Imphal, December 27: The Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh strongly advocated contributions from all sections of the society in ensuring survival of the endangered Manipuri ponies.

Inaugurating the National Tent Pegging Championship at Imphal Pologround today, the Chief Minister recalled history of the erstwhile kingdom of Manipur wherein rulers strived for protecting the ponies as the animal species had been associated with the role in protecting and expanding the kingdom.

Stating that Manipur has history of State support to equestrian games, the chief guest of the inaugural programme also reminded that kings in the past ensured that polo remained a people's sports which automatically entailed wellbeing of ponies.

Besides recounting exploits of sportspersons of Manipur in various sports disciplines, he also maintained that as a part of the State Government's determination to save the indigenous ponies from extinction 30 acres of land at Lamphelpat had been allotted and the state level polo associations entrusted to develop the same in order to promote polo and other equestrian games.

Moreover, the State Govt has sanctioned Rs 19 lakhs for purchase of horses to be used in equestrian competitions, the CM said with apparent reference to vision of the State Government's 'save pony' initiatives.

With horses/ponies and manipuri warriors synonymous since time immemorial, it is not a surprise to learn that State youths have quickly embraced equestrian sports with the clowning glory coming in the form a rider winning the gold medal in tent pegging event at the Guwahati National Games.

Girimohan, who won the only gold for the State in the tent pegging competition at the Guwahati Games took the oath on behalf of the participants which totalled 44 riders from the BSF, ITBP, North and South teams of the Army Supply Corps, AR, Punjab Police and the host State.

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