Our Correspondent
Imphal, Nov. 27 (EMN): Defending champion, India (B) Manipur will take on England in the final of 12th Manipur Polo International, 2018. The final match will be played on Nov. 29 at Imphal Polo ground – Mapal Kangjeibung. In the last two league round matches played today, India (B) Manipur beat Uruguay by 5-3 goals while in the second match England entered final by 7 points. England and USA scored 3 goals each. But in overall point tally, England scored 7 points leaving behind USA and entered final of the tournament.
Altogether five teams comprising India (A) representing Indian Polo Association, India (B) representing Manipur, England, USA and Uruguay have been participating in the tournament which began on Nov. 22. The tournament being organised by the Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association every year as a part of Manipur Sangai Festival will conclude on Nov. 29.
Deputy Chief Minister YumnamJoykumar Singh while attending the match said, the game of polo which originated in Manipur has now become an interesting game throughout the world. He said, many countries in the world have been playing this game and it is an immense pleasure that this game has been an interesting event in the field of sports nowadays. He further said, the game of polo has been associating with Manipur from ancient times and even it was associated with folklore of Manipur. It is important to know that this game is played only with indigenous Manipuri Horse – Pony from ancient times.
JoykumarSingh stated that Pony was not only associated with Polo, but it had a great role in war times in the ancient kingdom of Manipur. Therefore, conservation and steps to protect this animal has become an important aspect and the state government has also been working on it, he added. Deputy chief minister lauded all the teams and wished them to enjoy the game.
