Manipur Governor says Polo tournament is the major attraction of the Sangai festival
12th Manipur Polo International, 2018 concludes
Source: IT News

Imphal, November 29 2018: The 12th Manipur Polo International which was organised as a part of the Sangai Festival concluded today.

Governor of Manipur Dr.Najma Heptulla who attended the closing function as the Chief Guest while speaking on the occasion said that the tournament organised by the Manipur Horse Riding & Polo Association as a part of the Sangai festival is the has been the major attraction of the Festival.

"This tournament organized by the Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association as a part of the Sangai Festival, 2018 has obviously been a major attraction in the festival", Dr.Hetulla said while delivering speech on the occasion at Mapal Kangjeibung.

She said that the Sangai Festival as such is a collage of the rich culture and traditions of the people of the State, showcasing our diverse cultural heritage through different forms.

A Polo game in progress :: Pix - Shankar Khangembam

The polo tournament has added a different flavor to the festival and it has been made grander by the participation of the foreign teams and players.

This year, foreign teams from US, England and Uruguay have participated in the tournament.

I am sure the presence of these foreign teams and players will give fresh impetus to the popularity of the game.

I hope the participants in the tournament especially our friends from other countries have enjoyed fully the heady blend of the game and culture in the State.

She added that, the game of polo originated from Manipur and the present day Polo evolved from the traditional Manipuri Polo - Sagol Kangjei.

Polo as played in Manipur in the bygone days had its own rules known as Kangjeirol.

These rules have undergone drastic changes since then and the game is now played under the IPA rules.

You will find it interesting that the Manipur Polo International, a tournament approved by the Indian Polo Association is the only one of its kind played on pony.

The tournament is unique not only because it is played on Manipuri pony but it is also played at the historic oldest Pologround in the world - Mapal Kangjeibung or Imphal Pologround.

"No doubt Manipur has given polo to the world and besides encouraging Tourism and Sports, saving the polo pony is also another objective of this tournament.

The polo pony of Manipur, a recognized breed of India, though small, is sturdy and agile.

Renewed efforts need to be made to save this breed from extinction.

I hope this tournament will help in highlighting this issue and lead to a more concerted effort to save the animal.

It is very encouraging that the State Government of Manipur has taken the initiative to establish a Pony Sanctuary at Heingang, Imphal East District and a Pony Breeding Farm at Lamphel, Imphal West District.

I hope this endeavour of the State Government will pay rich dividends towards saving the Manipuri pony", she added.

Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly Y.Khemchand Singh, MLA P.Sharatchandra also attended as dignitaries on the dais of the closing function.