She highlighted the various physiological and spiritual benefits of the polo sport and stated that the state government has already established a Pony Sanctuary at Heingang near the temple of Lord Marjing in the Imphal East district which is a commendable step to preserve the rare species pony, it added.

She mentioned that although Manipur is popularly known as the powerhouse of sports of India, the Manipuri Polo is yet to gain momentum on the national scene with the Manipur polo International, a tournament approved by the Indian polo Association being the only one of its kind played on pony, it stated.

The governor stressed the historical and cultural significance of Polo sports and applauded the women polo players who have excelled in the discipline, it maintained. She commended the Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association for their initiative in organising the tournament and congratulated the winning teams and the other participating teams in the tournament, it read.

It stated that announcing that the cash amount given to the winners of the tournament will be increased to Rs 1.5 lakh from 2024, she handed over the trophy and cash award to the winners of the tournament.

Education Minister Th Basantakumar Singh who presided over the function stated, the present-day Polo originated from Manipur and was originally called ‘Sagol Kangjei’, it maintained. Manipuri Pony Society honorary president Ch Priyoranjan Singh along with the officials and players attended the closing function, it mentioned.

In the final match of the 30th Governor’s Cup Invitation Polo Tournament, X- Polo Club defeated Manipur Police Polo Team by 5 goals and in the final match of the 19th Governor’s Cup Women’s Polo Tournament, Imphal Riding Club (IRC) defeated Chingkhei Hunba Polo Club (CHPC) by 8 goals, it added.