Ibudhou Pakhangba Polo Club register 8–1 win as 4th Chittamohini State Women’s Polo Cup commences

By Our Staff Reporter
Imphal, Feb  16 :  Ibudhou Pakhangba Polo Club delivered a commanding performance to defeat Manipur Police Sports Club 8–1 in the opening match of the 4th Chittamohini State Women’s Polo Cup 2026 at the historic Imphal Polo Ground today.
Organised under the aegis of the Manipur Horse Riding & Polo Association (MHRPA), the tournament commenced with Ibudhou Pakhangba Polo Club (yellow jerseys) taking on Manipur Police Sports Club (red jerseys).
Ibudhou Pakhangba PC asserted early dominance in the first chukker, scoring three unanswered goals, two from Y Ranjita and one from S Ngounu, while keeping their opponents at bay. Their attacking unit displayed sharp coordination, efficient ball distribution, and clinical finishing, while the defence maintained tight marking to deny Manipur Police any clear scoring opportunities.
The second chukker saw Ibudhou Pakhangba PC extend their lead to 4–0 with another well-executed goal from Felicea. Manipur Police attempted to reorganise their midfield and mount counter-attacks, but their advances were consistently neutralised.
In the third chukker, Ibudhou Pakhangba PC found another goal through Shira to make it 5–0. Superior ball control, disciplined riding, and effective tactical spacing continued to expose gaps in the opposition’s defence.
 Ibudhou Pakhangba PCC added three more goals, demonstrating superior stamina and finishing ability in the fourth chukker as Ngounu had her second and third goal and Y Ranjita scored in between.
Manipur Police Sports Club managed a consolation goal, through S Leiyon but it had little impact on the overall outcome. At the final whistle, the score stood at 8–1 in favour of Ibudhou Pakhangba Polo Club.
The match was officiated by mounted umpires Kh  Kakeshwar and Kh Chandrakumar. K Dhiren Singh served as the scorer, while S Umananda Sharma handled timekeeping duties.
The opening match was preceded by a formal inaugural function attended by  retired Principal of DM College of Arts (DMU) Prof Chungkham Sheelaramani as chief guest and retired Associate Professor N Radhapyari Devi as guest of honour.
Speaking as chief guest, Chungkham Sheelaramani stated that Sagol Kangjei (polo) embodies the intrinsic values of Manipuri civilization. She said the women’s polo tournament reflects the inner strength and identity of Manipuri women.
She further remarked that the people of Manipur must recognise their strength and capabilities and called for a collective movement to preserve and promote the State’s cultural, sporting, and martial heritage.
Emphasising that polo originated in Manipur, she described the game as a source of pride for the people of the State. She observed that the sport and the management of polo grounds reflect the civilisational ethos of Manipur in the global arena, as noted by renowned scholars.
She added that polo and other indigenous games contribute significantly to the overall development of society. According to her, the disciplined practice of these traditional games historically enabled the people of Manipur to defend their land and preserve their culture.
She also pointed out that such sporting traditions fostered friendly ties with other Asiatic powers in earlier times.
Narrating the historical contributions of Manipuri women from both royal and common backgrounds, she highlighted their participation in polity, cultural exchange, sports, and even military affairs as part of cavalry units in earlier eras.
She stressed that tournaments of this nature should be organised regularly to encourage women polo players and announced her donation towards the Best Player award of the tournament.
Hawaibam Deleep, president of the Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association (MHRPA), said that MHRPA members work voluntarily to sustain the movement to save the indigenous Manipuri pony and popularise the game of polo. He noted that various initiatives are being undertaken with the support of individuals and organisations committed to preserving the sport.
He stated that the present tournament is sponsored by Ningthoukhongjam Chittamohini of Uripok, who has extended support to promote women’s polo in the State. While observing that there is no shortage of men’s polo players, he pointed out that women’s polo teams remain comparatively few. He appealed to the public to continue supporting efforts to protect the Manipuri pony and promote the game of polo.
The tournament, organised on a knockout basis, features five teams. The semi-final matches will be played tomorrow between Imphal Riding Club and Ibudhou Pakhangba Polo Club, and Assam Rifles Women’s Polo Team and Chingkheihunba Polo Club. (with inputs from Manipur Mail release)