National Tent-Pegging

Imphal, Dec. 27: Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh inaugurated the five-day National Tent-Pegging Championship at the Imphal Polo Ground today.

In his inaugural speech, Ibobi Singh expressed concern over the dwindling number of Manipur ponies and called for its preservation. Polo is the state game of Manipur.

The state government, on its part, had already allotted 30 acres of land at Lamphelpat for the Manipur Pony Breeding Farm. At present, the farm’s priority is its preservation, the chief minister added.

The chief minister also said the state government had provided Rs 19 lakh to the Manipur Equestrian Association for purchasing horses for the competition. Though equestrian is new to the state, the people are well aware of horsemanship with the traditional game of polo. He also lauded the Equestrian Federation of India for holding a game of such magnitude in Imphal. Former vice-president of Equestrian Federation of India Manoj Jalan, who is adviser to Assam Equestrian Association, also spoke on the occasion.

He said the number of participants in the meet is less not because of the law and order problem, but because of the landlocked atmosphere, which is coming in the way of ferrying horses to the state.

Jalan also praised the civilian riders of Manipur for taking great interest in the game.

Youth affairs and sports minister N. Biren Singh also expressed confidence that the equestrian event will get a major boost in the state with the holding of the tent pegging and other International competitions coming up.

The Equestrian Federation of India along with Manipur Equestrian Association will also host the International Tent Pegging Championship 2008 in January and All India Police Equestrian Meet 2008 from January 4 to 9 at the Imphal Polo ground.