Promotion of indigenous games needs special attention: MU VC
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, December 10 2015:
Vice Chancellor of Manipur University Professor HNK Sarma on Thursday stressed on the special need to promote various indigenous games of Manipur.
He was speaking at the opening ceremony of the first ever three-day Indigenous Games Festival of Manipur 2015 at Manipur University Hockey Field.
Attending the function jointly organised by DD Sports, Durdarshan Kendra (DDK) Imphal and Indigenous Games Association of Manipur as President, Prof HNK Sarma stated that Manipur is home to numerous indigenous games and Sagol-Kangjei which is known to the world as Polo is one of such game.
"Polo originated in Manipur and the people of the State should be proud of it" said the professor.
The MU VC mentioned that Sagol-Kangjei was also played by the Britishers during the colonial period and they even promoted the game.
"The People of Manipur need to promote this indigenous game and help preserve the Manipuri ponies used in the game," said Prof HNK Sarma.
He further stated that organizing the Indigenous Games Festival of Manipur will help in preservation and promotion of traditions.
The opening ceremony was attended by PHED Minister as Chief Guest.
DD Sports Channel Advisor Abhishek Dubey, DDK Imphal Programme Head AK AK Khogendra and MU Registrar W Bishwanath also attended the festival.
Mukna-Kangjei, Sagol-Kangjei, Thang-Ta and other games were exhibited on the first day.
It may be mentioned that indigenous games of Manipur such as Mukna-Kangjei, Sagol-Kangjei, Kang, Mukna, Cheibi, Yubi-Lakpi and Thang-Ta will be also be exhibited during the three-day festival.
The festival was also telecast LIVE by DD Sports and DDK Imphal to make the people of the country understand the rich sporting tradition of the State.
Indigenous games festival in India was held for the first time in Mizoram and the ongoing festival in Manipur is its second edition.