Traditional Games Of Manipur With Special Reference To Sagol Kangjei (Polo): A Fresh Survey

Abstract

The paper is a fresh survey on the indigenous games of Manipur with reference to Sagol Kangjei. The Meiteis of Manipur have keen interest in their indigenous games as it does ensure not only good health but also promotes in preservation of cultural heritage of the people. The genesis of the different indigenous games like Kiyang Lamjel, Sagol kangjei, Khong kangjei, Kang etc. may be traced in the ancient texts and other chronicles. The history of Sagol kangjei is vague. It is said that the playing of Sagol kangjei started during the reign of Kangba before the birth of Christ. Kangjei means Kangba’s stick and Sagol means horse. Sagol kangjei literally means king Kangba’s hokey on horseback. The ball used in playing Sagol kangjei is known as kangdrum or Kangba’s round object (ball among the Manipuris). According to tradition two teams known as North team and South team led by Marjing and Thangjing respectively played Sagol kangjei. Judges were selected by the Kangbural, the head of the tournament committee which consisted of Hantre Hunna Am (one starter), Matai Yengba Ani (two line judges), Panjal Paba Ani (two goal judges), Panjal Eba Ama (one scorer) and Moibung Khongba Ama (one buglar). There are no goal posts in this game. Goal line determines the end of the two boundaries of the rectangular field. To score a goal the ball must cross the line. There is no offside in this game. The game is now played in two styles- the Pana (original Manipuris style) and the International style Polo. Though the claim of being the state of origin of the Polo or Sagol kangjei has been made by a number of countries in the world it is indeed a fact that the present international game Polo owes its origin to Manipur.