Women's Day 2019 | Manipur Polo | LA POLO

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Happy Womens Day

Women in Polo

LEADING THE WAY:

The Beginning Of The Modern Polo

Women’s international Polo

Special Feature on Women in manipur

This INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY, LA POLO Celebrates The Spirit Of Womenhood With Polo In The Land Of Manipur

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A WORD BY THE LADIES

the essence of manipur: in the words of the women of polo

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In Manipur I learnt how women’s polo is all about perseverance.

The more girls that play, the more power it portrays to the world.

catie van bakel TEAM CANADA

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The inspiration for me in polo is not a particular person, but the joy of the horses, the way it is meant to be.

selina watt TEAM CANADA

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The horses here are amazing.

For the first time ever I was able to touch my feet on the ground while sitting on the pony, and the joy of it was entirely eternal.

jenna tarshis TEAM CANADA

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It’s great to bring out women like this, where it shows that it is okay for them to play polo while also taking care of their houses. It shows that there play is as important as that of the man.

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hiromi nzomo TEAM KENYA

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Polo in Kenya is lot more faster and also the horses are bigger and different, but here, the connect between the pony and the player is outstanding.

rowena stichbury TEAM KENYA

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For the international players, playing at the world’s oldest polo ground is an achievement but for us, proper training, gloves and practice is success.

neelu rajkumari TEAM MANIPUR

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I started my journey while working at stables and taking care of the horses of one of the grandfather’s of my polo team mate now. That’s how I got interested in polo and then I had to be a part of the game.

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cindy halle TEAM USA

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I stopped playing polo when I was young, all because I wanted to travel the world. But later, when I saw my daughters riding and my husband pushed me for the game, I wanted to come back to polo. And here I am.

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fuchi donovan TEAM ARGENTINA

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In polo everyday is different. There is not a moment that will repeat.

Every game, every match and every player is different. Not even the same horse is same each time.

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monica saxena TEAM INDIA

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What I love about the sport is that today I am capable to pay back to the people, friends, institution and everyone who taught me polo by teaching the sport to the kids of this generation.

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megan carter judge TEAM USA

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Polo teaches you some of the best things in life where you meet so many different players, play in different teams every time. It teaches you so much about people,

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anna winslow palacios TEAM USA

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Sitting on Manipuri ponies is such a different experience. They are so tiny but so strong, but it’s insane how these ponies carry so much of stamina that they can play for two chukkers at times. They are definitely 110%.

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victoria milinovich TEAM ARGENTINA

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I love the fact that the Manipuri ponies are sacred and that automatically gives it a different dimension of spirituality.

carolyn mackenlie stimmel TEAM USA

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Manipur is so colorful with so many friendly people, who would always smile at you, even when just passing by.

stephanie colburn TEAM USA

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The feeling that you are playing on the world's oldest ground is amazing.

The way the people are involved, their cheering and laugher steals the show.

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catalina ayerza TEAM ARGENTINA

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Polo is not about wearing nice clothes, drinking wine or putting on fancy hats. It's about feeling the game and passion of it and here in Manipur I have seen and felt it.

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martina garrahan TEAM ARGENTINA

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It is only in Manipur that you will see a Polo God. This brings not only your heart to the game but also reminds the strengths of Polo.

khundongbam habe TEAM MANIPUR

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There is thing about Polo that the way you spend your time with your team mates stand as a shared commodity and emotion, where you have fun wrapped in memories.

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KHUNDONGBAM DEVENTY DINI TEAM MANIPUR

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In my house, we are three generations who are into polo. We call ourselves ‘the polo family’ and this has undeniably strengthened our bond as a family while also building an intense love for the horses.

