Imphal: A polo institute, spread over 20 acres, will soon come up at Marjing hills at Heingang in Imphal East.
Manipur tourism director W. Ibohal Singh told reporters on Tuesday that though the process to start building the polo ground was on, an eco lodge, restaurant and information-cum-conference hall on the site were inaugurated on March 25.
The detailed project report on the polo institute and a ground has already been submitted to the North Eastern Council (NEC) and is awaiting clearance.
"The development of the ground is a priority," Ibohal Singh said.
The site was developed under the state government's eco-tourism scheme.
Polo enthusiast Somi Roy, who is also principal secretary of US-based Huntré! Equine, said a women's polo coaching camp will be organised later this year where professional players from the US and other countries will train local players.
"Our girl riders have not been able to participate in international competitions despite having been invited due to lack of several factors, including financial involvement and knowledge of competition regulations," Roy said.
Emma Horne of UK-based Emma Horne Travel, said there was need for an international certificate coaching camp in the state.
"Local women players are seen as lacking knowledge about the game. But they are better riders than other players. Next year, we plan to bring four more international teams for the international polo tournament. The tourism department needs to develop a homestay rather than putting foreign visitors in hotels. Promoting polo will be another string in wooing visitors," she said.
Documentary filmmaker Roopa Barua and W. Jiten Singh, general secretary of Marjing Khubam Kanba Lup, and tourism officials were present.