The 15th Manipur International Polo Tournament kicked off on Saturday at Imphal’s historic Mapal Kangjeibung polo ground, a venue celebrated as one of the oldest of its kind. The event, run by the Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association, drew international teams from the United States, Colombia, and three Indian contingents—India A (Indian Polo Association), India B (Manipur), and India C (Chhattisgarh). They are set to display their skills and strategy while vying for the championship trophy.
The opening ceremony attracted a mixed crowd of thousands, including many women fans, all gathered to watch the first match of the week-long competition. Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel welcomed dignitaries, foreign squads, and local polo bodies, emphasizing Manipur’s role as the birthplace of polo—known locally as Sagol Kangjei—and its deep cultural roots. “The tournament aims to preserve Manipur’s polo heritage, promote the indigenous Manipuri pony, and foster international collaboration,” Goel remarked, outlining plans to boost polo through better facilities, international coaching, and more global events in partnership with tourism and development ministries.
The opening game featured a spirited clash between the U.S. and Colombian teams, with Colombia securing a 6‑4 win to set an exciting tone. The seven‑day tournament will continue through November 27, culminating in a grand finale on November 29. Retired IAS officer H. Deleep Singh, president of the association, and Commissioner Shailesh Kumar Chaurasia attended as president and guest of honour, respectively.
The polo tournament ran concurrently with Manipur’s annual Sangai Tourism Festival, a ten‑day event starting November 21 aimed at boosting local tourism. Both tournaments celebrate two of Manipur’s endangered species—the Manipuri pony and the Sangai deer, the state’s critically endangered antlered deer found in Keibul Lamjao National Park.
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