Manipur Speaker calls for preserving Mapal Kangjeibung exclusively for polo and horse-related activities.
IMPHAL — Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker Th Satyabrata Singh on Sunday called for the preservation of the historic Mapal Kangjeibung in Imphal, regarded as the world's oldest living polo ground, exclusively for polo and other horse-related activities.
The speaker was addressing the inaugural function of the 3rd Dr. Ksh Chourjit Singh Inter-District Polo Tournament, which commenced at Mapal Kangjeibung (Imphal Polo Ground) in Imphal on Sunday.
He stated that he would take up the matter with the highest decision-making body of the state to ensure that the historic ground retains its unique identity and purpose. He also expressed appreciation to polo lovers, pony owners and all those who have dedicated themselves to keeping the age-old tradition alive.
Manipuri Pony Society President Ch Priyoranjan Singh, National Sports University Vice-Chancellor Daljit Singh Chawdhary and former Head of the Department of Clinical Psychology, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), M Akshaykumar Singh, were also present on the occasion.
Ch Priyoranjan appealed to the Speaker to persuade his colleagues and the authorities concerned to translate the proposal into action by preserving Mapal Kangjeibung exclusively for polo and horse-related activities.
National Sports University Vice-Chancellor Daljit Singh Chawdhary announced that the university was considering the inclusion of equestrian studies as a subject in its academic curriculum.
M Akshaykumar Singh, in his address, recalled the contributions of Dr. Ksh Chourjit Singh in the fields of medicine and culture.
The Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association (MHRPA) also announced the institution of the Dr. Ksh Chourjit Singh Polo Journalist Award from the third edition of the tournament.