Remembering Md. Alimuddin, a celebrated Sagol Lamchel and Sagol Kangjei player of Manipur

Dr. Syed Ahmed *

Remembering Md. Alimuddin, a celebrated Sagol Lamchel and Sagol Kangjei player of Manipur :: Photo Courtesy - Bobby

Meitei Pangals of Manipur have been playing the indigenous games, such as mukna, mukna kangjei, yubi lakpi, hiyang tannaba, sangol lamjel, sagol kangjei, etc. since ages. Indigenous games, particularly mukna, mukna kangjei, yubi lakpi, etc. were played during the marriage ceremonies of the Meitei Pangal.

The royal chronicle of the rulers of Manipur, Cheithrol Kumbaba, mentions Meitei Pangals playing boat race. Over the decades, the community has produced several sagol kangjei and modern polo players. The most prominent being Md. Abdullah, the international player, from Paobitek, in Imphal West District.

Md. Alimuddin, alias Oli, from Wangoi was one of the most prominent sagol lamjel and sagol kangjei players of Manipur from the 1950s to 1970s.

It may be mentioned that Maharaj Churachand (r. 1891-1941) promoted the indigenous games. He is also remembered for introducing several modern games in Manipur, such as cricket, hockey, tennis, etc. He developed Hapta Kangjeibung (Konung Lampak) as a playground for such games and sports. From the 1930s, sagol kangjei and sagol lamjel were played every week at the Kangjeibung.

Md. Alimuddin was born to Md. Habi of Bogimayum sagei in Irong Chesaba, now in Thoubal District. The family moved to Paobitek. During the reign of Maharaj Bodhachandra (r. 1941-1955), Alimuddin served in the royal elephant establishment at Samushang Santipur, in Imphal West District, and looked after the elephants.

He was quite young then. He also started playing sagol lamjel and sagol kangjei with great enthusiasm. He played the games roaming around several villages. He was just around 5 ft. tall.

Md. Alimuddin from Sangaiyumpham, Akham Chounusana from Lamdeng Khunou, Elangbam Thanil from Oinam Sawombung, Md. Ladu from Yairipok, Ilarong from Phoubakchao, Md. Lahimuddin from Paobitek, etc. were some of the prominent contemporaries of Md. Alimuddin who played the indigenous games.

Maharaja seated on a chair and Alimuddin holding the race horse, Sanabi, in the photo :: Photo Courtesy - Bobby

In the post-Independence period, sagol kangjei and sagol lamjel were played at Hapta Kanjeibung every Wednesday and Saturday. In 1965, Alimuddin took part in the Ningthem Sharma Memorial Cup for sagol lamjel, which was held at the Kangjeibung, and graced by Maharaj Okendrajit (Maharaja seated on a chair and Alimuddin holding the race horse, Sanabi, in the photo above).

He lifted the prestigious cup by riding a popular race horse, named Sanabi. He also rode popular race horses, named Singarei, Langdon Sambi, Ketuki, etc. Sanabi was owned by Mutum Tomcha from Nongmeibung, in Imphal East District.

Tomcha was then the Joint Director of the Department of Veterinary & Animal Husbandry, Government of Manipur. The memorial shield (see the photo) is now in the custody of Mutum Ranjit, Retd. IAS, and son of Mutum Tomcha.

On June 1, 1975, a historic sagol kangjei and sagol lamjel tournament was held at Hapta Kangjeibung. In the tournament, organized in memory of Maharaj Bodhachandra Singh, nine teams participated.

Irong and Wangoi team played the final match. Alimuddin was a player of the Wangoi team. It may be mentioned that, by then, Alimuddin got married (to Garamjan Bibi) and settled at Wangoi.

The final match was won by Wangoi team. Angom Ningthou Cup, Syamjai Cup and Joychandra Cup for sagol lamjel were organised soon after the polo competition.

As informed by Bogimayum Tomba, a well-known sagol kangjei player from Paobitek, Alimuddin lifted the three cups. The tournament was graced by Education Minister, Yumnam Yaima. The Minister handed the prize to Alimuddin.

In recognition of his achievements in the game of sagol kangjei and sagol lamjel, the State Government employed Alimuddin as a Veterinary Attendant in the Department of Veterinary & Animal Husbandry, Government of Manipur. He expired during his service period in 1997.

Md. Alimuddin trained many players, namely Md. Chaoba, international polo players, such as Late Ningthem, Md. Abdullah, Md. Tomba from Paobitek. They all played for the Paobitek Polo Club.

Md. Alimuddin is survived by his wife Garamjan Bibi (70) and Rustam @ Bobby (45). The information and photos for this post are provided by Bobby. He is, at present, serving as a Veterinary Field Assistant in the Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry. Bobby is presently residing at Minuthong Golapati in Imphal East District. He plays football.

Photo Courtesy - Bobby