Young riders from Manipur shine at Haifa Polo Ground exhibition match

In a notable moment for Manipur’s equestrian community, six young riders from the state participated in an exhibition polo match held on March 24 at the Haifa Polo Ground.
The riders—Cadet Kedarnath and Cadet Luhenba from Kumbi, Cadet Abhijit from Yairipok, Cadet Priyobrata and Cadet Ruhit from Thoubal, and Cadet Kishorchand from Khurai—earned the opportunity to compete at the prestigious venue, widely regarded as one of the Indian Army’s premier equestrian centres.
The young players, trained under the guidance of the Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association, are currently undergoing advanced coaching at the Remount and Veterinary Corps School and College, where they are refining their skills in equestrian sport and polo.
In the exhibition match, the “Apex Riders” team featured Cadets Kedarnath and Luhenba alongside Army riders Dipak Singh and Samar Singh, while the “Gallant Riders” team included Cadets Abhijit and Priyobrata with Mangesh Galande and Prabhakar Singh. The match was officiated by Major ARS Warraich and Captain Prince Pal Singh.
The event was followed by the Gen Thimayya Cup later in the evening.
The Haifa Polo Ground derives its name from the historic Battle of Haifa, where Indian cavalry units displayed exceptional valour. Today, the ground continues to serve as a key venue for polo, equestrian training, and ceremonial events of the Indian Army.
Participation at such a venue is considered a major milestone, particularly for riders under the age of 16. The exposure to competitive play alongside experienced Army horsemen is expected to significantly contribute to their development and future prospects in the sport.
The performance of these young riders is seen as a promising sign for the future of Manipur’s rich polo and equestrian heritage.