7th 57 Mountain Division Polo tournament begins ESC begin campaign in style
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, February 19 2017:
The 7th 57 Mountain Division Polo Tournament 2017 began today at the historic Mapal Kangjeibung.
The grand opening ceremony of the tournament organised by Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association (MHRPA) under the sponsorship of 57 Mountain Division was graced by Maj Gen U Suresh Kumar, YSM, VSM, GOC, 57 Mountain Division; Dr S Joykumar Singh, Honorary President, Manipur Equestrian Association; Brig SKS Chauhan, Dy GOC, 57 Mountain Division; Brig JS Bainsla, Commander, 9 Sector, AR and Dr H Chaoba Singh, Director, Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Services as the Chief Guest, President and Guests of Honour respectively.
Colourful display of 'Bhangra Dance' by soldiers of 14 Sikh, march past by mounted players, band display and oath taking by the participating team leaders were amongst other highlights of the opening ceremony.
Hoisting the flag of MHRPA and declaring the tournament open, Maj Gen U Suresh Kumar, YSM, VSM, GOC, 57 Mountain Division said that the tournament has been organised to support and promote the traditional game of polo�popularly known as 'Sagol Kangjei'� which is a wonderful gift to the world by Manipur.
He said that the game which was once known as the game of the Kings has now become the king of games.
The GOC further said that the tournament is also an endeavour to save the endangered Manipuri ponies and wished the participating teams of the tournament the very best.
In the opening match, Eastern Students' Club (ESC)-A eked out a thrilling 4-3 win over MPSC-C.K Samananda hit a treble and E Romesh contributed one for ESC-A while the goals for MPSC-C were scored by M Vivekenanda (two) and S Abungcha.