Governor Anusuiya pitches for nurturing polo
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 04 2023: Governor Anusuiya Uikey has said that polo is associated with the history and culture of Manipur and this has to be nurtured and developed so as to make it popular in the world.

Speaking at the closing function of 30th Governor's Cup Invitation Polo Tournament & 19th Governor's Cup Women's Polo Tournament, 2023, held at Imphal Pologround, here, on Saturday, Governor Anusuiya observed that polo is a highly disciplined sport and there is ample scope to showcase talent and learn the spirit of discipline.

Player's passion for success and pursuit of excellence has become an integral part of the game, she added.

The Governor continued that since ponies are equal partner of player in this particular game, their upkeep and proper maintenance need to be reiterated.

The state government has already established a Pony Sanctuary at Heingang near the temple of Lord Marjing in Imphal East district.

It is indeed a good step to preserve this rare species, she said, while appealing to the pony owners to keep their ponies in the sanctuary and not allow them to roam on the road.

"Manipur, though a relatively small state, is indeed popularly known as the power house of sports of the country.

But, Manipuri Polo is yet to gain momentum on the national scene," Anusuiya Uikey noted.

The Governor pointed out that the present day polo originated from the traditional Manipuri Polo - Sagol Kangjei.

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 oldest pologround in the world - Mapal Kangjeibung or Imphal Pologround, she conveyed.

Lauding the participation of women in Polo, the Governor mentioned that the state has produced many women polo players who have excelled in this discipline in the country.

She expressed confidence that women polo players will be able to bring laurels for the state in future.

She congratulated the Manipur Horse Riding & Polo Association for their initiative in organising the tournament.

She also congratulated the winning teams and all other participating teams in the tournament.

The Governor also announced that the cash amount given to the winners of the tournament will be increased to Rs 1.5 lakh from next year.

She also handed over the trophy and cash award to the winners of the tournament.

In the final match of the 30th Governor's Cup Invitation Polo Tournament played on Saturday, X-Polo Club beat Manipur Police Polo Team by 9-4 goal margin as Imphal Riding Club (IRC) hammered Chingkhei Hun-ba Polo Club (CHPC) 10-2 to wrest the title of the 19th Governor's Cup Women's Polo Tournament.

Education minister Th Basantakumar Singh, Manipuri Pony Society honorary president Prof Ch Priyoranjan Singh, officials, players also attended the closing function.

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