Asem Bhakta
Special Correspondent North East
Imphal: Eastern Command of Indian Army arranged a warm felicitation cum reception for 6 young Manipuri Horse Riders at Mantripukhri Garrison of HQs IGAR (S). In Oct 2024, EC HQ at Vijay Durg (ex Fort William), initiated a very significant process of scouting potential young riders from Manipur to join the prestigious Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) Boys Sports Company at RVC Centre & College, Meerut Cantonment. 165 Territorial Army Battalion (Manipur) at Koirengei & Tulihal Airport took on the very important responsibility to conduct a fair and successful trials & test for the candidates. On 28 march 2025 early morning, 49 boys reported at Koirengei airfield for the said talent scouting. 07 riders were selected and sent to Meerut, where more than 4000 candidates turned up for the open recruitment. 05 boys were sponsored by 165 Territorial Army Battalion (Manipur) and 02 boys were sponsored by RVC branch Eastern Command. In March 2025, after vetting by SAI, finally 06 young riders got selected. These boys will be joining Boys Sports Company of RVC Centre & College at Meerut on 01 Apr. The Indian Army’s RVC will take care of their education till 12th class, carry out extensive training on horse riding sports and further enrollment in RVC as riders. They will be pursuing Equestrian (Horse Riding) Sports and Polo as their bright future. Brigadier. Mangal Singh, the senior most Veterinary (RVC) officer & the advisor on Army’s Animal resources & assets of Eastern Command, played a major role in this effort. His guidance & support has ensured successful talent scouting of Young Riders from Manipur (class 7 to 9) in the All India Open Induction Rally for selection of boys in Equestrian (Horse Riding) Sports Discipline. As a part of the sincere efforts by Veterinary Dept of Manipur, MHRPA / Manipur Pony Society & MEA, to save & conserve the rare & versatile breed of Manipuri Ponies (“Meitei Sagol”), Brigadier Mangal Singh handed over 300 micro chips & 2 card readers for Manipuri Ponies, provided by the Eastern Command. The boys selected are… 1. Moiranthem Luhenba Meetei, (Class 7, s/o M.Milan Meitei, Kumbi Terakha) 2. Wangkhem Priyobrata Singh (Class 9, s/o W. Ingo, Leishangthem Khongmang) 3. Wahengbam Kedanath Singh (Class 7, s/o W. Hemanta, Kumbi Kangjeibung) 4. Abijit Thiyam (Class 9, s/o Th. Tiken, Angtha Mamang Leikai) 5. Wakongthem Ruhit Singh (Class 9, s/o W. Sanjit Singh, Leishangthem Khongmang) 6. Tokpam Kishorchand (Class 8, s/o T. Hemchandra, Khurai Lishram leikai) The Lives of these young riders & their families will transform forever for good after training & joining the Indian Army as “Special Horse Riders”. On behalf of the six young riders & polo lovers of the state, it will be prudent to express our sincere gratitude to the Indian Army, Eastern Command, RVC Branch, 165 TA Battalion (Manipur) & to all those involved in behind the scene efforts for this significant & successful effort. We, the people of the state, can hope & dream of a Manipuri Rider, representing the Army & the country, on an International Arena in future Asian Games or Olympics. “Dream Big, Plan Wise, Execute with Confidence”. Yours Sincerely, Lt. Col. L. Manongba (Retired) A Horse Riding Sports & Polo Enthusiast of Manipur