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jessica wales TEAM CANADA

4TH MANIPUR STATEHOOD DAY WOMEN POLO TOURNAMENT

save pony save polo PLEA TO SAVE MANIPURI PONIES

4TH MANIPUR STATEHOOD DAY WOMEN POLO TOURNAMENT

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he 4th Manipur Statehood Day International Women's Polo tournament, organized by All Manipur Association and Manipur Tourism glided into its final day witnessing a furious clash between USA and Argentina for the trophy. The 5-day series came to an end after some exciting Polo matches were played at Mapal Kangjeibung, the oldest Polo ground in the world.

The prestigious tournament, which was inaugurated by Minister CAF & PD, Karam Shyam; President, AMPA, Dr K Saratchandra Singh; Secretary (Tourism), Government of Manipur, Nidhi Kesarwani; and Director (Tourism), W Ibohal Singh, was graced by these dignitaries and was played to save the Manipuri Ponies.

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GALLERIE DE POLO

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The 4th Manipur Statehood day Women's Polo tournament was played at Mapal Kangjeibung, the oldest Polo ground in the world. Teams from Canada, Kenya, Argentina and the USA participated in the tournament, which aimed for the safety of the Manipur Pony, along with the local teams, India (IPA) and Manipur

M A N I P U R: the beginning of the modern polo

MAPAL KANGJEIBUNG THE OLDEST POLO GROUND IN THE WORLD

M A N I P U R:

the beginning of the modern polo

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reaped out of devotion, carried forward with custom, and cared with civilization, that’s how the modern polo took birth...

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orn in darkness, fortuitously spotted by civilization, Polo became a World Sport by proxy.

Even though this majestic game had always been an integral part of the Manipuri ideology, it was the Britishers who gave the game a place under the sun.

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M A N I P U R:

the beginning of the modern polo

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he dawn of the eighteenth century saw a cultural relationship between the everexpanding British Empire and the Mongolian race of Manipur and the Surma Valley became the meeting ground of the two cultures.

In the strange game of Hockey on horseback, the Britishers saw the potential of a latent sporting possibility.

The Britishers were keen observers and great learners as the first Polo Club of the World was born at Cachar in 1859.

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M A N I P U R:

the beginning of the modern polo

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it is a small state (manipur), probably until these events took place very little known to your lordships, unless, indeed, some of you may have heard of it as the birthplace

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he Guinness Book of Records in its 1991 edition mentioned, “Polo: Origins: Origins of Polo can be traced to origins in Manipur State c. 3100 B.C. when it was played as Sagol Kangjei.”

-Marques of Ripon on Manipuri Pioneers of Polo

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-polo in manipur 1875

from the

ARCHIVES

-the father of polo in -india manipur manipur, lt. joseph ford expedition, 1891 sherer

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stories of the manipur ponies

meitei sagol a rare breed of ponies from the state of manipur

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stories of the manipur ponies

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this day astounds us. the field is green. we love nothing better than space and more space.

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re the original “polo” ponies resting near the bed of their extinction?

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-spencer reece (ponies)

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unsung

stories of the manipur ponies

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he Manipuri Pony, Meitei Sagol, is a rare breed from the Southeast Himalayan State of Manipur in northeast India.

Extremely agile and tough, Manipuri Ponies are known for their stamina, speed and intelligence..

The court chronicle of Manipur, The Cheitharol Kumbaba, acknowledges Manipuri Ponies as the spoils of war by King Kyamba (1467 - 1508).

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unsung

stories of the manipur ponies

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riding a white horse across kyang land, the king fought his way with sword outstretched through the battle of samjok

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-the cheitharol kumbaba

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t was King Khambeba who crossed the mountain fastness of the low lying western ranges of Burma and extended the clout of Manipur Cup to Chindwin River, across Kyangkhampat in 1607.

Exhibiting incredible certainty and faith, the King led the Wave of Manipuri horsemen along with grit and valor.

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anipuri Saddles look too clumsy, cumbersome, and too big for small ponies.

It has a big hump in from carved out of a solid block of wood.

