India A and B win in Polo International
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 26 2012:
India A and India B have won today's matches after defeating France and Germany respectively at the 6th Manipur Polo International which is being held at the historic Mapal Kangjeibung, Imphal as part of the ongoing Sangai Festival.
Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association organised the tournament with an aim to conserve the age old traditional games of Manipur Sagol Kangjei which has now become an internationally accepted game with the name Polo.
In the first ground, India B beat Germany by 16-3 while in the second ground, India A beat France by 8-1. Mention may be made that 80 ponies are being used for the tournament.
Out of them 20 ponies are owned by Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association while the other 60 are arranged by Manipur players A Bimol, M Jawan, P Ojit, T Pradipkumar, Th Kaoba and Th Momocha.
Each of them arranged 10 ponies.
Moreover the organiser also engages 40 youths who can ride and take care of the horses to keep them healthy and fit.
Convener of the Technical Sub Committee of the Organising Committee Th Basantakumar is the overall in charge of the successfull organisation of the tournament while the 80 ponies and the 40 youths who take care of them are kept under the charge of Navin Rai.
Each of the 40 youths have a share of two horses to take care of and they are paid an honararium of Rs 100 on daily basis.
They are instructed to attend the horses till 11 pm from early morning.
According to Tomthinnganba of Sagolband, TinTin of Thangmeiband and Alam Khan of Khongjom who were among the 40 youths, 10 sacks of fodder and 30 kg of a mixture of rice husk powder, maize and salt are provided for 10 horses daily.
Since the fodders are not available in Imphal area, they are acquired from Bishnupur district on a price of Rs 1500 per truck load.