Governor opens 7th Manipur Women’s International Polo Tournament 2026

OSR/DIPR
Imphal, Jan 28 : Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and the First Lady Jyoti Bhalla graced the opening ceremony of the 7th Manipur Women’s International Polo Tournament 2026 held today at Mapal Kangjeibung, Imphal Polo Ground.
The Governor unfurled the flag of the All Manipur Polo Association (AMPA) and formally inaugurated the tournament.
In his address, the Governor stated that Manipur is the birthplace of Sagol Kangjei, the original and living form of modern polo, and that the game is an inseparable part of the State’s cultural heritage and identity.
He emphasised that the promotion of polo must go hand in hand with the welfare of the Manipuri Pony, protection of grazing grounds, and conservation of historic polo grounds.
Highlighting the significance of the Women’s International Polo Tournament, he noted that the event reflects a strong commitment to women empowerment through sports and sends a powerful message of confidence, leadership, and excellence.
 Vivek Kumar Dewangan, Additional Chief Secretary; Maj Gen Ravroop Singh, Inspector General, Assam Rifles (South); and Dr Konsam Saratchandra Singh, president, All Manipur Polo Association also attended the opening ceremony among others.
Teams from South Africa, Zambia, India Team A (Indian Polo Association) and India Team B (Manipur), are participating in the tournament.
The opening match of the 4-team tournament witnessed India Team-B trouncing India Team A by 11-3 goals.
Thoudam Tanna and Oinam Veronica led the scoring for India Team-B today adding three goals apiece as Sanajana Sanjula Manna scored twice for the losing side.
India Team-B led the first chukker 4-1 as Moirangthem Bijenti opened the scoring 43 seconds into the game before Tanna scored two goals back to back in the second and the third minutes and Khundongbam Deventy scored one 31 seconds past the 6th minute. Sanjana Sanjula Mann scored the lone goal of the chukker in the 5th minute.
The second chukker saw Tanna and Veronica scoring a goal apiece to make it 6-1 before Shivangi Singh scored the second goal for India Team-A 5 seconds away from the end of the chukker.
Moirangthem Bijenti, Deventy and Veronica then added a goal apiece for the winners in the third chukker that also saw Sanjana Sanjula Mann scoring her second and her team’s final.
Bijenti and Veronica then scored a goal apiece in the final chukker to earn India Team-B the 11-3 win.
Zambia will play India Team-B in the next match (first ground) tomorrow before South Africa play India Team-A in the third match (second ground).
Top two teams after the round robin league will earn the final tickets.