Imphal: 26 December, 2018 — Manipur Tourism has announced the 4th Manipur Statehood Day Women’s Polo Tournament which will be played at Mapal Kangjeibung Polo Ground in Imphal, Manipur (India) from 17 – 21 January, 2019. Six women polo teams will compete in a field league tournament organized by Manipur Tourism along with the All Manipur Polo Association, and produced by Polo Yatra, the Indian women’s polo initiative of Huntre! Equine.
This year’s edition of the tournament features teams from the USA, Canada, Argentina, Kenya, Indian Polo Association, and Manipur. Travel support for the international teams is courtesy of Incredible India. Teams are outfitted by US Polo Assn.
“We are very proud to be the presenting sponsor of the only international women’s polo tournament in India in the birthplace of modern polo,” said Ms. Nidhi Kesarwani, Secretary (Tourism), Government of Manipur. “The Government of Manipur initiated this tournament 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,” she added.
Manipur Tourism presents the unique heritage of this exotic, far-flung state in North East India. The polo players and equestrian enthusiasts coming to the tournament will watch the games played at Mapal Kangjeibung, the world’s oldest extant polo ground. During their stay, they will also explore major tourist destinations in the state such as Loktak Lake; Keibul Lamjao National Park – the only floating wildlife sanctuary in the world; pay homage at WW II cemeteries to the fallen soldiers from India, UK, and Japan in the Battle of Imphal; visit the age-old Kangla Fort of the erstwhile kingdom of Manipur; and shop for Manipur’s celebrated handloom at Sana Keithel (Nupi Keithel) or Royal Market, arguably the largest women’s market in the world.
Stay tuned for more information on the tournament.
