The tradition of sports dates back to the ancient history of Manipur - a
history of small kingdoms which were in keen competition with one another.
Wars among themselves and with Ava (Myanmar) resulted in a martial
tradition which in turn gave due impetus to the development of indiginous games.
Thang Ta & Sarit Sarak (Manipuri Martial Arts)
These are the Manipuri Martial Arts, the traditions of which had been passed down over the
centuries. It is a very energetic and skillful art and is a way to hone one's battlecraft during
the peace time in the olden days when every Manipuri was a warrior who is required to
serve his country at the time of war. Long and precise practices is required and only the
brave and athletic could excel. The art as seen today observe elaborate rituals and rules
which are strictly observed by the participants. Besides, the above, there are other games
like Lamjel(foot race), Mangjong (Broad jump) etc.
Khong Kangjei (Manipuri Hockey)
Like polo, Khong Kangjei, is also a very popular game for the Manipuris. The game is
played with seven players on either side and each player is equipped with a bamboo stick
about 4ft. in length made in the form of modern hockey stick. The game is started with a
throw of the ball made of bamboo root in the field of 200 x 80 yards in area. 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.
There is no goal post and a goal is scored when the ball crosses the goal line fully. A player
often encounters with an opponent in his attempt at carrying or hitting the ball towards the
goal. The encounter may develop into a trial of strength which is indigenously known as
Mukna. the game requires much physical stamina, speed and agility. In the olden days
players excelling in the game received royal favours and prizes.
Yubi Lakpi (Manipuri Style Rugby)
"Yubi" is the Manipuri for coconut and "Lakpi" for snatching. Played on the beautiful green
turf of the palace ground, or at the Bijoy Govinda Temple Ground. Each side has 7 players
in a field that is about 45 x 18 metres in area. One end of the field has a rectangular box 4.5
x 3 mtrs. One side of which forms the central portion of the goal line. To score a goal a
player has to approach the goal from the front with his oiled coconut and pass the goal line.
The coconut serves the purpose of a ball and is offered to the king or the judges who sit just
beyond the goal line. However, in ancient times the teams were not equally matched but the
players, with the coconut had to tackle all the rest of the players.
Hiyang Tanaba (Boat Race)
It is generally held 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. The Meiteis believe that worship of the Hiyang Hiren will negate evil omens. The
rowers don traditional dresses and head gears. The game is also conducted during the times
of natural calamity.
Mukna (Manipuri Wrestling)
The game is the Manipuri style of wrestling played between two male rivals for trial of
strength by sheer physical strength and skill. Athletes of the same or approximately the
same physical built weight and, age are made rivals. The game is an absolute must for the
closing ceremonies of the Lai Haraoba festival. Mukna is a highly popular and prestigious
game. In the olden days the game enjoyed royal patronage.
Sagol Kangjei (POLO)
The Manipuri Sagol Kangjei has been adopted by the International Community as Polo and
is now being played worldwide. The 'PUYAS' trace it to the mythological age when the
game was played by gods. The game is played with 7 players on each side mounted on
ponies which are often not more than 4/5 feet in height. Each player is outfitted with a polo
stick made of cane having a narrow angled wooden head fixed at the striking end. The ball,
14 inches in circumference is made of bamboo root. The mounted players hit the ball into
the goal. Extremely vigorous and exhilarating the game is now played in two styles - the
PANA or original Manipuri style and the International style i.e. Polo. It is exhilarating to see
the Manipuri players in their sixties and even seventies riding ponies at full gallop and
playing Sagol Kangjei with gusto. The ponies are also decorated fully with various guards
protecting the eyes, forehead, flanks etc.
The British learned the game of Sagol Kangjei in the 19th Century from Manipur after
refinement it was transplanted to the countries as Polo.
Kang
Played on the mud floor of a big out-house, fixed targets hit with "Kang" which is a flat and
oblong instrument made of either ivory or lac. Normally each team has 7 male partners. the
game is also played as a mixed-doubles contest.
Played strictly during the period between 'Cheiraoba' (Manipuri New Year's day) and the
Rath Yatra festival. Manipuri religiously adhere to its time-frame as popular belief holds that
if the game is played beyond its given limit, evil spirits invade the mind of players and
spectators.
