IMPHAL, November 22: As part of the ongoing Manipur Sangai Festival 2015, Governor V Shanmuganathan today inaugurated the 9th Manipur Polo International organized by Manipur Horse Riding & Polo Association at Mapal Kangjeibung also known as Imphal Pologround.
The inaugural function was attended by Speaker Th Lokeshwar Singh; Deputy Speaker Preshaw Shimray; MP Dr Thokchom Meinya; MLA Y Surchandra Singh and Ambassador of Norway in India, Nils Ragnar Kamsvag as president and guests of honour respectively.
Speaking at the function as chief guest, Shanmuganathan said that it is the first sports function he attended since he took charge as Governor of the State.
He acknowledged that Manipur is well known in the country because of its sports besides art and Culture, so much so that it is also known as the `power house` of sports.
A small State with a small population in comparison with a majority of the States in the country, Manipur has been resplendent, to say the least, in the field of sports, bringing laurels after laurels both at the national and international levels, he added.
Unfortunately, however, Manipuri polo is yet to emerge forcefully on the national scene, the Governor lamented.
He recalled that Manipur has given Polo to the world and it is definitely something to be proud of for everyone in the State.
But it is also a sad fact that the game is suffering from a serious growth deficit. The reasons could be many ranging from lack of sponsorship, high cost to competition posed by modern games, he pointed out.
Maintaining that one of the main objectives for organizing this tournament has always been to save Manipuri pony along with popularizing the game of Polo in its birth place besides promoting tourism, he admitted that the polo pony of Manipur, a recognized breed of India, though small, is sturdy and agile.
The Governor exuded confidence that the Pony Sanctuary at Heingang, Imphal East District and Pony Breeding Farm at Lamphel, Imphal West District being developed by the State Government will certainly make a difference for the better.
He then announced financial assistance of an amount of Rs. 1 lakh from the Governor`s Discretionary Fund to the organizers of the 9th Manipur Polo International, 2015.
During the function, 107 individuals performed Pung Cholom choreographed by Meihoubam Seitaban.
Later, an Assam Rifle band party marched in and staged an impressive show.
Indian team captain S Bimol Singh took the oath taking ceremony.