Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 18 2010:
Through Red Shield Division, General Officer Commanding in-chief, Eastern Command, Lt Gen VK Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, ADC has provided a motivational award of Rs 2 lakhs towards promoting Sagol Kangjei (Manipuri Polo).
The cheque of the amount was presented by General Officer Commanding, 57 Mountain Division Maj Gen DS Hooda to the president of Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association S Buddhachandra Singh, IAS during a function at the office of 57 Mountain Division, Leimakhong today.
At the occasion, players and officials of the Manipur team which had participated in the National Championship organised under the aegis by the Indian Polo Association at Kolkata from December 23 to 25 were also felicitated.
Participation of the Manipur team in the championship had been fully sponsored by the Red Shield Division.
The Manipur team played 3 matches, one under the International rules using bigger horses and two others in Manipuri traditional style Though the Manipur team was defeated in the hands of Kolkata Polo Club in the match under International style, the two exhibition matches of Sagol Kangjei, Manipuri style of playing Polo on Ponies complete with traditional attires won the heart of the crowd.
Impressed by the spectacle, Lt Gen SS Kumar, who is not only the Quarter Master General in Indian Army but also the vice president of Indian Polo Association had presented Rs 1 lakh to the Manipur team on behalf of the Association president.
Interacting with mediapersons on the sidelines of the function attended by many officials and players of Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Assn, GOC 57 Mountain Division Maj Gen DS Hooda announced that the Red Shield Trophy for Polo would be organised at Leimakhong very soon.