Chhattisgarh Creates History in International Polo: Shines at the 15th Manipur International Polo Tournament

Raipur, Dec 2025 : Chhattisgarh has created history by achieving a remarkable milestone at the 15th Manipur International Polo Tournament held in Imphal from November 22 to 29, 2025. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai met the participating players from Chhattisgarh at his residence in Raipur and congratulated them for their outstanding performance.

During the courtesy visit, the Chief Minister praised the team, stating that their achievement is a moment of immense pride for the entire state. He encouraged the players to continue their dedication and hard work in the future. CM Sai added that tribal youth from Chhattisgarh possess exceptional talent in sports, and with the support of the state government, equestrian and polo sports have gained a new direction.

This accomplishment is especially significant because, for the first time in the history of the country, a state team was invited to represent India in an international polo tournament. Chhattisgarh made a strong mark on both national and international sports platforms, competing against teams from the United States, Colombia, the Indian Polo Association, and other international squads.

The achievement highlights the growing participation of tribal youth in the world of sports. Many institutions played a pivotal role in making this historic feat possible, including the Government of Chhattisgarh, the Indian Army (NCC), district administrations of Dantewada and Kanker, and the Brigo & Hector Equestrian Management Company, Raipur.

The Chhattisgarh team members included Lieutenant Colonel Aman Singh (NCC), Lance Nadeem Ali (Retd.), Vedika Sharan, Chitrabhanu Singh, Samuel Vishwakarma, Golu Ram Kashyap, Subhash Lekami, and Devaki Karti. Notably, earlier in September 2025, Vedika Sharan represented India at an international equestrian event in Bengaluru, securing second place nationally in her age category and ranking 15th globally.

This milestone was made possible under the “Khel Se Shakti” initiative, through which talented students from Dantewada and Kanker were trained in horse riding and polo. The training was conducted by Brigo & Hector Equestrian Management Company with support from experienced polo players of the Indian Army.

This initiative reflects the state government’s commitment to empowering tribal youth through sports, education, and training, while ensuring that athletes from Chhattisgarh receive the resources and opportunities needed to excel at national and international levels. Commissioner of Chhattisgarh Housing Board, Avnish Sharan, and equestrian trainer Geeta Dahiya were also present on the occasion.