How much the Manipuris love Polo..! How much the Royals of Kangleipak / Manipur patronised Polo in ancient Kangleipak..!
Despite the lack of adequate support from Manipur Government, the talents of Manipuri players could be easily witnessed from the last International Polo matches, especially the final match between the United States of America (USA) and Manipur (India-B) at the 7th International Polo Tournament 2013, Imphal. We have watched some international Polo matches on television, the venues or the grounds of such matches were very well maintained, much-much better than that of Mapal Kangjeibung Polo Ground, the birth place of Polo. How pity! But Manipuri Polo players were awesome! We could easily find out the different tactics employed by Americans and Manipuris. The Americans were very good at blocking and passing. They seemed to be practising or playing the game regularly than their fellow Manipuri players. But Manipuris could quickly adapt to the game, much quickly than the Americans. Manipuris could bounce back to their natural talent and played according to the tactics of the opponent. They played more aggressive style of the game. They could have scored more than 8 goals, but missed. They knew how long the ball would go with their adjusted but skillfull strikes. They knew the distance where the ball would land. The Americans looked more relied on better planning and played as a better cohesive team, unlike Manipur team, very nice to watch that. But Manipur players relied more on individual skills, unlike those of American team. The match was the best Polo match we have ever watched! Over all, good performance by both the teams. We are waiting to watch such matches again.
Some people might think that Manipur won the Tournament as Manipur was playing at her home ground. But that is wrong. Manipur did not win because of just home advantage. Manipur had earlier also won Polo championship outside Manipur. ONLY the thing is Manipur Polo Team is not given REGULAR CHANCES to play outside Manipur and abroad. And when that happens, you see how MANIPUR Polo team surprises everyone!! Manipur team should be invited by other states to share the experience of Polo. Manipur should be invited on regular basis. Both Manipur and other teams will improve a lot. We do not know why Manipur team has not been properly sponsored by Manipur Govenmentt. The Government, Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association and people should co-operate each for the growth and development of the game.
In World Championships, teams of England, the USA, Germany, France, Chile and Argentina are regarded as strong teams. England had defeated India in Asian Polo championships. We don't know much about England, the USA and German, but they have been beaten by Manipur. Manipur has also defeated Indian team (comprised of various team members) many times inside and outside Manipur. But, we have never heard any MANIPURI POLO PLAYER in Indian team!!! We don't know much about the achievements of India in the field of Polo. However, if the Polo players of Manipur are inducted in the Indian Team, Manipuri players can help India a lot.
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