The lush greens of Mapal Kangjeibung’s Imphal Polo Ground came alive with the rhythmic gallop of hooves and cheers from spectators as Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla officially launched the 7th Manipur Women’s International Polo Tournament 2026. This prestigious event underscores the state’s unmatched polo pedigree.
Furling the flag for the All Manipur Polo Association, Bhalla reminisced about Sagol Kangjei, Manipur’s ancient polo variant that predates modern iterations worldwide. ‘Polo isn’t just a game here; it’s woven into our cultural fabric,’ he asserted, urging concerted efforts for pony conservation, grassland safeguards, and upkeep of venerable playing fields.
Spotlighting the tournament’s empowering angle, the Governor praised it as a beacon for female athletes, instilling values of self-assurance, command, and supremacy in the saddle. The venue’s status as one of the planet’s primordial polo arenas adds layers of historical gravitas.
The star-studded inauguration drew First Lady Jyoti Bhalla, top bureaucrat Vivek Kumar Dewangan, Assam Rifles’ Major General Ravirup Singh, and polo chief Konsam Sharat Chandra Singh.
Over six thrilling days, powerhouses from South Africa, Zambia, and two Indian squads—India A under the Indian Polo Association and India B representing Manipur—will vie for glory. This follows hot on the heels of the 15th Manipur International Polo Tournament during the Sangai Festival 2025, which welcomed global contenders from America, Colombia, and India after a pandemic-and-conflict-induced break.
Ethnic strife had sidelined such spectacles for two years, but the Governor’s vision has reignited the flame. As per Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association officials, the festival event pulsed with renewed vigor, blending tradition with international flair.
In an era craving stories of resilience, this tournament emerges as Manipur’s clarion call: polo endures, women excel, and cultural heritage triumphs amid adversity.
