Over hundreds race to save Manipur's Pony

Imphal, May 9 : In a bid to save the world famous Manipuri breed of Pony, a marathon race was organised today under the aegis of the Iputhou Marjing Haraoba Thougal Lup, Heingang.

Coincidentally, today is the last day of the annual festivities of Iputhou Marjing Haraoba.

The marathon was flagged off by PHE Executive Engineer H Bigadhan from Awang Potshangbam Khullen where the deity of Lord Koubru is situated.



Runners ready for marathon race organised by Iputhou Marjing Haraoba Thougal Lup, Heingang under the theme 'save the Pony'


Speaking at the occasion, president of the Iputhou Marjing Haraoba Thougal Lup Ng Rabeichandra observed that Lord Marjing occupies a prominent position in the pantheon of forest deities worshipped under Meitei indigenous faith.

In the mythology of Manipur, Lord Marjing and pony were closely associated.

Co-convenor of Sports committee N Kapu noted the need of introducing physical and mental games in Lai Haraoba festivities in order to make these celestial and traditional festivals more significant.

Unaware of the momentous role taken by pony in the history of Manipur, these rare breed of horse has become the most neglected lot.

Moreover, there have been several instances of vehicles ramming them or attacking them with weapons, Kapu lamented.

Under such circumstances where the pony breed is facing extinction, it is crucial to save pony.

It was under this conviction that the marathon was organised with the objective to save pony.

Pradhan of Heingang GP Likmabam Manihar appealed to the Govt to take up a project to save pony at Heingang.