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Context:

• The Government of Manipur has recently joined hands with various organisations and associations to save the Manipuri Pony or Meitei Sagol.

The Meitei Sagol

• It is one of the seven recognised horse and pony breeds of India.
• The others include the Marwari Horse, the Kathiawari Horse, the Zanskari Pony, the Spiti Pony, the Bhutia Pony and the Kachhi-Sindhi Horse.
• Their population has been declining rapidly in recent times - from 1,898 animals in the 17th Quinquennial Livestock Census 2003 to only 1,101 in the 19th Quinquennial Livestock Census 2012. In the last livestock census done in 2019, the number had dropped further to 1,089.
• Threats: Shrinkage of wetlands, the natural habitat of the Pony due to rapid urbanisation and encroachment; lack of polo grounds/polo playing areas in rural Manipur; restriction of pony usage except in the game of polo; uncontrolled diseases; and the exodus of ponies to neighbouring states and countries.
• It is known for its unique stamina, agility, intelligence, speed, manoeuvrability and great adaptability to harsh geoclimatic conditions.

Sagol kangjei

• A traditional equestrian ball sport played on horseback in Manipur, India, using a long-handled stick.
• It is also known as Manipuri polo and is considered a predecessor to modern international polo.
• The word "Sagol" means "pony" in Manipuri, and "Kangjei" means "game played with sticks".

Registered horses:

https://nbagr.icar.gov.in/en/registered-horse/

Source:

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/wildlife-biodiversity/meitei-sagol-manipur-takes-host-of-decisions-to-save-its-fabled-equines-from-extinction-96227

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