Manipur Cycle Polo Association Flags Off State Teams for National Championships

Short Summary of the Article:

On January 10, 2025, the Manipur Cycle Polo Association (MCPA) flagged off three state teams for the upcoming 45th Senior Men, 43rd Junior Boys, and 39th Sub-Junior Boys National Cycle Polo Championships. The teams were sent off with high hopes of making a mark in the national cycle polo scene, which will take place in West Bengal starting January 11. A group of 24 members, including players, coaches, and officials, are participating, and the teams are ready to showcase the rich tradition of cycle polo from Manipur.

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Detailed Article (2000+ Words):

Introduction: Manipur’s Cycle Polo Legacy Takes the National Stage

Manipur has long been a hub of sports, especially cycle polo. The state is known for its rich cultural heritage, and cycle polo is a sport that has flourished here for decades. On January 10, 2025, the Manipur Cycle Polo Association (MCPA) flagged off its state teams, which will be participating in the 45th Senior Men, 43rd Junior Boys, and 39th Sub-Junior Boys National Cycle Polo Championships. The event is slated to take place in West Bengal, beginning January 11. With over 24 athletes, coaches, and officials traveling for the competition, the MCPA is aiming for an outstanding performance and greater recognition of Manipur’s cycle polo excellence on the national stage.

The Significance of Cycle Polo in Manipur

Before we dive deeper into the specifics of the event and the teams involved, it’s important to understand why cycle polo holds such significance in Manipur. The sport has been played here for generations, and it’s a unique blend of traditional polo and cycling, which makes it both exciting and challenging. Over the years, Manipur has produced some of the best cycle polo players in the country. This tradition of excellence continues to grow, and the upcoming championships are just another opportunity for the state to prove its dominance in this sport.

Teams Representing Manipur at the Championships

This year, the Manipur Cycle Polo Association has selected three strong teams to represent the state in the national championships. These teams include the Senior Men’s Team, Junior Boys’ Team, and Sub-Junior Boys’ Team. Each of these teams is made up of highly talented individuals who have been selected based on their performance and potential.

1. Senior Men’s TeamThe Senior Men’s team is the pride of Manipur, as it brings together some of the most experienced and skilled players from the state. The team’s composition reflects a perfect blend of seasoned veterans and dynamic younger players, ready to face any challenge that comes their way.Team Members:
   • Thangjam Basanta
   • Sinam Bimol
   • Alex Aheibam
   • Salam Khagingamba
   • Tomthin Rajkumar
   • Wangkhem Abothe
   • Sinam Saolin
   • Nongthombam Premananda
   This team is highly motivated, having participated in numerous regional and state-level competitions. Their cohesion and experience make them one of the top contenders in the championships.
2. Junior Boys’ TeamThe Junior Boys’ team is comprised of young, energetic players who have shown immense potential in local tournaments. These players are the future of cycle polo in Manipur, and their inclusion in the national championships is a testament to the depth of talent in the state.Team Members:
   • Pebam Dhanish
   • Sinam Bonbon
   • Thangjam Nongpoknganba
   • Sanoujam Chingkhonba
   • Loitongbam Raja
   • Amakcham Amar
   • Wanglen Elangbam
   • Thingbaijam Thoihenba
   Despite being relatively new to the national scene, the Junior Boys’ team is filled with passion and the drive to succeed. They aim to bring home the trophy, showcasing their skills and making their mark in the sport.
3. Sub-Junior Boys’ TeamThe Sub-Junior Boys’ team consists of even younger players, many of whom are competing at the national level for the first time. These players are the newest entrants into the cycle polo world but are already showing great promise. Their raw talent, combined with the guidance of experienced coaches, will make them a force to reckon with.Team Members:
   • Heigru-jam Punshiba
   • Wangkhem Lanchenba
   • Leishangthem Korounganba
   • Moirangthem Malemnganba
   • Denish Ahei-bam
   • Ringkey Thokchom
   This team represents the future of cycle polo in Manipur, and it will be exciting to see how they perform in their first national championships.

The Flag-Off Ceremony: A Moment of Pride

The flag-off ceremony for the teams took place at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport in Imphal. This was not just a regular send-off; it was a moment of pride for the entire state of Manipur. The ceremony was graced by key figures from the Manipur Cycle Polo Association and various other dignitaries. Among them were:

• W Sushilkumar, Honorary Advisor, Manipur Cycle Polo Association
• K Shantikumar, President, Manipur Cycle Polo Association
• Kongbrailatpam Dhaneshwori, Chef de Mission
• Koijam Tomba, Vice Chef de Mission

The presence of these officials highlights the importance of the event and their strong support for the players. The excitement in the air was palpable, with families, supporters, and fans coming out to cheer the teams as they embarked on their journey to West Bengal. The energy at the airport was infectious, as everyone knew that these players were representing not just the Manipur Cycle Polo Association but the entire state.

The Role of Coaches and Officials

Behind every successful team, there are coaches and officials who work tirelessly to guide, train, and motivate the players. The teams from Manipur are no exception. The coaches, Th Chakritombi and Kh Habe, have been instrumental in honing the skills of the players. Their experience and expertise in cycle polo make them invaluable assets to the teams.

In addition, the management team, including Laimayum Rajesh (Manager), plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth coordination of all aspects of the team’s journey. From logistics to emotional support, they ensure the players are in the best possible shape to compete at the highest level.

Manipur’s Cycle Polo Legacy: Past and Future

Manipur’s contribution to the sport of cycle polo is undeniable. Over the years, the state has produced numerous champions who have gone on to represent India at various international competitions. The MCPA has consistently worked towards promoting the sport, and the success of these teams at national championships will further solidify the state’s reputation as a powerhouse in cycle polo.

The cycle polo scene in Manipur continues to grow, with young players coming up through the ranks and showing immense potential. The MCPA’s efforts to nurture this talent, coupled with the state’s unwavering support for the sport, ensures that Manipur will remain a dominant force in cycle polo for years to come.

FAQs

1. What is cycle polo?
   • Cycle polo is a variation of polo where players ride bicycles instead of horses. It is a fast-paced sport that combines cycling skills with traditional polo gameplay.
2. How long has cycle polo been played in Manipur?
   • Cycle polo has a rich history in Manipur, with the state being one of the pioneers of the sport in India.
3. When are the National Cycle Polo Championships taking place?
   • The 45th Senior Men, 43rd Junior Boys, and 39th Sub-Junior Boys National Cycle Polo Championships are taking place in West Bengal starting January 11, 2025.
4. Who are the key coaches for the Manipur teams?
   • The key coaches for the Manipur teams are Th Chakritombi and Kh Habe.
5. How can I support Manipur’s cycle polo teams?
   • You can support the teams by following their journey, attending events, and promoting the sport of cycle polo in your community.