DGAR Cup equestrian begins
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 01 2014 :
The 11th Director General Assam Rifles Cup State Equestrian Championship and the 5th IGAR (South) Junior Equestrian Championship began today along with a glittering inaugural ceremony held at Imphal Pologround.
over 100 riders from 11 teams would be vying for top honours in senior, junior and young girls categories at the four-day championship.
IGAR (S) Maj Gen Rajeev Chopra, who graced the inaugural function as the chief guest, said that it was an opportune moment to meet the riders and the sports enthusiast from different sections of the society.
He added that the championship is aimed at encouraging the game of Polo and Equestrian to discover hidden talents in a sport which had originated from the state of Manipur.
Dr S Joykumar, president, Manipur Equestrian Association, Commander 9 Sector AR Brig MK Das and Ksh Chourajit Singh, president Manipur Pony Society also attended the inaugural function as presidium members.
The function showcased the rich and varied cultural heritage of the state with traditional reception.
The flag hoisting ceremony was followed by a March Past of the participating teams led by pipe band of Assam Rifles.
The equestrian events will feature competitions in Tent Pegging (Team), Tent Pegging (individual) in senior and junior categories with individual show jumping in all the three categories of girls, seniors and juniors.
DGAR along with IGAR (South) is ensuring the revival of this legendary sport which has seen a gradual decline over the years.
The tournament has grown from strength to strength with the participants increasing every year and the championship has emerged as an annual mega event contested by Equestrian enthusiasts from length and breadth of Manipur, added the PRO.
In senior tent pegging lance individual competition held on the first day, L Olendro Singh of Kangleipak PSC claimed the top honour at 33 pionts with N Ranjan Singh of IRC (32.5), H Jibon Singh of Chingkheihunba PC-C (30.5) and L Atangba Singh of CHPT (30) respectively finishing second, third and fourth.
Preliminary rounds of junior category show jumping were also held today.