10th Manipur International Polo tournament begins Efforts on to save Manipuri pony from extinction : CM
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 22 2016: Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh said that the State Government has formulated Manipuri Pony Policy to save Manipuri Pony from extinction and the Govt has been initiating steps for the establishment of one exclusive sanctuary for Manipuri Pony.

The Chief Minister was speaking as the chief guest of the inaugural function of the 10th Manipur Polo International 2016 at the historic Mapal Kangjeibung (Imphal Polo ground) being organised as a part of the Manipur Sangai Festival 2016 .

O Ibobi Singh continued that Manipur Government is initiating action to declare Manipuri Pony as one of the endangered breeds to be preserved for future generations in Manipur, India and the world.

He also said that Manipuri Pony is one of the five species of Ponies recognised by the Government of India.

10th Manipur International Polo tournament begins

Manipuri Pony is considered as the most sacred of all animals in Manipur which is connected with the religion, arts and culture, martial arts etc of the State.

He expressed his belief that the polo fraternity all over the world will surely appreciate the initiative of the State Government.

The Chief Minister further said that Sagol Kangjei which is now known as Polo has been played in Manipur since time immemorial.

"We are indebted to our forefathers who have handed down to us this game which has become a popular game of the present world," he said.

Wishing the foreign players and visitors a comfortable and memorable stay in Manipur, the Chief Minister also invited all the foreign polo teams as well as Indian polo teams to come again and join in the 11th edition of the tournament next year.

It may be mentioned that four foreign Polo teams from Australia, England, Kenya and USA and two Indian teams � India-A (representing Indian Polo Association) and India-B (Manipur) are taking part in this 10th edition of Manipur Polo International 2016 organised by Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association.

The Tournament will continue till Nov 29 .

The inaugural function was presided over by the Chairman Hill Areas Committee, Dr Chaltonlien Amo and attended by Education Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar, Chief Minister of Chin State of Myanmar U Salai Lian Luai and his Ministerial colleagues as guests of honour.

Earlier, Chief Minister took the salute of the march past of the participating teams and a cultural performance was also displayed by the Rhythms of Manipur.

In the opening match, India-B (Manipur) edged past Australia by a margin of seven goals to four.

T Pradip and P Ojit scored a goal each in the first chukker while S Bimol scored one each in the second and third chukker.

P Ojit struck twice in the third chukker.

M Jawan scored one for the home team in the last chukker.

The goals for Australia were scored by Jock Mackay (one each in the first and third chukker and two in the last chukker) .