NEW DELHI March 1(MIC): The final Polo Match of the DG RVS Cup organized by the International Polo Association at Army Equestrian Centre, Brar Square, Naraina here on Saturday witnessed the Manipuri Sagol Kangjei, the original polo which gave birth from Imphal Pologround. Under the initiative of Indian Army, the polo players with Manipuri Ponies were invited through the All Manipur Polo Association.
Dr. K Sharatchandra Singh, president of the All Manipur Polo association said, `Twenty-seven polo players including 11 women polo players with 16 ponies left Imphal on the 18th February 2015 for Delhi in two trucks and one bus. The team reached Delhi on 24th. Due to change of food habit, the ponies were very weak when it had reached in Delhi. A veterinary doctor accompanied with the team constantly looked after the health of the ponies`.
There was a big applause from the Delhites when 14 Manipuri polo players entered into the field with their traditional attire. Fourteen Manipuri women with traditional dress carrying Athenpot on their head entered the ground and offered blessings to the Kangjeirois (polo players). The players divided into two- one team in green shirts and another in red shirts. Hun-tre was the umpire Sunilkumar`s cry in traditional Manipuri polo, meaning “Play Ball` to start the game. The exhibition match with 8-5 goals lasted about 20 minutes.
The Manipuri Sagol Kangjei (Manipuri Polo) is played with seven players on each side mounted on ponies, which are often not more than 4/5 feet in height. Each player is outfitted with a polo stick made of cane having a narrow angled wooden head fixed at the striking end. The ball, 14 inches in circumference is made of bamboo root.
Each player in Sagol Kangjei assumes a specific position on the field as Pun – Ngak (Full back), Pun – Ngakchun (Half back), Pulluk (Left wing), Langjei (Centre), Pulluk (Right wing), Pun Jen (Inner) and Pun – Jenchun (Inner).
There are no goal posts in the game. Goal lines determine the end of the two boundaries of the rectangular field. The ball (Kangdrum) is white in colour. To score a goal the ball must cross the line.