With the back portion of the seat also carved out of wood, the whole seat rests on two thin planks that rest on both sides of the back bone of the pony. On both sides hang the huge uncured buffalo skins, both ends fore and aft curled up protecting the whole legs.

LIFE

of the manipuri ponies

world's original pony an anecdote of the manipuri ponies

LIFE

of the manipuri ponies

Image: Ashima Narain/sahapedia.org

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the manipuri pony exercising before a polo match

in manipur, people play polo wherever they find a flat surface

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after a game of polo in tekcham village, the horses relax and eat

Image: sahapedia.org

LIFE

of the manipuri ponies

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anipuri Ponies have been bred for centuries in Northeast India. The first written mention of the breed dates to a brief statement in the 1584 Manipur Royal Chronicle. Ridden by the Meitei Warriors, they were often used as Cavalry horses.

Standing 10 to 13 hands high, the Manipuri Pony resembles other ponies such as the Burmese Pony, the Batak and Sumba Ponies.

Image: Ashima Narain/sahapedia.org

LIFE

of the manipuri ponies

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n attractive wedgeshaped head with a straight profile, alert ears and wide set eyes, distinguish the pony from the others.

According to Meitei mythology, the ancestor of the Manipuri Pony is the sacred winged pony called Samadon Ayangba.

Kangjeirol, an ancient Meitei manuscript and a dissertation on Polo, portrays the Manipuri Pony as a sacred animal and illustrates its utility as a fearless cavalry mount.

Image: Ashima Narain/sahapedia.org

LIFE

of the manipuri ponies

why is the world’s original pony on the verge of extinction?

Mapal Kangjeibung, world’s oldest Polo Ground, displays two large hoardings that send in the livestock out a strong appeal to the census conducted in public: “Save Pony, Save Polo, 2012, the population Save PoloGround” and the other of this pony was one states, “We gave the world the found to be 1,100 only. game of Polo.”

As per the Quinquennial -according to veterinary Livestock Census of India, minister govindas conducted after every five years, konthoujam the population of Manipuri pony has been dwindling since 2003, from a total of 1,898 ponies to only 1,011 in 2012.

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LAI HARAOBA FESTIVAL

in festivals of manipur

Image: Basanta Rajkumar/e-pao

mirroring Culture

Image: Ashima Narain/sahapedia.org

LAI HARAOBA FESTIVAL

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Image: Basanta Rajkumar/e-pao

he Lai Haraoba festival, which re-enacts the creation stories of the Meiteis ofthe Central Valley of Manipur, is led by a procession of Manipuri ponies. Here, they are ridden by polo players from the Chingkhei Hunba Polo Club.

The destination for this procession is the shrine of Lai Puthiba, on the outskirts of Imphal city. Lai Puthiba is one of the many Umang Lai, a pantheon of 364 protector animist deities.

Image: Ashima Narain/sahapedia.org

LAI HARAOBA FESTIVAL

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Image: Ashima Narain/sahapedia.org

n preparation for Manipur’s Lai Haraoba festival, which involves the re-enactment of origin myths, boys and girls from Imphal’s polo clubs loan their horses to the local community for the opening day's activities.

Here they ride from Imphal to Langthaban, where the ponies are bathed and dressed to lead the procession.

GUIDE

TO THE STREETS OF MANIPUR

manipur A resemblance of classic admiration

GUIDE TO THE STREETS OF MANIPUR

THINGS TO DO IN MANIPUR

When At Loktak Lake, Boat

Manipur is a place of fairs and festivals, a land that loves to be vibrant about everything and anything, and to such a place, LA POLO brings a quick sneak on things that you need to do once in Manipur.

Let’s get started‌.

Loktak Lake is a home for small islands and phumdis giving way to freshwaters that are shelter to some of the extensively beautifully colored fishes.

Guided with the backdrop of the scenic mountains, it is must to go for a boat ride in the majestic waters of the place.

