Guwahati: The 15th Manipur International Polo Tournament 2025 began with a spectacular opening at Imphal’s historic Mapal Kangjeibung, widely recognised as the world’s oldest polo ground.
The event once again highlighted Manipur’s profound connection to the sport it introduced to the world.
Hosted by the Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association (MHRPA), this year’s edition has drawn teams and polo enthusiasts from multiple continents, turning the birthplace of polo into a global sporting hub for a week.
The tournament kicked off on November 22 and will continue through November 27, while the final match is slated for November 29.
Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel inaugurated the international tournament on Sunday and welcomed the participating teams.
In his address, he reminded the audience that Manipur, home of the traditional game Sagol Kangjei, continues to shoulder the responsibility of safeguarding polo’s original spirit.
Goel said the state remains committed to nurturing its heritage and using the tournament as a platform to protect the Manipuri pony while strengthening international sporting relations.
He also highlighted various initiatives underway to revive polo in the state, ranging from infrastructure development to collaborations with global experts.
He added that the Tourism Department and the Ministry of DoNER are working jointly on a detailed project report to enhance facilities for hosting more international events.
The competition opened with an exciting match where Colombia defeated the USA 6–4, setting an energetic tone for the championship.
Teams from the USA, Colombia, India A (IPA), India B (Manipur), and India C (Chhattisgarh) are participating, giving the annual tournament a vibrant, multicultural edge.