Manipur is all set to organise the 4th edition of Manipur Statehood Day Women’s Polo Tournament from Thursday at Mapal Kangjabung, oldest polo ground in the world located in Imphal.
The All Manipur Polo Association (AMPA), the oldest polo association in the state, is organising the tournament under the sponsorship of Manipur Tourism department to promote women polo in the country.
Speaking to media this afternoon, Director W Ibohal of Manipur Tourism department said this year’s tournament would feature teams from the USA, Canada, Argentina, Kenya, Indian Polo Association and host Manipur State team. The teams will compete for the winner’s title in the five day competition.
Kenya team is the defending champion while Canada team is participating for the first time.
“We initiated to organise such tourney as we wanted to promote the women polo like that of men’s polo since 1993,” says President Dr K Saratchandra of AMPA while participating in the media meet at a hotel in Imphal.
Manipur women have been leading in many social fronts. But women polo is not so popular so far. Sharing his opinion, Manager Edward Armstrong of United States Polo Association informed the gathering that he was excited to witness the polo matches at the historic field and expects better promotion and coverage of the event. Team captains of four foreign teams and two host country teams along with the other players also present.
During their stay, the foreign polo players will also explore major tourist destinations in the state such as Loktak Lake, Keibul Lamjao National Park-the only floating wildlife sanctuary in the world – besides visiting the age-old Kangla Fort of the erstwhile kingdom of Manipur.
They will also visit the World War II cemeteries to pay homage to the fallen soldiers from India, UK, and Japan in the Battle of Imphal.