Eighth Edition of Manipur Polo International Tournament kicks off
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, November 22 2014 : Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh opened the 8th edition of 'Manipur Polo International 2014' here at Mapal Kangjeibung, which is known as the oldest Polo ground in the world here today.

Teams from Poland, Thailand, United Sates, South Africa, England, Mongolia and France are participating in the international event which is held every year as part of the Manipur Sangai Festival, the biggest tourism festival of the state.

Two Indian teams along with seven foreign teams are taking part in the tournament.

The competition ends on November 29 .

On the occasion, Chief Minister Ibobi said the modern game of polo, known as "Sagol Kangjei" in Manipur, is now played throughout the world, and that the world has accepted that the game originated from Manipur.

Eighth Edition of Manipur Polo International Tournament kicks off

He said the Manipur Government has been taking steps to preserve the Manipuri "ponies" by establishing a Pony Sanctuary at Heingang in Imphal West.

The Chief Minister said his Government has also taken a huge site at Lamphelpat to protect pony.

Ibobi expressed gratitude to all the participating countries at the 2014 edition of Manipur Polo International organised by Manipur Horse Riding & Polo Association.

The opening ceremony of the tournament kicked off with a traditional gift exchange programme.

The tournament is being organised to commemorate the 150th year of historic event where the then British Army Officer Lt Joseph Ford Sherer had taken one Manipuri Polo Team to Calcutta (now Kolkata) on January 30, 1864 for an exhibition match for the first time.

After a warm welcome with blowing of conch, all the participating teams took out a march past.

It was followed by a theme song based on Manipur 'Sagol Kangjei' and Manipur Pony by Mangka Mayanglambam.

All the nine captains holding their respective nations'' flags joined the oath taking ceremony.

Renowned international polo player, T Pradeepkumar took the oath representing all the participating teams.

In the first match of the tournament, South Africa defeated France by 7-4 goals.

Manipur Chief Minister, O Ibobi; Chairman Hill Areas Committee, Dr Chaltonlien Amo; Lok Sabha MP, Dr Th Meinya, Parliamentary Secretary (YAS/TSM), Mairembam Prithviraj; MLA Heingang A/C, N Biren; MLA Khangabok A/C, O Landhoni Devi; Ms Susan Ailsa Letitia Booth graced the opening function as chief guest, president and guests of honour.

General Manger SBI, Network-II, Guwahati, Panna Lal Das also attended the function as special invitee.

In the first match tomorrow, USA will take on Mongolia.

In second the match, France will face Thailand and Poland will fight India-B (Manipur) in the third match.

The knockout stage of the tournament will begin on November 25 .

Panna Lal Das, General Manager, SBI Network-II, Guwahati contributed Rs 12 lakh for the polo tournament during the function.