Manipur hosts the 4th edition of Women’s Polo Intentional Tournament
Manipur Tourism organizes the 4th edition of Manipur Statehood Day Women’s Polo Tournament from January 17 to 21 at Mapal Kangjabung in association with All Manipur Polo Association.
Besides the Indian teams, international teams from the USA, Canada, Argentina and Kenya will take part in this year’s edition of the tournament, stated an official from Manipur Tourism.
“We are very proud to be the presenting as sponsor of the only international women’s polo tournament in India, in the birthplace of modern polo,” said Nidhi Kesarwani, Tourism Secretary, Manipur.
The tournament is initiated by the Manipur Government and the final match on Manipur’s Statehood Day is a tribute to the women polo players of Manipur.
“The event has grown in scale and participation since its inception in 2016 and now draws tourists from all over the world to Manipur as a polo tourism destination of India,” added Kesarwani.
Mapal Kangjeibung, is one of the world’s oldest extant polo field, where the equestrian enthusiasts and polo fans can enjoy this year’s sports extravagance.
Indian Polo Association Team during the 3rd Edition of the Tournament
The Manipur Polo International Tournament was first organized in the year, 1991 is a men’s polo tournament and the only one of its kind played on pony. The tournament is organized every year as a part of the Manipur Sangai Festival and whereas, the present women’s tournament is the pioneering showcase of International Women’s Polo which goes to establish Manipur as India’s centre for Women’s Polo.
The Women’s Polo Tournament is also a flagship event of Manipur Tourism which aimed at promoting the state as a preferred destination for polo tourism in the world. It has been made a calendar event, held every year from 17th to 21st January and this edition has added significance as the tournament commemorates Manipur’s 48 years of statehood.
In the 3rd edition of the event in last year, Kenya defeated USA by 5-4 goals in a final match to lift Manipur Statehood Day Women’s Polo Tournament title.
Winner of the 3rd Edition – Kenyan Team
Apart from competing in the matches the participants of the event will also have a chance to explore and experience major tourist destinations in the state such as Loktak Lake; Keibul Lamjao National Park- the only floating wildlife sanctuary in the world; WW II cemeteries to pay homage to the fallen soldiers from India, UK, and Japan in the Battle of Imphal; visit the age old Kangla Fort; and shop for Manipur’s celebrated handloom at Ema Market, arguably the largest women’s only market in the world.