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GUIDE TO THE STREETS OF MANIPUR

Find The Unique At Keibul Lamjao National Park Haven to the rare species Eld’s deer or the Brow-antlered deer Keibul Lamjao National Park has been tagged as the only “Floating National Park” across the world. Makes you want to go there?

What are you waiting for !

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GUIDE TO THE STREETS OF MANIPUR

PLACES TO GO IN MANIPUR Manipur is that art which is born out of the soil of the classicity that has lived the ages, while retaining the pieces of the abstract, with the magic associated with the tradition of the state. To such a place, LA POLO pays tribute and brings to you some classic places you need to explore‌

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Imphal Do you know how does skipping a breath feels? If not yet, you need to look with an up eye at the throbbing capital of Manipur, Imphal. That’s how you will get the energy of the city of rich history.

GUIDE TO THE STREETS OF MANIPUR

FESTIVITIES OF MANIPUR Manipur is a state of culture, and tradition, that has been since centuries tied to the glory of the religion it carries with itself in every bit it does, from the art of dance to the wondrous offerings.

Here is a short glimpse of the happiness‌

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Gang-Ngai Celebrated in the month December/January, this festival of Manipur brings together men and women of generations to offer their traditional dance during the five days of the festival, were everyone starts off with omen taking ceremony on the first day.

GUIDE TO THE STREETS OF MANIPUR

I LOVE “YU” The state of Manipur loves to love you, like literally, for you will hear the Manipuris saying “ I Love Yu”.

Fantastically, the Manipuris have a drink called “Yu”, that is made of fermented rice, to make as smooth as Vodka.

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The famous drink is used for offerings, relaxation, and medicine.

Now it’s up to you how you enjoy the Manipuri love for “Yu”.

THE POLO GOD LORD MARJING lordmarjing, the guardian of north east india used horse as his vehicle.

Lord Marjing, the chieftain of the Chenglei tribe, is recognized by the Manipuris as the deity who introduced polo to the human world.

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manipuri mythology of polo

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he indigenous game of “Sagol Kangei� carries with itself of being into life since the mythological period till date. As per the mythology of Manipur, the gods celebrated the settlement of the kingdom for seven days that included the game of Sagol Kangjei. Played by two teamed of deities, with seven players to a side, the rules of the game were invented by the deity, Marjing.

Keeping this mythology alive, Sagol Kangjei is said by Manipuris to be the first invented as well as played game by their ancestral deities, where after the game was handed down to the next generations to be played on the occasion of Lai Haraoba. The Sagol Kangjei was also played on other customary festivals and on the coronations of the kings.

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all manipur polo association president, dr konsam saratchandra singh

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There used to be no hard & fast rule in the homegrown version of the game. It used to be a very dangerous game.

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-Dr Konsam Saratchandra Singh (on rules of the traditional game)

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r Konsam Saratchandra Singh, the president of All Manipur Polo Association, in conversation with LA POLO shared some fascinating fables from his life and a few historical anecdotes about Manipur and the traditional game of Polo.

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Excitingly describing the peculiar things about the traditional Polo, said, “Sometimes the players tried to pick up the ball from the ground using their bare hands and possessing the ball, they used to race towards the goal but they could not simply throw the ball through the goal to score. To score a goal they had to hit the ball with the mallet. No player from the opponent team could touch the player (possessing the ball) as long as he had the ball in hands. They could run along but couldn’t touch the player to defend the goal.”

“Manipur has been a place of Polo for the people. Originally, Polo in Manipur was very different. It was played with 7 players on each side with no goal posts and the players were free to play and go anywhere in the ground with the ball.

Depending on the size of the field, the players used to carry the ball until they reached the boundary.”

Sharing his childhood incident, Dr Konsam said, “When I was young, I used to follow my uncle and grandfather, who were great Polo players.”

Throwing some light on the format of the game, he said “There was no specific time for which the game used to be played. They used to decide for how many goals the game will be played and the team which scored the specified number of goals first, was declared the winners.”

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