Traditional Games and Sports of Manipur:-
One of the best gift to the world from Manipur would be the game of Polo which traced its origin to the beautiful Indian state. Known as Sagol Kangjei in local dialect, the British learned the game during the 19th Century and modified it to its present name Polo. It is believed in Manipur that during the mythological age the game was played by gods. Presently the game is played in two styles – the PANA or original Manipuri style and the International style i.e. Polo. Instead of horses, the ponies are decorated fully with various guards protecting the eyes, forehead, flanks etc.
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A bewitching adventure into the various forms of games and sports in the Manipur also known as ‘The Jewel state of India’ is worth exploring. For adventure and sports lover this is the best place to explore games and sports which are played by the different communities residing in the region .
The North Eastern India as mentioned earlier is rich in different forms of game and sports and have produced world class athlete and players in different fields . The region also has various forms of games and sports which are played traditionally in different nooks and corners . Here is a glimpse of a few of the games and sports played in Manipur .
The state of Manipur is known for several games that were indigenously developed over a period of time. They also trace their origin to ancient times. Take a look at them:
Mukna
Mukna is the Manipuri style of wrestling and is a game testing sheer physical strength and skill of the participants. It is a highly popular game and in the olden days the game enjoyed royal patronage.
Kang This game is played during the period between Cheiraoba (Manipuri New Year’s day) and the Rath Yatra festival on the mud floor of a big out-house. The game is all about hitting fixed targets with “Kang”, a flat and oblong instrument made of either ivory or lac. It is played in teams usually having 7 male partners.
Thang TA
Hugely popular this is Manipuri Martial Arts, that has dripped down to generations. The game evolve in olden days when every Manipuri was a warrior and was required to serve his country at the time of war. This game is very energetic and skillful art and is popular among the youths .
Khong Kangjei
Played with seven players on either side, each player is equipped with a bamboo stick measuring made in the form of modern hockey stick. A player may carry the ball in any manner to the goal, he may even kick it but he has to score the goal only by hitting the ball with his stick.
Yubi Lakpi is played with a coconut.
Yubi Lakpi
This is Manipuri rugby and its name comes from -”Yubi”, Manipuri for coconut and “Lakpi” meaning snatching. Players play in teams of seven on either side and are supposed to score goals in order to win. To score a goal a player has to approach the goal from the front with his oiled coconut and pass the goal line.
Hiyang Tanaba
This is a rowing sports held generally in the month of November at Thangapat. The boats called Hiyang Hiren is regarded to be invested with spiritual powers and the game is associated with religious rites.
Mao, the Naga tribe of Manipur, has always liked its traditional games that have since time immemorial given them a medium to keep their tradition and culture alive. The Tribals of Manipur plays different kinds of games and sports . Traditional games include Osu Kaka and Lerii Kaphi Cho played among the Tribals.
Note from the editor:
This is a sequel to Jogesh’s series of articles on the Role of North East in Indian Sport. You can pursue his prequels by clicking below:
https://www.sportskeeda.com/2010/05/07/india-football-the-role-of-north-east-part-ii-lajong-fc/
