History of Traditional Manipuri Polo
The sport originated in Manipur and is associated with ancient manuscripts like Kangjeirol. It was introduced by King Kangba who ordered his officers to play the game on horseback. Thus, his subordinates were the first one to play this game. It is considered to be one of the three types of hockey and the other two were Khong Kangjei (field hockey) and Mukna Kangjei (included both wrestling and hockey) which people used to play in those times. It is also called by other names such as 'Kanjai-bazee' and 'Pulu'. And thus, people from Manipur believed that Polo originated from Manipur whereas China and other countries also claim their right. The origin of polo in Manipur is also associated myth logically with a God of the Chenglei tribe that is Marjing to whom a similar structure of ancient polo with a strick along with the ball is offered in rituals. Even festivals in Manipur such as Lai Haraoba Festival shows a play sequence in which Maibi (priestess) with a polo stick in hand goes out in search of a bride. Manipuri Polo depicts the rich culture and heritage of the state.
Rules and Methods to Play Sagol Kangjei
Teams consisting of 7 members each are a part of this game. Each player rides a pony of 4 to 5 feet in height. The field is rectangular in shape with dimensions of 210 yards in length and 100 yards in width. There is no goal post and the player has to hit the ball with the stick. The stick is made of cane having a narrow angled wooden head fixed at the lower end. The ball (the kangdrum) which is white in color is 14 inches in circumference and is made of bamboo root. Another important aspect which is widely believed is that the Meiteis Pony played an important role. It has a unique quality and without it, the game cannot be played.
Each player takes a specific position on the field which is as followed:
PUN- Ngakchun (Full Back)
PUN- Ngakchun (Half Back)
PULLUK (Left Wing)
LANGJEI (Centre)
PULLUK (Right Wing)
PUN JEN (Inne)
PUN-JENCHUN (Inner)
Traditional Manipuri Polo VS Modern Day Polo
Manipuri Polo has seven players on each side whereas the modern version has four in each team. Secondly, there are no goalposts in traditional form as the players scores a point by hitting the ball out of the field. In modern-day Polo, there are two referees who ride on horseback but in traditional one there is only one, who doesn't ride on a pony.
Uniform
All the players wear a white dhoti which is tucked in above their knees and a head guard or a big white turban which is held by khadangchet that is a chin strap which protects their calvae. Usually, no footwear is worn and the ankles are covered khunningkhang which is a piece of leather cloth. Leg guards (khongyom) are worn below the knee.
Sagol Kangjei Players in their Uniform
Seasons
This is a seasonal game and is played in the month of Mera that is September to October and it ends in the month of Ingen which depicts the months of June and July.
Present Day Situation
The present concern is to keep the idea alive that Traditional Polo gave Modern Polo to the world and was originated in Manipur. To preserve the traditional game and for its further development, a Polo Club is also established in Manipur. Due to lack of knowledge and information about the sport, there are not many players presenting the country and thus it becomes the main motive to give Sagol Kangjei or Traditional Polo much attention.
