Imphal: The inaugural DGAR Men’s and Women’s Polo Championship ended on Saturday after an 18-day event at Mapal Kangjeibung, the world’s first polo ground. The Assam Rifles women’s team emerged victorious in the women’s category, while the Manipur Police men’s team claimed the title in the men’s division.
The championship, organized in collaboration with the All Manipur Polo Association, began on January 20, 2025. The closing ceremony saw the participation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, Director General of Assam Rifles, Maj Gen Ravroop Singh, IG South AR, SS Kartikeya, Major General of the 57th Mountain Division, and Dr. K. Saratchandra, President of the All Manipur Polo Association.
In his speech, Chief Minister N Biren Singh commended the Assam Rifles for organizing the tournament, emphasizing that it would help promote the sport and contribute to the preservation of Manipur’s ponies.
He stated that the State Government had taken up various schemes to protect and safeguard the Manipuri pony, reiterating that modern polo originated in the state of Manipur.
He continued that a grazing ground with a span of 30 acres had been allocated at Lamphelpat. Other grazing grounds had also been developed including the one at Pangei, he added.
The Chief Minister informed that an Indigenous polo tournament namely Chief Minister’s Sagol Kangjei Championship had been started to preserve and promote Sagol Kangjei. He appreciated the Army and Assam Rifles for organizing various tournaments on polo, adding that it would play an important role in promoting polo and protecting and safeguarding Manipuri ponies. He further stressed the importance of organizing such tournaments every year.
The Chief Minister maintained that the State Government had been putting all possible efforts to restore peace and to ensure that people live together peacefully as before. He also sought support and cooperation from people in safeguarding the pony.
N. Biren Singh also honoured veteran polo players for their contribution in the field of polo during the closing ceremony.
The closing ceremony saw the participation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, Director General of Assam Rifles, Maj Gen Ravroop Singh, IG South AR, SS Kartikeya, Major General of the 57th Mountain Division, and Dr. K. Saratchandra, President of the All Manipur Polo Association.
