England to send a strong team for Manipur for 9th Manipur Polo International 2015

Daniel Chabungbam *

The 9th Manipur Polo International 2015 being held from November 22 to 29 at the Mapal Kangjeibung as a part of the Manipur Sangai Festival will be a memorable tournament as players will connecting the past with the present.

The England team having announced a team of seasoned and fresh players comprising Dave Allen, Mikey Howe, Marcus Hancock, Jack Aldridge with Chris Atkinson as the Coach, polo lovers will get the opportunity of witness exciting matches.

Australian and the Unites States had already announced their contingent.

Jack Aldridge - Part of England team for 9th Manipur Polo International 2015

Jack Aldridge

Fifteen-year-old Jack Aldridge is the youngest player in the England team who started playing the game last year. The young teenager, who is still in school, will be accompanied by his parents during the tournament.

Introduced to the game by Brig Stanhope-White, the chairman of Taunton vale polo club and the chairman of the HPA development committee, Jack says, "I'm a first generation polo player and very privileged to visit and play in India, an opportunity that I never dreamt I would be given. My parents took me to Taunton polo club where I had some lessons with Brig Stanhope-White. I am delighted that I enjoy the game so much. It would be great experience meeting people. I have been made aware that the game has its origins in Manipur and I am greatly looking forward to the experience.

Marcus Hancock - Part of England team for 9th Manipur Polo International 2015

Marcus Hancock

An experienced polo player Marcus Hancock, born on October 7, 1969 began playing the game at the age of ten. "It is a great pleasure to come to Manipur," says Marcuc. A man of few words, Marcus is one player to watch who would play at No 2 or any other position except 1.

Michael Howe - Part of England team for 9th Manipur Polo International 2015

Michael Howe

For young Mikey Howe, coming to Manipur, it is a journey following his great grandfather. He preferred his father Peter Howe speak on behalf of the family that has served, almost without break, in India since 1783 and have been involved in almost all major actions, such as Seringapatam, since then.

"Indeed, Michael's forebear Sir Keith Jackson (4th Hussars which was Winston Churchill's regiment and involved in the Charge of the Light Brigade during the Crimean war) was reputed to try his hand at various equestrian activities during the First Afghan War of 1839, when he was the official Persian interpreter for the Army of the Indus.

His Great Grandfather, Major Cecil Hungerford Jackson who was a direct descendant of Sir Keith Jackson. Cecil had one daughter, Audrey, who married Douglas Howe (Indian Civil Service) in 1943." Douglas Howe was an amateur, civilian polo player and is the father of Peter Howe, also an amateur civilian polo player. Peter Howe is the father of Michael and has captained the England Polo Team several times.

Michael's grandparents died some years ago but they were always proud that he should follow the family sport. "On a personal basis, I am absolutely delighted that he should get the opportunity to play in Manipur which has such a distinguished place in the history of polo," says Peter.

Dave Allen - Part of England team for 9th Manipur Polo International 2015

Dave Allen

Born on November 17, Dave Allen is the first in his family to play polo. "My family has any ways been involved with horses in some way. I'm obviously very pleased to be part of the team coming to Manipur. In 2000 I won the Queens and Gold Cup in England. A few years later I won the Pakistan open.

More recently I've won the Royal Windsor and County Cups. They are some of the bigger 15 Goal Tournaments in the UK. I started playing in the English pony club when I was twelve. I am currently on 4 goals," says Dave.

Chris Atkinson will be the coast of the England team.