The last ember glows : Will we let it burn ?

Arambam Chanu Leimathoi *

1st Chief Minister Sagol Kangjei at Kangla Manung Kangjeibung in November 2022 :: Pix - Khaba Kh

Have you ever wondered what makes a culture truly alive ? It's not just in the books, the monuments, or the languages—it's in the very pulse of people, their traditions, their songs, their food and yes in their games.

In the heart of North East India, nestled between emerald hills and ancient folklore, lies Manipur - a land of warriors, storytellers, and traditions so rich that they transcend time. But what if I told you that within this culture lies an untapped treasure that has the potential to not only preserve our heritage but also put Manipur on the global stage ?

The answer is simple yet profound : our indigenous games.

For centuries, Manipur's indigenous games have been more than just sports. They are deeply woven into our festivals, traditional attires, music, and rituals-living testaments to our ancestry. And yet, they remain at the margins of global awareness, slowly fading from our collective consciousness.

While we embrace foreign trends, eager to blend into the mainstream, we often neglect what makes us truly unique. But here's the truth: diversity enriches the world, not uniformity. It is time we stop losing ourselves in someone else's narrative and start introducing the world to ours.

The Guardians of our Culture

Every game tells a story, and Manipur's indigenous sports are no exception. Picture a field where riders gallop across on majestic Manipuri ponies, mallets slicing through the air. This is Sagol Kangjei - the original form of modern Polo. Far from being just a game, it was once a warrior's test of skill, honor, and spirit.

The connection between Sagol Kangjei and Lord Marjing, the deity of war and protector of horses, highlights the spiritual depth of the game. Mention may be made that it was mainly the Sagol Kangjei - lois (Polo players) who formed the fierce cavalry using Arambai (an arrow like deadly shaft used in both attack and retreat modes while riding on the horsebacks) and this bulk of Manipur Cavalry had devastated the then northern Burma (now Myanmar) during the war campaigns of Garbiniwaj, King of Manipur (1709-48) which is clearly inked in the history of Burma too.

Today Polo thrives as an elite sport in Western countries and yet how many truly know that it was born here, in our very own valleys of Manipur ?

Mukna Kangjei - An indigenous game of Manipur in November 2018 :: Pix - Shankar Khangembam

Then there's Mukna/Khong Kangjei (Manipuri Hockey), a unique blend of wrestling and hockey, where players wield sticks and battle for control of a bamboo-root ball. It's a game that reflects our martial traditions and physical prowess.

Mukna, the traditional Manipuri wrestling, has its roots in royal courts and warrior training, embodying resilience and strength. This sport shares similarities with belt wrestling, a form which recently got recognition in international sports arena is also believed its origin from us as claimed by our Mukna players who once visited the then USSR.

Now, imagine a quiet, shaded veranda where men and women huddle around a smooth playing surface, carefully aiming and striking a small disc. This is Kang, an indoor game played by both men and women of the Meitei community, believed to be a sacred pastime of the deity Panthoibi.

Sir Churachand Singh (KCSI-CBE) Memorial Kang Tournament at Pishumthong, Imphal in October 2019 :: Pix - Shankar Khangembam

In ancient times, Kang was played during summer, from Cheiraoba (Manipur's New Year) to Kang Chingba (Ratha Yatra), becoming an integral part of seasonal festivities.

And then there's Yubi Lakpi (Manipuri Rugby), a thrilling, high-energy sport that bears a striking resemblance to Rugby, but with a coconut instead of a ball-making it uniquely Manipuri in its essence and execution. There is also Hyang Tannaba (Boat Racing) and other Martial Arts (Sarit Sarat, Thang Ta).

Beyond the realm of these competitive sports lies Thang-Ta (combat with Sword and Spear), an ancient Manipuri martial art that moves like poetry in motion. It is more than self-defense; it is an expression of rhythm, discipline and the warrior ethos of our ancestors..

Likewise, Oolaobi, a game played exclusively by women, closely resembles Kabaddi but retains its own distinct essence, symbolizing empowerment and the resilience of Manipuri women. While Kabaddi now commands global attention, Oolaobi lingers in obscurity. When we engage in these games, we are not merely participating in physical activities-we are keeping alive the echoes of generations past.

