United States Polo Association Team announced for 9th Manipur Polo International 2015

Daniel Chabungbam *

The 9th Manipur Polo International 2015 will be held at the historic Mapal Kangjeibung, the oldest living pologround in the world from November 22 to 29 as a part of the Manipur Sangai Tourism Festival.

The United States of America has selected a strong and competitive team comprising Jared Sheldon, Josh Shelton, Pedro Lara, Remmy Muller and Peter Blake.

Jared Sheldon - Part of USA team for 9th Manipur Polo International 2015

Born on Feb 18, 1987 Jared Sheldon is a third generation polo player. His grandfather, Russel Sheldon, was recently inducted to the US polo hall of fame. Jared played for team USA in the zone qualifying for the FIP World Cup in the Dominican Republic.

Was a member of the team that won the 20 goal America's cup in Santa Barbara, CA and lost in the finals of the Pacific Coast Open. He I started playing arena polo at age seven and started to play on the grass professionally at age 18. “I am very excited to experience Manipur. It is always an honour to represent your country,” Jared says.

Josh Shelton - Part of USA team for 9th Manipur Polo International 2015

Yet another third generation player in the team is Josh Shelton. Born on January 6, 1989 Josh was introduced to the game of polo by his grandfather who is still playing at the age of 75 years. 4.

After beginning to play the game at fifteen years of age, Josh was a member of the Winning team of the USPA cup of Aiken, in Aiken South Carolina in the fall of 2014 and the Polo Classic in Minnesota the summer of 2015. His team won the binger cup summer of 2014 in Minnesota and the USPA officers cup in Houston as with team USPA. “I am very excited to be chosen to represent my country in Manipur. I look forward to the experience,” says Josh.

Pedro Lara - Part of USA team for 9th Manipur Polo International 2015

One young player to watch is Pedro Lara. Born on June 12, 1990, Pedro is a first generation polo player who feels proud of having a step grandfather who introduced him to the game.

“It is always an honour to be invited to events such as this. I feel thankful and hope to make the best of it. I have played in the Copper Cup, President's Cup and Copa de Plata all in Aiken, SC. Mostly 8-12 goal level. I started to play polo when I was 10 or 11 years old,” says Pedro.

Remmy Muller - Part of USA team for 9th Manipur Polo International 2015

It is an interesting story of this young player who started playing with his father at the same time. Born on May 1, 1992, Remmy Muller is very excited and looking forward to the opportunity of playing in Manipur.

“More than the game, I am very interested to see the different culture. I have won 20 goal pacific coast open in Santa Barbara, CA in 2014. Won Joe Barry memorial 20 goal in Florida in 2015,” says Remmy who started playing polo at the age of ten.

“I chose to play polo because of the unique opportunity it presents to work with horses everyday and meet people from all over the world. I was introduced to game by Mike Conant, former 7 goal player. My idols are all of the first generation polo players that are able to compete at the highest level. My parents are happy that I play polo, they encourage to do what makes me happy,” he says.

Peter Blake - Part of USA team for 9th Manipur Polo International 2015

Peter Blake is no stranger to the polo enthusiasts in Manipur. He was a member of the USPA team that visited Manipur in 2013 in the 7th Manipur Polo International. The tall man from Texas was the favourite of the huge crowd during the final match played between the USPA and the Manipur boys, which enthralled the local audience.