CM opens Polo tourney
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, November 22 2017:
Chief Minister N Biren opened the 11th Manipur Polo International - 2017 at Mapal Kangjeibung today.
Speaking at the occasion as the chief guest, Biren said that the Government is fully committed and determined to make sure that Ponies have enough space for themselves in the years to come.
He said, "I have given directives to identify areas that can permanently be reserved for our Ponies.
This is a collective responsibility of the people of Manipur and we all should join our hands to preserve our natural surroundings" .
Lamphelpat, which is one of the natural habitats of Manipuri Ponies has faced the cruelest brunt of human civilization.
The onslaught and the destruction of the area had driven the Ponies out to the streets, he said.
Growing population and urbanisation had unwittingly done an irreparable damage to the natural habitat of Ponies, he added.
The Chief Minister expressed hope that all the visitors from different parts of the world who have come to Manipur to be a part of the tournament and Manipur Sangai Festival would i be ambassadors when they go back to their respective homes.
He further said that the Manipur Polo International organ-; ised by Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association, which ; began in a humble way has now become one of the most; important Polo tournaments in the world.
The Chief Minister said, "Having been bom under the umbrella of Ibudhou Maijing, I consider blessed to be work-ing with all the associations and Pony lovers of the State since my childhood.
Here in Manipur, our lives with horses and Polo as a game is spiritually defined and found in our ancestral traditions." Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Letpao Haokip presided over the function which was also also attended by Tribal Affairs and Hills Minister N Kayisii, Hill Areas Committee Chairman Thangjalam Haokip and Konthoujam AC, Manipur Tourism Development Corporation Chairman Dr S Ranjan as guests of honour.
Six teams Argentina, England, USA, Morocco, India-A and India-B are taking part in the tournament organised as part of Manipur Sangai Festival.