Imphal: Manipur power minister Th. Biswajit Singh on Thursday stressed the need for a mechanism to preserve the rare breed of Manipuri pony.

Singh made the statement while attending the 11th Manipur Polo International on the second day of the meet at Mapal Kangjeibung here on Thursday.

The minister said polo is well known throughout the world and it is imperative to preserve the Manipuri pony.

He added that it was a well known fact that the game originated from Manipur and was introduced by King Kangba. According to the Royal manuscript, the game is known as sagol kangjei, which later came to be known as polo.

"We need to promote other indigenous games like mukna, yubi lakpi and khong kangjei to showcase our rich cultural heritage to the world," Biswajit Singh said.

He also assured the state of all possible help to preserve the pony in the state.

US beat India-A by 3-2 goals in the 11th Manipur Polo International 2017, while Argentina beat Morocco by 8-3 goals in an exhibition match, which is being played as part of the the 8th Manipur Sangai Festival here.

The Indigenous Games and Adventures Sports are held as part of the Sangai festival.

A sports journalist was barred from entering Khuman Lampak sports complex, despite having an entry pass issued by the youth and sports affairs department.