Manipur Polo International, Shumang Leela underway
Polo Grounds in Imphal East/West, Thoubal, Bishnupur soon: CM Biren
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 22 2022: Chief minister N Biren said that the government would soon be developing polo grounds in Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal and Bishnupur districts to ensure these districts have adequate infrastructure and facilities to host tournaments and enhance skills of the players.

Inaugurating the 14th Manipur Polo International at Mapal Kangjeibung here on Tuesday, Biren said that Manipur Polo International is hosted every year to allow polo lovers everywhere to come and play the game at its place of origin.

While regretting that some foreign teams are not able to participate in this year's tournament due to last minute issues and travel advisories issued by their countries, he said the state and its people will miss them but respect their spirit for the game.

Elaborating about the reason behind using Manipuri ponies for the tournament, the CM said that the government is ensuring use of Manipuri pony, the original polo pony, with the objective to raise awareness about the 'Save the Pony' campaign to the global stage.

It has been over 30 years since the state hosted the first Manipur Polo International.

Polo players of different countries from across five continents have been visiting the state since 1991 and their presence in the state has been motivating the youth leading to increase in the number of polo players here.

State players are becoming international professional players in the past few years and the standard of the game in Manipur is fast improving, he said and expressed confidence that more players from the state would make a mark in the international stage with the right opportunity and facilities.

Altogether 32 local polo teams are now participating in the state level tournaments, he added.

Speaking about the government's plan to develop polo grounds in four valley districts, the CM said that these polo grounds will help in promoting more players and improving the standard of the game.

At the same time, promoting Pana Sagol Kangjei, the indigenous game from which Polo was adapted, among the international players will also give the international guests the unique experience of playing polo just as the Manipuri forefathers did, he opined.

CM Biren also said that the government started '1st Chief Minister's Sagol Kangjei Championship' at Manung Kangjeibung or Inner Polo Ground located inside Kangla fort and added: "We believe this traditional polo tournament will keep the links between modern and traditional polo".

He also informed that the government had honoured Huidrom Achabi for her efforts and dedication in promoting Polo, Pana Sagol Kangjei, producing international players and breeding Manipuri pony.

The government remains indebted to the people who care for polo and Manipur Pony, he added.

Further highlighting pony conservation measures taken up in the state, the CM said that the state government is developing a Tony Reserve' and also helping the Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association in developing a 'Polo and Pony Complex' spread over 31 acre land provided by the government.

He also highlighted the introduction of 'Sagol Gi Police' (Mounted Police Force) as part of 'Save the Pony' campaign.

He further observed that conserving Manipur pony can be sustainable only if there is a Polo Tourism Policy and for this the state government has made Manipur Polo International an integral part of the annual international 'Manipur Sangai Festival', which is the biggest tourism festival of the state, YAS minister Govindas Konthoujam presided over the function while transport minister Khasim Vashum and MANIDCO chairperson K Robindro attended as guests of honour.

The 14th edition of Manipur Polo International is being participated by five teams including two international teams.

The opening match was played between UK and Indian Navy, in which UK defeated Indian Navy by 16-0 points.

Later in the day, Rajya Sabha MP and titular king of Manipur Leishemba Sanajaoba inaugurated the International Shumang Leela Festival-2022, which is being organised as part of the Manipur Sangai Festival, at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound, here.

The Festival is being organised by Manipur State Shumang Leela Council and will be held till November 29.The inaugural function was attended by MP Sanajaoba as chief guest and Manipur University of Culture VC Prof P Gunindro as president; while Council president M Punimashi and Manipur State Cooperative Union chairman Tompishak were present as guests of honour.

In his speech, MP Leishemba Sanajaoba said that under the aegis of CM N Biren, the Manipur Sangai Festival is being organised with the objective of spreading the art and culture of the state across the world.

As part of this 'Festival of Oneness', the International Shumang Leela Festival is also being organised.

Stating that Manipur can become fully developed once the art and culture, games and sports and tourism sectors are developed, the MP noted that Manipuri theatre, which has undergone many changes, is now one of the many art forms loved by the people.

Delivering the presidential speech, Prof P Gunindro said that folk and traditional theatre of Manipur came into being during the reign of Meidingu Chandrakirti.

However, the art forms have braved through many changes.

Shumang Leela, which came to the light in 1961-62, plays an important role in contemporary society, helping to solve many social issues and guiding the people onto the right path.

Thus, it is imperative to encourage the development of this art form, he contended and wished it to become more successful in the coming years.

As part of the inaugural function, the dignitaries also released a souvenir.

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