is suffering from a serious growth deficit in the State.

He pointed out that the possible reasons could be lack of sponsorship, high cost associated with the modern version of the game.

"This has collaterally led to dwindling number of original ponies.

One of the main objectives for organising this tournament has always been to save Manipuri pony along with popularising the game of Polo in its birth place, besides promoting Tourism", said the Governor.

He said that the "polo pony of Manipur", though small, is sturdy and agile and these ponies are "even now, literally semi-wild and there is tremendous pressure on them as the traditional grazing ground has shrunk." He said renewed efforts are needed to save this breed from extinction and hoped that this tournament will help in highlighting the issue.

He also pointed out that the current polo tournament is organized by the Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association as a part of the Annual Sangai Festival.

The participation of the foreign teams and players has added another flavour to the tournament, making it more exciting and grander, the Governor said.

V Shanmuganathan also complimented the organisers and announced financial assistance of an amount of Rs One lakh from the Governor's Discretionary Fund to the organisers of the 9th Manipur Polo International, 2015 .

The inaugural function was presided by Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly Th Lokeshwar.

On the occasion, the Speaker also informed that the government of Manipur has been making efforts in the conservation efforts of the Manipuri pony and sought cooperation from all in the endevour.

Those who attended the inaugural function include Deputy Speaker Preshaw Shimray, Lok Sabha MP Th Meinya and others.