Huyel Langlon Thang-Ta Association observes 87th foundation day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 04 2020: The 87th foundation day of the Huyel Langlon Thang-Ta Association was observed today at Heibok Ching, Takhellambam in Imphal West.

The observation programme organised with strict adherence to safety measures issued in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak, was attended by Thounaojam Priyokumar Singh, president, Imphal West Thang Ta Association; Huidrom Premkumar singh, president, Huyel Langlon Thang-Ta Association and sintakpa (teacher) Moirangthem Rajen Meitei of PAHULASI, Kwakeithel Mayaikoibi as presidium members.

Huyel Langlon Thang-Ta Association observes 87th foundation day

The association recalled how the establishment of the association was conceived despite oppressive measures by the British after the '1891 Anglo Manipuri War' .

With the perseverance and efforts by many thang-ta gurus and experts, and following one of the resolution taken in a meeting of the Nikhil Hindu Manipuri Mahasabha chaired by king Churachand, it was decided to propagate the martial art form widely but without the knowledge of the British Government, Huidrom Premkumar recalled during the programme.

To carry forward the goal, the State people learnt the art-form in deserted areas and during nights before one of the renowned Thang-Ta sintakpurel (teacher or coach) Rajkumar Sanahal took permission from king Churachand to openly start teaching from November 4, 1934, he said while adding Meitei Huyel Langlon (Satjal) Academy and now called Huyel Langlon Thang-Ta Association thus came into existence.

Under the guidance and as envisioned by the late sintakpurel, the art form has now grown tremendously and State, National and international championships are conducted, he said with pride.

The art form has now been turned into more or less a sports discipline and been included as a subject in school and college curriculum, he said while adding that it has gained more popularity in recent years and even been recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

Thang-Ta academies have been opened in Manipur, Assam and Tripura under Khelo India initiative and at the same time players have started getting scholarships, he said.

More academies or centres are likely to open in days to come and it has always been an endeavour for the association to make the discipline reach the Olympics, he continued.

To do so, the association has been working tirelessly and as a result of their hard work, Thang-Ta Federation of India, Asian Thang-Ta Federation, South Asian Thang-Ta Federation and World Thang-Ta Federation have been established, he said.

He also opined that the indigenous martial artform will surely act as a bridge to unite youths of both hills and valley and at the same time help them develop a good habit and behaviour and help refrain themselves from intoxicants.