Manipur's ancient polo and its storied ponies

• Part of Home Minister’s programme in Manipur was the inauguration of a 122-foot- tall statue of a polo player astride a Manipur Pony in Imphal, a project that has been in the works for several years now.
• It is believed that Sagol Kangjei, the modern-day Polo game originated in Manipur.

Sagol Kangjei

• Predecessor of Modern polo: Modern polo is said to have originated from Sagol Kangjei, a sport indigenous to Manipur.
• The game: players ride horses, specifically the Manipur Ponies, which are referenced in records dating back to the 14th century.

Manipur Pony

• One of five recognised equine breeds of India
• Has a powerful cultural significance: The Marjing Polo Complex has been developed as a way to conserve the Manipur Pony.
• Manipur Pony Conservation and Development Policy 2016: refers to a mythology around the Manipur Pony:
• Concern: small and dwindling numbers of the Manipur Pony.