Polo
File photo. Courtesy: E-Pao

The fourth Manipur Statehood Day Women’s Polo Tournament 2019 will kick-start from January 17 at Mapal Kangjeibung.

Meanwhile, women polo teams from four countries have already confirmed their participation, reports ifp.co.in.

According to information, team from the United States of America, Canada, Argentina and Kenya have already forwarded their confirmation of participation in the tournament.

Notably this time Indian Polo Association and Manipur will also be fielding their teams in the tournament.

The tournament is being hosted by Manipur Tourism in association with the All Manipur Polo Association and Polo Yatra, the Indian women’s polo initiative of Huntre Equine.

The reports quoting Manipur Tourism secretary, Nidhi Kesarwani stated that the State Government had initiated the tournament four years back and had received positive response from teams as well as from general public.

She further added that the event has grown in scale and participation which draws tourists from all over the world to Manipur as a polo tourism destination of the country.

The polo players and equestrian enthusiasts coming for the tournament will not only have the feel of the world oldest polo field, Mapal Kangjeibung, but will also enjoy the unique heritage of Manipur, including visits to tourist destination as Loktak Lake, Keibul Lamjao National Park- the only freshwater floating lake which is the habitat of state animal Sangai.

The final match to be played on January 21, the day being Manipur Statehood Day will be a tribute to the women polo players of the State.

The polo players during their stay will be visiting historical sites including World War II Cemetery, Kangla Fort and Ima Market, which is the largest women market in the world, among others.