Stage set for DGAR equestrian
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 30 2014:
The 11th Director General Assam Rifles State Equestrian Championship and 5th IGAR (S) Junior Equestrian Championship will be organised conjointly by Manipur Equestrian Association (MEA) and Assam Rifles from February 1 to 4 at Imphal Pologround.
The DGAR Cup is a radiant and eloquent testimony of the Assam Rifles' enthusiastic zeal and endeavour to encourage and promote polo and equestrian in the state of Manipur, conveyed a PRO IGAR (S) release adding that the championship aims at encouraging the popular sport and garnering budding talent in equestrian sports which had originated in ancient Manipur around 3100 BC.
The DGAR Cup was instituted in 2002 and the IGAR (South) Junior Equestrian Cup in 2010 and over the years both these events held concurrently have turned into an annual mega event keenly contested by equestrian enthusiasts from all across Manipur.
In all 14 different clubs from all over Manipur with over 100 riders in junior, senior and girls category will be participating in the championship this year.
The Championship will be conducted at Imphal Pologround, one of the oldest polo grounds in India.
It will be conducted over a span of four days and will include events like Tent Pegging and Show Jumping.
The championship not only aims at promoting the game but it also endeavours preserving the rare breed of Manipuri ponies which have been associated with various forms of equestrian sports in the state since time immemorial.
Entry to the venue will be free, said the release while welcoming everyone to witness the sporting event.