Imphal, Jan. 21 (EMN): Kenya polo team defeated USA by 5-4 goals in the final match to lift the 3rd Manipur Statehood Day Women’s Polo Tournament organised by the All Manipur Polo Association and sponsored by Department of Tourism, Government of Manipur at Mapal Kangjeibung, the oldest polo ground in the world in Imphal on Sunday. The closing ceremony was attended by the Governor of Manipur Dr Najma Heptulla, President, All Manipur Polo Association Dr K Saratchandra Singh and Chairman,Tourism Corporation of Manipur Ltd. Dr Sapam Ranjan as the chief guest, president and guest of honour.
Speaking as the chief guest, Governor Dr. Najma Heptulla said, she considered it her good fortune to be a part of the Women’s Polo Tournament and what is undoubtedly exhilarating and awe inspiring is that the game is being played at Mapal Kangjeibung which is considered the oldest living polo ground in the world.
She further said that Manipur is well-known as the birthplace of the game of polo. It had its origin in the traditional Manipuri Polo – ‘Sagol Kangjei’ and the game has evolved from the traditional to the modern form of Polo over the years. Polo or Sagol Kangjei as played in Manipur those days had its own rules known as Kangjeirol. These rules have undergone drastic changes since then and the game is now played under the IPA rules.
The polo pony of Manipur, a recognised breed of India, though small, is sturdy and agile. These ponies are even now, literally semi-wild and there is tremendous pressure on them as the traditional grazing ground has shrunk. Renewed efforts need to be made to save this breed from extinction. I hope this tournament will help in highlighting this issue and lead to a more concerted effort to save the animal.
The Polo tournament which began on Jan. 17 was participated by six teams including USA, Australia, Kenya, Indian Polo Association and two team representing Manipur.
