A shagol kangjei (modern polo in traditional dress) exhibition match in progress at Imphal Pologround on Thursday. Picture by Eastern Projections

Imphal, Jan. 10: Manipur Governor S.S. Sidhu today inaugurated the International Tent-Pegging championship which will get under way tomorrow at Imphal Pologround.

Apart from two teams from India, the meet will feature the Canadian and Oman teams.

Sidhu, in his opening speech, elaborated on the origin of the sport. He said though there is a difference of opinion on where and how the game began, most authorities on the sport believe that it had originated in India in the middle ages as tactics used by the horse cavalries against troops mounted on elephants. The governor also released a souvenir to mark the occasion.

The teams from Oman and Canada, along with the two Indian teams, Team A and B, took part in a colourful march past along with new recruits of the Manipur Police.

Tent-pegging is one of the only 10 equestrian disciplines that are officially recognised by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports.

The governor said the Centre has decided to extend financial assistance to help save the endangered Manipur ponies. He also requested the youth affairs and sport minister, N. Biren Singh, who was present on the occasion, to organise at least one international event every two years in the state.

The chairman of the North Eastern Council, Phalguni Rajkumar, said the council has decided to give an award to one national or international sportsperson every year. The award will be named after a famous sportsperson from the region, he added.

Manipur Speaker Sapam Budhichandra wished the meet a grand success.

Cultural programmes were also held on the occasion.

Challenge trophy: Guwahati Cricket Coaching Centre have set up a final clash with Santipur Athletic Club after defeating City Cricket Coaching Centre in the semifinal of the 15th Guwahati Challenge Trophy cricket tournament at the Latasil ground today, adds our reporter from Guwahati.