Manipur governor attend closing ceremony of polo tournament in Imphal

Our Correspondent

Imphal, March 19 (EMN): The Manipuri pony is facing a serious challenge to its existence and it is very distressing to see the condition of the ponies standing on the roads without anybody looking after them.

Manipur Governor Dr. Najma Heptulla said this during the closing ceremony of the 29th Governor’s Cup Invitation Polo Tournament and the 18th Governor’s Cup Women’s Polo Tournament at Imphal Polo ground on Tue. March 19.

Stating that food poisoning and road accidents are often found to be the main reason for the death of the ponies, Heptulla said, the concerted effort by all stakeholders is the need of the hour to save this breed.

Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association (MHRPA) organised the game of polo to save the Manipuri pony and to popularise the game of polo besides promoting tourism. Manipur gave the world the popular indigenous game called ‘Sagol Kangjei’ which is now known as polo all over the world. Polo is the pride of the state and it is definitely something to be proud of for every Manipuri.

Heptulla announced financial assistance of an amount of INR 1 lakh from the

governor’s discretionary fund to the organisers.

Later, trophies and cash prizes were distributed to the winners and runners-up of the tournament by the chief guest and dignitaries. Winners and runners-up of the 29th Governor’s Cup Invitation Polo Tournament, received trophy and cash prize of INR 50,000 and INR 30,000 while, the winners and runners-up of the 18th Governor’s Cup Women’s Polo Tournament, received a trophy and cash prize of INR 20,000 and INR 15,000 respectively.

As part of tournament, two veteran polo players of the state, Y Jilla Singh and Ksh Joykumar Singh were also honoured with cash incentive award of INR 10,000 each.

This year’s winner’s title was bagged by X Polo Club and Imphal Raising Club.