Obituary: Remembering Md. Ladu, a celebrated polo player

Dr. Syed Ahmed *

Md. Ladu (second from left) representing Manipur polo team

On 20th January 2025, in the early morning, while I was on my way to Cheirao Ching for walk, I received a call from Md. Ladu's son, Moulana Taqdir, informing that Md. Ladu had passed away. I was shocked to hear.

He was just 64 years old. I met popular polo (sagol kanjei) player, Md. Abdul Hashim, popularly known as Md. Ladu, almost a month before in December 2024 at his residence at Yairipok. Md. Ladu was not in good health for many months. I was told by his family members that he suffered a stroke. Since then, he had gone to depression. Due to that he hardly talked nor could he moved actively.

Since the last few months, I have been tracing the history of Sagol Kangjei, and trying to meet some of the surviving players of the popular indigenous game. I have been posting their stories on Facebook. I had posted few photographs of Md. Ladu.

My Facebook friends liked it, but I did not post his story. I think, it is God’s will, that I post his story after his death. I have been planning to organize a programme to facilitate the surviving polo players, including Md. Ladu. Sadly, I will greatly miss him.

Md. Ladu with the author

Md. Ladu was born to Md. Abdul Matalib and Kaboklei at Yairopk Tulihal on February 1, 1960. His humble house is at Santa Bazar. He studied at Azad High School. Besides being a sagol kangjei player, he was once a Member of Top Chingtha Gram Panchayat, Imphal East II. He was elected for the post in May 1985. His son showed me the certificate of the election issued by the Returning Officer dated May 31st 1985.

There are also few other certificates of training issued to him by the Directorate of Panchayats, Manipur Panchayati Raj Training Institute, Manipur. I was told by some of his friends that he was a sincere and humble social worker.

Md. Ladu started playing polo and horse race from a young age. He was trained by his local elders. Physically, he was tall, well-built and strong. He started playing polo representing Thoubal District Polo team from a young age. He participated in several State-Level Tournaments. His family showed me several certificates, including some certificates of State-Level Knock-Out Polo Tournament.

One such certificate that he received mentions that the tournament was organised by Manipur Horse Riding & Polo Institute, Imphal (MHR & PI) Mapal Kangjeibung or Imphal Pologround from February 15-21, 1987. The certificate was signed by N. Tombi Singh, the then President of MHR & PI. The remark column mentions Champion.

Md. Ladu played at Tourism Festival, held from November 1-7, 1992, by Government of Manipur. He also played 2nd Governor’s Cup Invitation Polo Tournament 1992 organised by MHR & PI representing Thoubal District Polo Club (A). He participated the XI State Level N. Hazari Memorial Polo Tournament 1993 held from December 5 to 24 in 1993, also organized by MHR & PI representing Thoubal District Polo Club (A).

Md. Ladu further played Classic Polo Manipur, International Invitation Tournament held in connection with International Cultural Conference and Festival representing Manipur, held from November 27 to December 21 in 1991.

He also received incentive sports award from Department of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of Manipur, and several Certificates of Honour from the Thoubal District administrators. Md. Ladu was honoured the title Guru Sagol Kangjei by the titular king of Manipur, Sanajaoba on October 28, 2016.

The funeral of Md. Ladu was attended by several people from far and wide. The janajah namaz (prayer) was performed at Yairipok Tulihal kabarsthan (graveyard). I met numerous people from Irong Chesaba, Khelakhong, Mayang Imphal Bengoon, Thoubal, etc. besides people from Yairipok. I met one of his close friends, Md. Feijuddin from Irong Chesaba, also a prominent polo player, who played together.

Md. Ladu and Md. Feijuddin were facilitated few years back by the Chief Minister. After the prayer, I got the opportunity to talked to Md. Feijuddin. He once played for Irong Polo Club. These days, some of the polo players from Irong Chesaba, led by Md. Alimuddin, has been reviving the club and the game in the area. The players participate in several polo tournaments.

Md. Ladu is survived by his wife, three sons and four daughters. Md. Ladu introduced his daughter, Samina, to the game of polo. He took her to Mapal Kangjeibung at Imphal, and enrolled in women's polo team. But she could not continue for long. She gave up playing after her marriage. She is married to Abdul Gaffar of Meraimayum sagei from Tulihal. Gaffar also played polo for Thoubal District.

With the death of Md. Ladu, Manipur has lost one of the last few surviving polo players of the older generation.