Imphal, May 21: Governor Dr SS Sidhu has stated that the game of Polo has a great potential of acting as a catalyst in encouraging sports tourism in the State.

Speaking at the closing and prize distribution ceremony of the 24th All Manipur Polo Tournament here today, Dr Sidhu observed that it can become a big attraction for tourists to come to Manipur, thereby boosting the economy of the people.

Touching on the origin of the game, Dr Sidhu said band settlements in prehistory emerged as seven distinct clans in Manipur valley.

One of the clan chieftain was Lord Marjing of the Chenglei tribe who is credited to have given the world the game of Sagol Kangjei from which the modern Polo originates.

The Chenglei tribe was one of the earliest clans of the Manipuris concerned with the breeding, domestication of the Manipuri Pony and development of equine culture in Manipur, he noted.

Dr Sidhu went on to say that the father of modern Polo Joseph Sherer saw and played his first game with the Manipuris in 1854.Robert Steward and Joseph Sherer founded the first European Polo Club in 1859 known as the Cachar Polo Club in Cachar.

From there, modern Polo spread all over India and finally to England in 1869.In short, the game of Polooriginated from Manipur is now being played worldwide and the people of Manipur should be legitimately proud of this, he added.

While maintaining that further development and promotion of Polo is closely linked with the development of Manipuri Pony, Dr Sidhu said the efforts made by any organisation in this direction have to be encouraged and appreciated.

He also expressed confidence that the contribution made by All Manipur Polo Association will go a long way towards further popularisation, promotion and development of Polo and Manipuri Pony.

The tournament was organised by All Manipur Polo Assn.

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