Governor Anusuiya Uikey lauds women’s polo players in Manipur

Last Updated on March 5, 2023 by SPN Editor

Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey lauded the participation of women in Polo and mentioned that many women polo players from Manipur have excelled in this discipline in the country. She expressed confidence that women polo players would bring laurels to the state in the future.

Uikey has emphasized that the sport of polo, which is deeply rooted in the history and culture of Manipur, must be nurtured and developed in order to gain worldwide recognition.

During the closing ceremony of the 30th Governor’s Cup Invitation Polo Tournament and the 19th Governor’s Cup Women’s Polo Tournament held at Imphal Pologround, Governor Anusuiya Uikey stated that polo is a sport that demands a high level of discipline, and it offers ample opportunities for players to showcase their skills and learn the value of discipline.

She also noted that the players’ drive for success and excellence has become an integral part of the game.

Furthermore, Governor Anusuiya Uikey stressed the importance of proper maintenance and care for the ponies that play an equal part in the game. The state government has established a Pony Sanctuary at Heingang near the temple of Ibudhou Marjing in Imphal East district to preserve this rare species. The governor urged pony owners to keep their animals in the sanctuary and not let them be let go them roam on the roads.

Governor Anusuiya acknowledged that although Manipur is known as the powerhouse of sports in the country, Manipuri Polo has yet to gain momentum on the national scene.

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She pointed out that present-day polo originated from the traditional Manipuri Polo – Sagol Kangjei. Manipur Polo International is the only tournament of its kind approved by the Indian Polo Association that is played on ponies. It is also unique in that it is played at the oldest pologround in the world, Mapal Kangjeibung or Imphal Pologround.

Governor Anusuiya Uikey congratulated the Manipur Horse Riding & Polo Association for organizing the tournament and the winning teams and all other participating teams in the game. She announced that the cash amount given to the winners of the tournament would be increased to Rs 1.5 lakh from the next year.

During the final match of the 30th Governor’s Cup Invitation Polo Tournament played on Saturday, X-Polo Club emerged victorious, beating Manipur Police Polo Team with a 9-4 goal margin, while Imphal Riding Club (IRC) dominated Chingkhei Hun-ba Polo Club (CHPC) with a score of 10-2, securing the title of the 19th Governor’s Cup Women’s Polo Tournament.

The closing ceremony was attended by Education Minister Th Basantakumar Singh, Manipuri Pony Society Honorary President Prof Ch Priyoranjan Singh, officials, and players.