TRADITIONAL GAMES

The tradition of sports started back along with the political history of the Manipuri kingdom which was in keen competition with one another. Wars between Manipur and Burma (the then Myanmar) produced martial tradition thereby gave due impetus to the promotion of sports. The state of Manipur is known for several games that were indigenously developed over a period of time.

Thang-Ta:

This is one of the Manipuri Martial Arts that has handed down from generations to generations. During the kingship period every Manipuri was a warrior who is required to serve his country at the time of war. Thang-Ta is a very energetic and skillful art where swords and spears are used. It is to be played only when the players are well equipped with proper protections. Regular practice is required and only the brave and athletic can excel in this kind of game. Players are supposed to adhere to strict rules of the game.

Khong Kangjei:

Like Polo game, Khong Kangjei is also a very popular game for the Manipuris. The game is played with seven players in each side equipped with bamboo stick made in the form of modern hockey stick and the ball is made of bamboo root. The player may carry the ball in his own manner to the goal by kicking or hitting the ball to score the goal. The game does not have goal post but the players can score when the ball crosses the goal line completely.

Yubi Lakpi:

The game is called Manipuri rugby. The meaning of the game is ‘snatching of coconut’. Each side of the competitor consists of seven players. The player has to approach the goal from the front with his oiled coconut and pass the goal line in order to score the goal. It is used to play on the beautiful green turf of the palace ground or at the Bijoy Govinda Temple ground.

Hiyang Tanaba:

The game is usually associated with religious rites by believing that worshipping the boats Hiyang Hiren would negate evil omens. The game is generally held at Thangapat during the month of November and also during the times of natural calamity.

Mukna:

It is the Manipuri Wrestling played between two male opponents testing physical strength and skill of the participants. The game is very popular and highly appreciated in Manipur and it is a must to be performed at the closing ceremony of the Lai Haraoba festival. “Mukna Kangjei” (Wrestler Hockey) is also a very popular game in Manipur.

Sagol – Kangjei:

Polo, rather “Sagol – Kangjei” in Manipuri is originated from Manipur. The game is the most versatile, swift and agile game in the world. The British learned the Manipuri Sagol-Kangjei in the 19^th Century from Manipur and after refinement it was taken to other countries as Polo. The game is played in two styles – the Pana or original Manipuri style and the International style i.e. Polo. The ponies are decorated fully with various guards protecting the eyes, forehead etc.

The game is played with seven players on each side mounted/riding on ponies. Each player would have polo stick made of cane with a narrow angled wooden head fixed at the end. The polo ball is made of bamboo root.

Kang:

This game is played during the period between ‘Cheiraoba’ (Manipuri New Year) and Rath Yatra festival. The game is played with a ‘Kang’ (a flat and oblong instrument made of either ivory or lac) by hitting a fixed target placed on the mud floor of a big house / hall meant for the game. The players consist of seven numbers on each side. Both male and female can play the game. The players have to adhere to the time-frame if not it is believed that evil spirits may polluted the mind of the players.

Oolaobi:

Oolaobi is a game mainly played by females. Meitei mythology believes that Umang Lai Heloi Taret (seven deities) played this game on the courtyard of the temple of Umang Lai Lairembi. The number of participants is not fixed but is divided into two groups. Players are divided as into Raiders or Defenders.

The Raiders say "oo" without stopping as long as they can continue and try to touch the Defenders. If a Raider touches a Defender then the Defender is out. This process goes on till all the Defenders are out or surrender. If a raider fails to say "oo" or is out of breath, the Raider is out. Points are counted on the elimination of Raiders/Defenders.