Manipur : Indigenous sports which marked their global presence!

Manipuri mythology has it that Oolaobi was an outdoor game (similar to modern day Kabaddi) played mainly  by the Gods It is an outdoor game played mainly by females. In addition to these, Manipur has a rich history of  indigenous games like Khutlokpi, Phibul Thomba, Chaphu Thugaibi which are played throughout the year. Lets take a look on them!

Sagol Kangjei

The modern game of Polo originated in Manipur. Polo is played with seven players on each side. The players are mounted on ponies which are not more than 4-5 feet height. Each player has a polo stick made of cane. The ball used is the game is made of bamboo root. The ball is hit hard by the players into the goal. Today the game is played in two different form the PANA, original Manipuri style and Polo, the International style.

Thang Ta & Sarit Sarak 

Manipuri Martial Art is a very skillful and energetic art. In the olden times when every Manipuri was a warrior and were bound to serve the country at the time of war, this art was a way to sharpen their battle craft. Today, martial arts is being performed widely by women and children as well.

Khong Kangjei

The Manipuri hockey is also very popular among the Manipuris. Like polo, this game is also played with 7 players on each side and each player is given a bamboo stick made in the form of modern hockey stick. The game begins with a throw of the ball in the field and the player is allowed to carry the ball in any way possible to the goal. A player can even kick the ball but the goal can be only scored by hitting the ball with the stick. There is no goal post and in order to score the goal the player has to score the goal line completely.

Yubi Lakpi

In Manipuri language "Yubi" means a coconut and "Lakpi" means snatching. Similar to the other games, each side has seven players. A rectangular box is made in one end of the field; one side of the box forms the central portion of the goal line. In order to make a goal, a player to approach the goal from the front with his oiled coconut and cross the goal line.

Mukna

Manipuri wrestling is also another highly popular and prestigious game played among the Manipuris. The game enjoyed royal patronage in the olden times. This game is played between two male rivals by sheer physical strength and skill.
This game is normally held in the month of November at Loktak lake and Thangapat. The boats used in this game are called Hiyang Hiren. The people of Manipur believes that the boats are endowed with spiritual powers. The Meiteis believes that if Hiyang hiren is worshipped it will negate evil omens. During the times of natural calamity, the game is also played by the people of Manipur.

Hiyang Tannaba

This game is normally held in the month of November at Loktak lake and Thangapat. The boats used in this game are called Hiyang Hiren. The people of Manipur believes that the boats are endowed with spiritual powers. The Meiteis believes that if Hiyang hiren is worshipped it will negate evil omens. During the times of natural calamity, the game is also played by the people of Manipur.

– Complied by Payal Bhattacharjee with inputs from internet sources.