IMPHAL, Nov 21: Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has released financial assistance amounting to Rs 29.99 lakh to support the conservation of the endangered Manipuri Pony, a breed deeply tied to the state’s cultural and sporting heritage.
According to a Raj Bhavan communiqué, Rs 29,99,200 was disbursed to 86 pony owners and clubs for 1,150 ponies above six months of age, provided under the State Plan fund. The incentive is designed to help owners supplement feed for their animals, especially during the lean season.
The initiative follows the state government’s 2013 declaration of the Manipuri Pony (Meitei Sagol) as an endangered breed, prompting efforts to preserve its dwindling population. Experts widely recognise the Manipuri pony as the original polo pony, tracing modern polo’s roots to the traditional game played in Manipur and parts of Assam.
Despite its historic significance, the breed faces a sharp decline due to habitat loss and other pressures, even as polo remains central to Manipur’s cultural identity. The Manipuri pony is native to Manipur and neighbouring Assam and was once the preferred pony of British tea planters who adopted and globalised the sport.
