1st Imphal East District Polo Tournament begins

Our Correspondent
Thoubal, Apr 4 :  The first edition of Imphal East District Polo Tournament organised jointly by Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association and New Vision Organisation kicked off at Yairipok Top Chingtha and Ningthounai Kangjeibung today.
The inaugural function of the tournament was attended by social worker, Lourembam Sanjoy Singh as the chief guest; Dr S Joykumar, advisor to the Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association as functional president; Dr Maibam Rajendra Singh, advisor to the New Vision Organisation, Yairipok Top Chingtha as guest of honour among others.
The opening match of the tournament on the other hand, saw Chingkheihunba Polo Club-C, Kongpal edge out ESC-A, Nongmeibung by 3-2 goals.
H Shanjoy found the opener early when the match was not even a minute old to give ESC-A a 1-0 first chukker lead. Th Johnson of the Nongmeibung team however cancelled out the lead with a  fine hit in the opening minute of the second chukker.
The competition grew as ESC-A managed to overturn the lead in the third minute of the third chukker with T Oranta finding the target before H Shanjoy scored his second and made it 2-2 till the end of the third chukker.
It was an end to end affair in the final chukker with both sides struggling to capitalise on chances until N Sadananda rode through ESC's half and chipped in the winner 5.22 minutes into the chukker.
Despite effort, ESC-A failed to make a comeback and Chingkheihunba PC-C sealed the game 3-2 to set up a last 8 round date with X-Fitness Polo Club on April 6.
Chingkheihunba Polo Club-B will play Kangleipak Polo Club, Laipham Khunou in the next match tomorrow in a pre-quarter final clash before New Vision Organisation play Ibudhou Marjing Kh K Lup in a similar match.