After a gap of two years, the Manipur Horse Riding & Polo Association (MHRPA) is organising the 15th Manipur Polo International from November 22 to November 29 at Mapal Kangjeibung, informed Prof. Ch. Priyoranjan, Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Manipur Polo International, at a press meet held at Uripok Ningthoukhongjam Leikai today.
Colombia and the United States have confirmed their participation in the tournament, while Spain and Italy are likely to join if circumstances permit. Along with these teams, the India Polo Association (IPA) will also be sending a team (India A), while a team from Chhattisgarh and the Manipur team (India B) will complete the final lineup.
The MHRPA organised the first international tournament in 1991, and the 15th edition of the Manipur Polo International will unfold in the coming days. Over the years, the tournament has gained immense popularity and has consistently drawn packed stands at Mapal Kangjeibung, with spectators cheering the teams—particularly the local players—with great enthusiasm.
For foreign players participating in the tournament, the Manipur Polo International is not just about competition but also a pilgrimage to the birthplace of the sport—Sagol Kangjei—which later evolved into modern polo and was propagated worldwide by the British.
The tournament has significantly popularised polo among the youth of Manipur, with a substantial number taking up the sport, stated Prof. Ch. Chittaranjan during the press meet. Today, even by a conservative estimate, the state has over 200 polo players. Importantly, the tournament has also become a symbol of the urgent need to save the Manipur Pony, the original mount of the game.
The tournament has provided a valuable platform for local players to showcase their skills, drawing attention from various organisations. Many establishments have since recognised their talent and offered employment opportunities. Currently, several polo players are employed with the Veterinary Department, Manipur Police and the Assam Rifles.
The MHRPA appealed to all to support the tournament, the effort to popularise polo, and the core initiative to conserve the Manipur Pony. Despite challenges in the past, the conservation effort is taking a positive turn with various initiatives of the Government of Manipur, including the Polo Policy of 2016. Through this tournament and others such as the N. Hazari, the Governor’s Cup and district-level tournaments, MHRPA remains committed to promoting the sport while maintaining a strong focus on saving the Manipur Pony.
Chairman (Technical Committee) Ningthoukhongjam Bedajeet Singh, Chairman (Media Committee) N. Tombi Raj and President (Manipur Equestrian Association) Col. L. Manongba (Retd.) also attended the press conference.