Imphal: Kenya defeated US 5-4 to win the 3rd Manipur Statehood Day Women's Polo Tournament at the polo ground here on Sunday.

US rider Marissa Wells's four goals went in vain but she rated it as a "very fulfilling experience" and promised to ride high next time. The Kenyans struck through Tiva Gross, Imogen Voorspuy, Nikki Barlow and Kaila Millar to collect the coveted title from Manipur governor Najma Heptulla.

The governor said, "It is my good fortune to be a part of the tournament, which is organised at Mapal Kangjeibung, the oldest living polo ground in the world." Manipur is well known as the birthplace of polo. The sport has evolved over the years from the traditional Manipuri polo - Sagol Kangjei, she added.

The governor said the tournament is a flagship event of Manipur tourism, which aims to promote the state as a destination for international polo tourism.

The women's polo tournament has been made a calendar event, which is held every year from January 17 to 21.

"It is heartening to see that the current edition of the tournament features women's polo teams from four continents. Various international teams like Australia, Kenya and the US played with their Indian counterparts here. Polo enthusiasts came to this remote part of the world for their love and passion for the sport," she said.

Six teams - US, Australia, Kenya, Indian Polo Association and two team representing Manipur - participated in the tournament.

The All Manipur Polo Association oversees the technical aspect of the meet under the sponsorship of the state tourism department.