Thang-ta is State's cultural identity, preserve it for posterity: Leishemba Sanajaoba
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik

Ukhrul, August 10 2019: Titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba has urged the people to practice Thang-ta in order to uphold and preserve the State's cultural identity.

He was speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration function of the 30th State level Thang-ta championship held at Bakshi ground Hungpung, Ukhrul today.

Thang-ta is State's cultural identity, preserve it for posterity: Leishemba Sanajaoba

He continued that Thang-ta, an indigenous martial art form, uses swords and spears.

One has to be physically fit for the art form, he added, mentioning the need for establishing a Thang-ta training centre in every districts so as to strengthen the bond of unity amongst all the communities.

H Premkumar, president of Huyel Langlon Thang-ta Association (HLTA), Manipur, spoke about the martial art explaining that it is a part of the State's unique culture.

Elaborating on how the forefathers practiced Thang-ta, Premkumar said that Thang-ta emerged as an art of battle, defence and protection from enemies and added that both men and women knew this martial art form since time immemorial.

He also highlighted the achievements and recognitions it bagged in both the National and international level.

Although, Thang-ta is recognised as cultural art by the Ministry of Art & Culture, the federation organizations have been persistently urging the authorities to include Thang-ta as a full-fledged sporting game.

He said that the 1st National level Thang-ta championship was organised in 1993 in the country while informing that the 5th international championship will be held from September 2 .

Premkumar further mentioned that, Thang-ta medal winners at National level for both sub-junior and junior categories, would be awarded Rs 10,000 monthly for one year, under Khello India.

SP, Ukhrul Worngam Ningshen stressed on the need to promote Thang-ta across the State.

Sports keeps the body healthy, apart from maintaining disciplines, he added.

Meanwhile, secretary of Ukhrul District Thang-ta Association (UDTA) YL Joseph said that UDTA was formed in 1993 and for the first time, Ukhrul hosted the State level Thang-ta championship in 1999 .

It is the second time that Ukhrul district is organising the championship for three days.

Leishemba Sanajaoba declared the championship open by planting a tree sapling at the premises of Bakshi indoor stadium in the presence of Thang-ta Guru Amuja Yumnam and other dignitaries.

Altogether 335 athletes from across 28 units, are participating in the championship in various categories (sub-junior, junior and senior for both men and women) will compete in the in Phunaba-I (Ahanba), Phunaba-II (Anishuba), Thang Haiba, Thanglon, Thanglon-Khutlon and Taron Chatpa events in this championship which will run till 13 of this month.

The opening day saw Rionel IKTCA, Moidampok win the Phunaba-II gold for -21 kg sub-junior boy's beating Kaikhu Laishram of KMTA, Wabagai.

Y Pathou laid his hands on the -25 kg sub-junior boys Phunaba-II gold while N Shirnivas of KTA, Maklang and Albert MH of UDTA, Ukhrul claimed the silver and the bronze medal respectively.

Universal Thang-Ta Academy, Wangoo's Kh Athoiba Singh claimed the gold medal in the -29 kg of the same event while N Rajesh Singh of KTA, Maklang and H Yangba Singh of IKTCA, Moidangpok respectively claimed the silver and the bronze medal.

Universal Thang-Ta Academy also fetched another gold through Kh Meiraba Meitei who got the better of Th Lanchangba Meitei of Kanglasha, Wakha in the -33 kg final.