The 8th Manipur Polo International Tournament
By Victoria Elsbury-Legg
In the final week of November, as part of the Manipur Sangai Festival, the 8th Manipur Polo International (held in the 150th year of the Manipuri Sagol-Kangjei team’s first visit to Calcutta in January 1864) was organised by the Manipur Horse Riding & Polo Association and held at the Imphal Polo Grounds. Amongst the nine teams that took to the pitches, there were eight countries represented, including USA, England, France, Poland, India, South Africa, Thailand and Mongolia (who were the only team to feature a female player).
The English squad was formed of players: Alistair Paterson, Lt. Hiro Suzuki, Elliot Sands and Richard Hine, who unfortunately lost out to South Africa 6 -12 in the Quarter Finals. The tournament’s aim was to raise awareness about the Manipuri pony, an 11-13hh tremendously hardy indigenous breed which have been on the decline due to intense urbanisation which has led to the destruction of much of their natural habitat.
Post-match celebrations were enjoyed by the players and crowd whilst watching a ‘pulu match’ played by international and local teams in traditional dress. No goal posts were present on the ground, with players using both their sticks and hands to move the ball around the pitch.