The opening ceremony of the five day long 15th Director General Assam Rifles Sentinel Cup Equestrian Championship 2018 and 9th Junior State Equestrian Championship was held at Mapal Kangjeibung, the oldest living polo-ground in the world, located in the heart of Imphal town on Friday.
The Championship was held under the aegis of 6 Assam Rifles along with Manipur Equestrian Association (MEA) and it will continue till February 6.
More than one hundred riders from various clubs registered with the MEA and Assam Rifles Pony Equestrian Team are participating in senior, junior and girls category in the competition.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Brig Ramesh Kumar Singh of IGAR (South) attended the day’s inaugural function as the Chief Guest.
Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Inspector General IGAR (South) said that Assam Rifles was singularly proud and privileged to be associated with the only State Level Equestrian Championships conducted annually.
The unique event which is in its 15th edition has been brought to fruition through the dedicated efforts of Manipur Equestrian Association and Assam Rifles.
He also mentioned that this event is a grand stage for showcasing the talent as well as meeting the riders and equestrian enthusiasts from Manipur and added that the championship is aimed at encouraging equestrian sport which is said to have originated from the state of Manipur.
H Deleep Singh, president of Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association (MHRPA), Lt Col (Retd) M Ranjit Singh, president of MEA and Brigadier Amit Kabthiyal who is the Commander 9 Sector Assam Rifles also attended the inaugural function as Guests of Honour.
Speaking on the occasion, MHRPA president Deleep lauded the efforts of Assam Rifles in promoting and supporting the only equestrian event other than Polo held in Manipur.
He also added that the Sentinel Cup has now emerged as an annual mega event which is much awaited and keenly contested by equestrian enthusiasts from the entire State of Manipur.
The flag hoisting ceremony was followed by a march past of the participating teams led by pipe band of the 9 Sector Assam Rifles.
The equestrian events are scheduled over a span of five days and include events like Tent Pegging (team), Tent Pegging (individual) in senior and junior categories, Show Jumping (individual) in the three categories of girls, seniors and juniors.
The finals of the event will be held on February 6 in which Director General Lt Gen Shokin Chouhan of Assam Rifles will be the Chief Guest.
