Kenya emerge champions of 3rd Manipur Statehood Day Women's Polo Tournament
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 01 2018:
Kenya defeated USA 5-4 in a hard fought match to win the 3rd Manipur Statehood Day Women's Polo Tournament which began on January 17 at Mapal Kangjeibung, Imphal.
The tournament which featured 6 teams including USA, Kenya, Australia and 3 teams from India (Manipur-2 and IPA) was organised by All Manipur Polo Association under the sponsorship of Department of Tourism, Government of Manipur.
The USA side got off to a dominant start, taking control of the first chukker with a 2-0 lead.
Marissa Wells took honour to score the brace, the first one in the 3.30th minute and the other in the 6.45th minute.
Marissa well struck her third goal in the 1.45th minute of the second chukker to further extend the lead but Tiva Gross of Kenya added two goals back to back in the same minute and reduce the gap to just one goal making it 3-2 .
Star of the day, Marissa Wells came up with her last goal of the day in the middle of the third chukker and posted a total of 4 goals.
Imogen Voorspuy was the lone scorer in the third chukker with her goal coming in the 6.40th minute.
The last chukker was in full control of the Kenyans and eventually pumped in two goals which handed them the tournament title.
Nikki Barlow found the equaliser in the 1.10th minute and locked the score at 4-4 for a while.
Both teams were eagerly trying to add on but it was Kaila Millar who fetched the winner and turned the table towards Kenya in the 4.60th minute.
The USA side also tried to level the score but their efforts went abegging handing the Kenyan side a narrow 5-4 victory.
The closing ceremony of the tournament was graced by Governor of Manipur, Dr Najma Heptulla, Dr K Saratchandra Singh, president, All Manipur Polo Association and Dr Sapam Ranjan, Chairman, Tourism Corporation of Manipur Ltd as chief guest, functional president and guest of honour who also gave away prizes to the winners and runners up and other participating team.
Surprisingly, the winners, Kenya and the runners up, USA donated the prize money they recieved to All Manipur Polo Association which play a big role in conserving Manipuri pony in the State.
Animakhai of X-Polo and Lamdanba of Nambul Mapal Polo Club was named best ponies of this tournament.