Argentina women are champions of women’s polo tournament

Our Correspondent

Imphal, Jan. 21 (EMN): Argentina women polo team emerged as champions at the 4th edition of the Manipur Statehood Day Women’s Polo Tournament played here in Imphal on Mon. Jan. 21.

In an exciting final match played at the historic Mapal Kangjeibug, the oldest living polo ground in the world located in the heart of Manipur’s state capital, Argentina drew 6-6 with USA team at the end of the regular four chukker.

However Argentina team which comprises of young and energetic players won the match in a penalty shoot-out wherein Argentina scored 3 goals while USA scored just 1 goal.

The scorers for Argentina team are Catalina(4),Elina Braun(3) and Delfina Donovan(2) while the scorers for the US team are Anna Winslow(4), Stephen Massey Colburn(2) and Carolyn Stimmel(1).

The All Manipur Polo Association (AMPA) organised the tournament under the sponsorship of the Department of Tourism to promote women polo in Indian particularly in the NE India.

Secretary (Tourism) Nidhi Kesarwani and Director (Tourism) W Ibohal Singh who attended closing function along with the President Dr K Saratchandra Singh of AMPA also handed over a cash prize of INR 60,000 and INR 40,000 along with a number of gift hampers and trophies to the winning team and runners-up team during the closing session.

The tournament is part of Manipur Tourism’s campaign to save the unique and endangered Manipuri pony and also to promote Polo tourism in the Manipur- the Birthplace of Modern Polo. Manipur Tourism also organises the Manipur Polo International Tournament (men) as part of the Manipur Sangai Festival every year from Nov. 21-30. These tournaments encourage exclusive use of the indigenous Manipuri pony.

This time four foreign countries from USA, Kenya, Canada and Argentina besides two other domestic teams –Indian Polo Association (IPA-India) and IPA-Manipur participated in the tournament from Jan. 17.