The type of games that a community plays, the sporting festival that a community practices clearly indicates the ethno-heritage, socio-cultural-religious as well as language associated with that community so as Meitei of Manipur. Different games and sports that this community has been practicing make other community wonders, envy and established a well-developed social structure totally different from other community. Many indigenous games were played ardently by many children in local level in other days (which are not seen playing now a days).Few of these indigenous games worth mentioning are:Houdong Koubi; Tongdrangmal; Mei Loubi Karoubi; Epa-Epu Son-Sa;Hao-macha Tunanbi; Khulotpi; Marum-Konbi; Athatpi; Kwak-Kwak; Fibul Habi; Kila Thugaibi; Chegai chongbi; Cheitek Kotpi; laidhibi sanaba etc. Each of these games has its own significance and always associated with a meaning that exist among the Meitei community since time immemorial. Some of the most popular indigenous games which have been playing widely are:-
MUKNA (Manipuri Wrestling):- Mukna, generally regarded as one of the main list of sports that has been perhaps with Manipuris from time immemorial. It is a very popular game of two persons who are trained by the village Ojah (Mastero who received the title of Jatra meaning unbeaten) person. It has fundamental rules agreed by all Mukna Organizations and with Royal consent. Traditionally the game is controlled and organized by Pana Loisang of Ruler of the state and village organizations. There are four Panas: Ahallup, Naharup, Khabam and Laipham who control all fixtures and time for the game and state Meet in which Final is invariably graced by the ruler and present the title of “JATRA” (Champion) for the year along with reward of Thum Nama (A full bag of Salt) and Ngabong Phi (handmade cloth of cotton yarn), exemption of all state duties and Ningkam samjin dress (traditional). The game has two categories (1) Takhatnabi (League) (2) Naitom (Knockout). The young talents work and play all the year round with dedication for the title of JATRA (Champion) of Mukna of Manipur.
MUKNA-KANGJEI (Khong Kangjei):- Manipuris play Mukna- Kangjei, a game which combines the art of Mukna (Like wrestling) and kangjei (cane stick) to play ball made of seasoned bamboo roots. The origin of the game goes back well to Aniconic worship. People celebrate “Lai Haraoba” festival to please traditional deities and include this item to mark the end of the festival. Scholars believe that Khagemba Ningthou (King), 1597- 1652, patronized this game. In later generation, the game is organized in the villages. Presently associations are formed in panas with rules and regulations of Mukna –kangjei. The game is played by two teams each consisting of seven players. All players hold a natural cane stick with root, gradually increasing the size of the root to the length of about seven inches to play the ball made out of seasoned bamboo roots of approximately a diameter of four inches. The players put on Mukna Kisi phijet (dress of cloth knot) to secure protection and holding each other. At present a short pant is added below Kisi (like cloth belt with knots). The game starts by throwing the ball in front of the Panjenbas (leaders/captain) of the two teams standing face to face each other on the line. If possible they can pick up the ball and run. The process of running and obstructing each other to put the ball on the goal line of the ground is allowed. Pan Onba(change of side) and end of the game is given by command of the umpire. The rule of the game is known as kangjeilon. It has improved a lot and was demonstrated during the 5th National Game 1999 at Imphal.
SAGOL-KANGJEI (Polo):- To Manipuri’s, according to Cheitharol- Kumbaba, a Royal Chronicle of Manipur; king Kangba who ruled Manipur much earlier than Nongda Lairen Pakhangba (33AD) introduced Sagol Kangjei (kangjei on horseback). Further regular playing of this game commenced in 1606 during the reign of king Khagemba under newly framed rules of the game. The game requires perfect control of the pony, the stick and the ball with proficiency of riding. The sense of “fair play “was the main guided factor of this game. This is played between two teams of seven players a side. During the time of the late Sir, ChandrakritiSingh, K.C.S.I, Maharaja of Manipur, introduced regular game at Mapal kangjeibung (now near Tikendrajit Park) on the ground of Sana Lamjei (Length 160 and 80 width dimensions) being one lamjei equal to 6ft. The game can be played in smaller ground also if occasion demands under existing rules except restriction adopted by the late Maharaja Sir Churachand Singh K.C.S.I,C, C.B.E. “ Tupnaba Yadaba” ,crossing line of the approach of the player while the ball under his control in 1928. Earlier, there were no definite rules for foul in traditional Sagol Kangjei. Manipur has produced players of outstanding calibers like Yubraj Bir Tikendrajit (Senapatiof Manipur army) as legendary player described by Mrs Grimhood9 1887-90). After 1891, Manipur produced outstanding players like (L) Ojah Tombi and Shyamjai Sharma who never had the chance to play in international tournament. From the history, it is an established fact and accepted that Manipur is the Birth Place of POLO of the World.
YUBI LAKPI (Manipuri Rugby):- Yubi (Coconut) Lakpi (Capture). The game of Yubi Lakpi (Coconut Capturing/ Manipuri Rugby) is a tough individual game. Before the start of the game, players rub their bodies with mustard oil and water to make slippery to catch eachother. A coconut properly soaked with oil is placed in front of the Chief Guest of the function. The players put on Kisi(Lingo) on an under pant properly tied in front. A senior Jatra is the umpire of the game to start and check fouls of the players. Official game is held on the occasion of the Holy Festival of Shri Govindajee at Palace Ground ( Hapta Kangjeibung) and with Royal presence. The game is closely organized for the religious Holy Festival of Manipur.