Fortunately, Thang-Ta is now gaining popularity as a sport in the National and international arena and also included as a curriculum in the State's education.

Threads of Heritage

Manipuri festivals are incomplete without our indigenous games. The grand Lai Haraoba (festival of deities) is a celebration of creation, where we witness athletic competitions that pay homage to our deities.

The vibrant movements of these games mirror our traditional dances, while the songs sung during these events connect us to the folklore of our land. Even our attire, from the delicate folds of Innaphi to the sturdy Khudei, finds its place in these games, visually reinforcing our deep cultural roots.

But here's the question-how often do we see these sports highlighted in mainstream discussions ? How often do we teach them to the younger generation with the same enthusiasm as cricket or football ? The irony is that while our indigenous games hold the potential to captivate international audiences, even we hesitate to champion them.

The Potential for Global Recognition

It is time we stop hiding these treasures in fear of being robbed. Instead, let us boldly claim them, protect them, and share them with the world. Imagine a future where Sagol Kangjei is played in international equestrian championships not as the Polo we see today, where Thang-Ta is recognized as a martial art on a global scale, where Mukna Kangjei finds its way into the Olympics.

It is not a far-fetched dream; it is an achievable reality-if only we take the initiative.

Countries across the world have turned their traditional sports into global phenomena - why should Manipur be left behind ? Kabaddi, once a rural Indian game, is now an international sport. Muay Thai, originating from Thailand, is now practiced worldwide. Why can't our games achieve the same recognition ?

The answer lies in awareness, pride, and effort. Schools should introduce indigenous games into their physical education curriculum. Festivals should emphasize these sports not just as relics of the past but as thriving cultural practices. And above all, Manipuris must embrace these games not as outdated traditions, but as dynamic, living parts of our identity.

The world is constantly looking for new, exciting sports, and we already have them ! What we lack is awareness and confidence. Instead of waiting for outsiders to "discover" our culture, we should be the ones to introduce it to the world-proudly in the realm of potential sports.

A Call to Action: Reviving What is Ours

This article is more than just a plea to play old games; it is a call to revive an entire cultural legacy. We need to bring back the pride in our indigenous games, incorporate them into our festivals, educate our children about them, and even create State-level and National-level competitions to give them the recognition they deserve.

Imagine the day when the world watches Manipuri athletes competing in our indigenous games at the Asian Games or even the Olympics. Imagine a time when children across India and beyond learn about Manipur not just as a conflict-ridden State but as the birthplace of some of the most fascinating games known to mankind.

What Can Be Done ?

Education is key. Schools must introduce indigenous games into their curriculum, ensuring that children grow up playing Kang, Mukna, and Thang-Ta alongside cricket and football. The Government and private sector should invest in sponsorships, tournaments, and international collaborations.

In an era where everything is digital, social media campaigns and global outreach can spread awareness about our rich sporting heritage. Festivals should feature public demonstrations of these games, drawing tourists and rekindling local interest. Documentaries, films, and digital platforms should showcase these sports, transforming them from forgotten pastimes into celebrated cultural icons.

If we do not preserve our indigenous games today, what will we pass on to the next generation ? Cultural extinction does not happen overnight; it is the slow, unnoticed fading of traditions that are not nurtured. So, let's make Manipur recognizable not by blending in, but by standing out-by celebrating what is uniquely ours and confidently sharing it with the world.

A Culture Survives When It Is Lived, Not Just Remembered

If we let these games vanish, we are not just losing a sport-we are erasing a part of our identity. We must pass them on, not just as stories but as lived experiences. Let us take pride in our heritage, teach our children the beauty of these games, and showcase them on the world stage.

As one wise saying goes, "A tree stands strong not by its height, but by the depth of its roots." It is time for us to deepen our roots and let the world see Manipur for what it truly is-a land of warriors, storytellers, and game-changers. The world doesn't need another place that looks the same, plays the same, and feels the same. What it needs is the richness of diversity, the authenticity of cultures that refuse to be erased.

So, let me appeal to all my fellow Manipuris, the stakeholders in particular, that beside modern games, time has come to collectively feel our very cultural essence which is enshrined in our indigenous games and let's promote them hand-in-hand for transcending the same through generations to come.

See a full photo gallery on the Indigenous Sports of Manipur