15th Manipur International Polo Tournament underway

OSR/DIPR
Imphal, Nov 22 : The 15th Manipur International Polo Tournament organised by the Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association kick-started today at Imphal’s iconic Mapal Kangjeibung.
The tournament was formally opened in the presence of Puneet Kumar Goel, Chief Secretary; H Deleep Singh president, MHRPA and Dr Shailesh Kumar Chaurasia, CEO as presidium members.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Secretary welcomed all the dignitaries, international teams, and local polo associations for the tournament to be held at Mapal Kangjeibung, the world’s oldest living polo ground.
Highlighting Manipur as the birthplace of polo (Sagol Kangjei), he emphasized the sport’s deep cultural significance to the State.
Notably, the 5-team tournament aims to preserve Manipur’s polo heritage, promote the indigenous Manipuri pony, and foster international collaboration.
Dr Puneet also outlined the Government plans to popularize polo by improving infrastructure, bringing in international coaches, and hosting more global events, in coordination with the Tourism Department, DIPR, and the Ministry of DONER.
The Chief Secretary also thanked the organizers and expressed hope for a successful tournament that upholds polo’s enduring spirit.
The seven-day-long tournament will offer thrilling moments for all horse polo enthusiasts with the grand finale scheduled on November 29.
International and national teams including players from the USA, Colombia, India A (Indian Polo Association), India B (Manipur) and India C (Chhattisgarh) will showcase their expertise, talent, skill, and tactical brilliance as they compete for the championship title and the coveted winning trophy.
The opening match featured a thrilling contest between the USA Polo Team and the Colombia Polo Team where Colombia emerged victorious by 6-4 goals, setting an exciting tone for the tournament.
Columbia had a dominating start and led the first chukker by 3-1 goals courtesy of goals coming from Alejandro Puyana (twice) and Federico Puyano (once) while Elizabeth scored the only goal for the US. Both teams drew nil in the second chukker before Zackary Coleman twice for US in a bid to set up a comeback in the opening part of the third chukker. Federico Puyano however made sure that Colombia enjoyed a 2-goal advantage by scoring twice.
The fourth and the final chukker saw Daniel Coleman adding one more goal for US before Alejandro Puyana replied for Colombia to seal the game 6-4.
India C (Chhattisgarh) will play India B (Manipur) in the next match tomorrow before Columbia take on India A (IPA) later in the day.