Imphal East District Polo Association lifted the Champion title of the Men's category of second Manipur Olympic Games 2022 played at Hafta Kangjeibung, Imphal East.
The Imphal East riders faced stiff challenge from Thoubal District Polo Association in the final moment as they rubbed shoulder to shoulder till the fourth chukker with 3-3 goals, needing the fifth chukker to decide the winner and Imphal East rider ultimately prevailed with 4-3 goals, to lay their hands on the title.
Thoubal District rider put up good gallops in the first chukker with H Kuber and skipper P Ojit Singh fetching a goal each for the lead. However, in the second chukker, Imphal East gathered their momentum with skipper Th Ranjit and L Atangba fetching the equaliser to level 2-2 goals.
With the third chukker failing to produce any goal, both teams made some challenging moves and Imphal East rider Th Kaoba found the target right to bring up the fourth goal. But Thoubal skipper P Ojit fought back gallantly and got the equaliser.
Needing the fifth chukker for the golden goal, Imphal East wasted no time as Th Kaoba smacked home a powerful drive to bring joy to his teammates for the victory today.
The third place of the meet was claimed by Imphal West District Polo Association beating Kakching District Polo Association by 10-1 goals.
Former Union Minister Th Chaoba Singh along with director Tourism W Ibohal Singh and All Manipur Polo Association president K Sharatchandra Singh distributed medals and trophies.
