The Chingkhei Hunba Polo Club (CHPC), Kongpal lifted the trophy of the ‘XXVIII Governor’s Cup Invitation Polo Tournament’ by defeating Manipur Police Sports Club–B by 9-4 and Imphal Riding Club (I.R.C.) won the ‘XVII Governor’s Women’s Polo Tournament’ by defeating KMM Riding School Singjamei by 7-1 at Imphal Pologround Mapal Kangjeibung in Imphal on Thursday.
Manipur Governor Dr Najma Heptulla attended the closing function of the Governor’s Cup Polo Tournament. In her speech, Governor Dr Heptulla said the Tournament was started during the time of the fourth Governor of Manipur, Gen. K.V. Krishna Rao after he donated the winner’s trophy.
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Later, the runners-up trophy was donated during the time of his successor, Chintamani Panigrahi.
Some of the current trophies were donated by Gurbachan Jagat when he was the Governor during 2008 to 2013. The efforts of the past governors were to see the development of the game in its birth place.
The Chief Guest also said that she is sharing an equal enthusiasm if not more to see the rapid growth of the game far and wide. For the development of the game, Dr. Najma Heptulla stated that there is a need for collective effort by all stakeholders.
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“There is a need for better marketing of the game of Polo in the State and outside. The Umpires need to be familiar with the modern rules and their interpretation as well as application and more sponsors too,” she said.
Appreciating the organiser, the Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association for their contribution particularly for promotion of the game, the Governor also mentioned that if there is no pony there will be no polo.
“We should have a firm commitment to save the Manipuri Pony Breed, the pride of the State,” she added.
Later the prizes were given away to the winners of male and women polo team. Moreover, cash incentive also distributed to the participant teams and veteran polo players.
Manipur Legislative Assembly speaker Yumnam Khemchand and President of Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association H. Dilip Singh and advisor Dr. Ksh. Chourjit Singh were also attended the event.
The ‘XXVIII Governor’s Cup Invitation Polo Tournament’ and the ‘XVII Governor’s Women’s Polo Tournament’ was started from the March 21.