WOO LAOBI: -Woo laobi is an outdoor game, mainly played by the female. Meitei Mythology believes that UMANG LAI HELOI TARET (Sevendeities, seven sisters) play this game on the courtyard of the temple of UMANG LAI LAIREMBI.Numbers of participants were not fixed but divided the participants into two groups (Size now as per agreement). Player is divided as: Raider (attackers) and Defenders (Avoiders). Raider says “Woo” without stopping as long as they can continue and try to touch the avoiders. If a raider touches an avoider, then she is out. This process goes on till all avoiders are out or surrendered. If a raider fails to say “woo” or out of breadth, raider is out. Points are counted on the elimination of raiders/ Defenders. If Raiders are tired, they declare for change, normally the open space available within the premises of the house or temple is used for the game. The game is very much liked by the girls and also became a source of talents in Kabaddi.
Hiyang Tanaba:- Hiyang Tanaba ( Boat Race) is a traditional function of the Panas. This is held during the month of November. This was introduced during the time of Maharaja Khunjaoba, the second son of Khagemba ningthou (King), who dug the Kangla Moat around the Palace to make it impregnable in the year 1660 after he ascended the throne in 1652. In the traditional function, two boats “Tanahi”(Race Boat) are detailed for leaders known as “Tengmai Leppa”. In each boat, forty Hiroys (Boats man) operate the boat. “HIYANG HIREN” (Main Boat) is meant for Vishnu Deva Ningthou (The King) and follows the two race boats. The boat which reaches the finishing line first is the winner and all boats man raises their oars (Nous) high in the air as a sign of reaching the finishing line first and thus the winner of the race is declared.The leader pays his respect to the deity Vishnu Dev and the King of Manipur. Hiyang Tanaba is also celebrated every year even today during Heigru Hidongba at the Thangapat of Shri Shri Bijoy Govindajee at Sagolband.
ARAMBAI HUNBA: -People of Manipur are very fond of riding horse specially those who are in the village near the breeding areas, since the ponies are easily available; the young boys get the chance of riding ponies without saddle on horseback. Sometimes they ride horses using a rope in place of regular Bridle, throwingbranches of small trees in place of Arambai. This practice helped the Manipuri Arambai force as a martial art which was very much required during the advance and withdrawal of forces. This art was very popular as an indigenous game of the youth of Manipur. This game displayed even now during the festival of “KWAK JATRA/ KWAK TANBA” after Druga Puja.
THANG-TA & SARIT-SARA: – These are the forms of Manipuri Martial Arts, the tradition of which has been passed down over the centuries. They are energy-consuming and skill demanding arts of fighting. The indigenous martial art –forms were meant to hone one’s battle craft during peace time in the olden days when Manipuri was a warrior required to serve his country at war-times. A martial –artist has to undergo strenuous practice sessions. Only the brave and athletic could excel. The art, as seen toady, observes elaborate rituals and rules, which are strictly fo9llowed by the participants. Besides, these are other game like Lamjel (foot-race), Mangjong (broad jump) etc.
KANG: – It is played by both male and female, Meitei’s of Manipur. Manipuri’s believe “KANG” is a game played by deity “PANTHOIBI”. It is also believed that Manipuri began to play this game well before Vaishnavism came to Manipur. It is culturally a fine game of Manipur especially of Meitei’s. It is played under a shed of building on an earth ground (Court) smoothly leveled to suit the course of the “KANG” the target on the court. It is well marked for the respective positions of the players of both to hit the target on the court. It has rules and regulations formed by the associations to suit the occasions of games either for tournaments or friendly. The dignitaries of the Palace, even Maharani and Maharaja also participated on social functions. In olden days “KANG” was played during summer starting from CHEIRAOBA (Manipuri New Year) to Kang Chingba (Ratha Yatra). Presently the game is played in several tournaments throughout the year, organized by the Associations. Rules and Regulations have been modified to suit the improved process of the game. It is very popular indoor game of Meitei.
Lamchel (Lamjel):- Lamchel/lamjel (Foot-Race) was one of the most popular traditional games of Manipur. The race was held annually in the month of Ingen (July/ August) before Royal audience. It is also held at some villages, just one after Lairoi of that village Lai haroaba as done in Moirang Thangjing Haraoba. This annual race was conducted on the basis of Panas. Hence, it was known as Pana Lamchel/Lamjel. Like Hiyang tanaba, Lamchel was not only a game but also a very great festival within people of all walks of life assembled to witness the competition. The distance run in the competition was about half a mile.
CHAINABA:-It is the ancient style of dueling between two heroes in settling disputes or to show superiority valour and prowess by fighting with weapons which they mutually chose. When a man was challenged by another, it was a disgrace not to pick up the gauntlet thrown by his adversary. After the challenges were accepted they mutually selected the weapons with which they would fight as well as the date and place of fighting. They generally used spear or bow and arrow under a code of strict rules, the violation of which was considered a sin. They also believed that the violator would be punished by God’s decreeNot only these, there are still many other forms of indigenous/ traditional games like Thouri Chingnabi ( Tug of War), Suk Langnabi ( Similar to discuss / javelin throw) which have been practicing by Meitei community since its settlement as a community till today showcasing ethno-heritage, Socio-Cultural-Religious and life-style of Meitei community in Manipur.
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