The 35th edition of N Hazari and Dr N Tombi State Polo Tournament being organised by Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association kick-started today at Mapal Kangjeibung with a total of 34 teams participating in it.
The inaugural function of the tournament was graced by Rajen Singh, Deputy Chairman State Planning Board and Chairman Manipur Handloom and Handicraft Development Corporation Limited; H Dilip Singh, IAS Retd, president Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association and Dr Monika Naorem as presidium members.
The opening match of the knock-out tournament saw, Paradise Polo Club outlast Samadon Ayangba Polo Club by 8-5 margin.
Paradise Polo Club dominated the game right from the beginning and were leading 5-3 till the break as Samadon Ayangba Polo Club made a fight back in the second chukker after drawing nil in the opening chukker.
Paradise Club added three more goals in the 3rd chukker against their rivals’ two to make it 8-5 before both the teams drew blank in the last chukker.
K Samananda topscored for the winning side as he struck four goals alone, one each in first and the second chukker and two in the third while RK Purushmani added twice (1st and 2nd chukkers).
N Anand and N Philis also added a goal each for the winning side.
On the other hand, The goals for the losing side came from the mallets of Th Basanta (3) and S Abung (2) .
X Polo Club will meet K&MM Riding Club-B at 1 pm tomorrow in the next match before Chingkheihunba-B takes on IRC-B at 2 pm and Khurai Polo Club play Sun Polo Club latter at 3 pm .