IMPHAL, Feb 7 � In a move to popularise and promote polo, besides protecting and preserving the indigenous pony, a polo tournament called the 1st AMUCO trophy will be held from February 25 to March 12 here.
�This will be our first step towards protecting the indigenous polo game and pony from extinction,� says president KT Rehman of All Manipur United Clubs� Organisation (AMUCO).
The Manipuri pony, a rare horse breed found only in Manipur, which is in the brink of extinction, is used to play the game of polo in the State since ancient times. It is really unfortunate the population of Manipuri pony is decreasing. The State Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department should come up with ways and means to save the pony from extinction,the president suggested. The proposed State level tournament will be organised by the Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association (MHRPA) under the sponsorship of AMUCO. The tournament will be held at the historic Polo Ground in Imphal where around 16 teams will be participating in the event.
He further informed that the winner of the tournament will be awarded a cash prize of Rs 25,000, while the runners-up will be awarded Rs 20,000. The tournament will also have the first and second Best Pony Award which will be awarded to those ponies which are taken care of and protected.
