Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey on Monday graced the launch of the Assam Rifles Women Polo Team and asserted that the Women Polo Team is yet another shining example of the indomitable spirit of Manipuri womenfolk, who have long proven their strength and resilience.
Addressing the event held at Haflong Auditorium, IGAR (South), Mantripukhri in Imphal East, Governor Anusuiya Uikey said that the emergence of the Assam Rifles Women Polo Team is an honour to the glorious past and for creating a brighter, more inclusive future, a release from Governor’s Secretariat stated.
She also shared her experience in various fields working for the empowerment of women in India and lauded the Assam Rifles for taking such profound steps towards empowering women, it said. By fostering opportunities for women to excel in traditionally male-dominated fields, a powerful message of equality and progress is delivered, she said.
She asserted that Manipuri Polo, also known as Sagol Kangjei, holds a significant place in the history of the country and added that this ancient sport, with its agile Manipuri ponies and skilled players, stands as a symbol of the state’s vibrant identity, it stated. Uikey also hailed Manipur as a place renowned for its rich cultural heritage and prowess in the field of sports, often known as the Powerhouse of Sports in India, it mentioned.
She said such events hold particular significance in light of recent events in Manipur as such occasions can help heal the communities and bring people together towards the path of peace and oneness, it maintained.
The Governor expressed optimism that the gathering will serve as a reminder of the shared love for sports, culture, and the commitment to fostering a better future for Manipur while rededicating towards fostering peace, harmony, and the spirit of Manipuri Polo in the state, it added.
While extending her wishes to the Assam Rifles Women Polo Team, she highlighted the values that define the sport such as courage, discipline and camaraderie and stated that these qualities are essential in both the game of polo and the quest for a more prosperous Manipur, the release said.
She further appreciated the Assam Rifles for their indomitable role to control and contain violence during the ongoing ethnic strife as well as their initiative to ensure education for the children of all communities in the State as part of the Centre of Educational Excellence program, it mentioned.
The polo team players were also felicitated by the Governor during the program, it said. Manipur Security Advisor, Kuldiep Singh; Director General of Assam Rifles, Lieutenant General PC Nair; IG, Major Gen Ravroop Singh, Officers, soldiers of the Assam Rifles, members of the Assam Rifles Women Polo Team were also present at the event, it added.
