Our Correspondent
Imphal, Jan. 17 (EMN): Argentina and Canada defeated their respective rival teams on the opening day of the 4th edition of the Manipur Statehood Day Women’s Polo Tournament 2019, which began on January 17 at Mapal Kangjeibung, oldest living polo ground in the world.
The tournament, which would continue till January 21, is being organised by All Manipur Polo Association (AMPA) under the sponsorship of the Department of Tourism.
Canada trounced Indian Polo Association (IPA-India) by 7-4 goals in the first match of the tournament, which was participated by four foreign countries such as USA, Kenya, Canada and Argentina besides two other domestic teams – IPA-India and IPA-Manipur. In the second match of the day, Argentina beat host IPA-Manipur team by a margin of 5-3 goals.
Manipur consumers affairs food and public distribution, and revenue minister, Karam Shyam; AMPA president Dr. K Saratchandra Singh; chief Secretary Dr. Suresh Babu; secretary of tourism Nidhi Kesarwani; and director of tourism W Ibohal Singh attended inaugural function.
Speaking on the occasion, Karam Shyam recalled that even though the movement to take part in polo by the Manipuri women sowed seeds since 1989, only a few women actually participated in the game for the first time in 1993.
He has urged AMPA to encourage female participation in the game of polo in large number in correspondence to the male counterparts. Appreciating the Manipuri women for their ability to work hard and excel in diverse fields including social issues, the minister has assured all possible help.
Dr. K Saratchandra informed that AMPA is looking forward to have more women polo players in Manipur adding that plan is in the pipeline to impart training to them.
Lalit Kala Sangam presented a traditional programme comprising of various musical instruments like sitar, guitar, pena and tabla.
