Imphal: Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, along with Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, on Tuesday co-chaired a review meeting on the development of Polo in Manipur.
The meeting reviewed proposals submitted by the Manipur government as part of a comprehensive development plan for Polo in the state.
“To establish Manipur as a global reference centre for Polo, our discussions focused on key areas such as youth engagement, high-performance development, strengthening polo clubs through equipment and institutional support and collaboration with the Indian Polo Association,” Jyotiraditya M. Scindia said in a post on X.
Polo originated in Manipur, India, where it was known as Sagol Kangjei, a traditional horseback game played for centuries. It was later adapted and introduced to the British, who popularized it globally as “polo,” with Manipur recognized as the sport’s birthplace, according to sources such as the Guinness Book of World Records.
The Governor said the meeting focused on strengthening infrastructure, promoting the sport’s heritage, and ensuring efficient, result-oriented implementation.
The central government, through the Ministry of DoNER and Manipur’s Tourism Department, promotes polo in Manipur by developing infrastructure, such as the Marjing Polo Complex with the world’s tallest polo statue.
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It also organizes international tournaments (Statehood Day Women’s Polo, Manipur International Polo), supports local associations (MHRPA), fosters pony conservation (Polo Policy 2016, grassland allotment), and links polo with tourism (Sangai Festival) to boost both heritage and the economy.
