Eternal India Encyclopedia

Eternal India encyclopedia

SPORTS

the seven days of the week. There are three events, men vs men, women vs women and mixed. The game was first taken out of its native of origin when it was demonstrated in January 1984 in Amaravathi in Maharashtra. 5. Yubee Lakpee : This seven-a-side game, involving the snatching of a coconut, is a typical outdoor sport of Manipur played on a field measuring 45.72 metres by 18.29 metres. A game exclusively for the men, it calls for rugby-like robust, husky body play with physical prowess. Usually played on the green turf of the palace, the religious connotation is that the sport re-enacts the snatching of the pot of nectar after the churning of the sea. 6. Hiyang Tannabai : Another only for men event, this sport (Boat Race) dates back to the period of King Luwang Ningthou, Punshiba and figures as a part of the 'Lai Haraoba' festival. 7. Lamjel : A popular athletic event, the competitors in this race are confined to their pannas (revenue/administrative units). The distance varies and is usually half a mile. After the prelimi- naries, the final winner is the one who touches the dragon inside the palace enclosure (Kanglasha in Manipuri). 8. Cheibi Gad-Ga : One of Manipur's ancient martial art, the fighting equipment is a simple sword and shield, now modified to a stick encased in soft leather and a shield made of leather. The contestants fight a duel and victory goes to the person who scores the most points. 9. Thang-ta and Sarit - Sarak : Also part of Manipuri martial tradition, the history of the above two sports dates back to the 17th century. While Thang-ta is the art of using a sword or spear against one or more opponents, Sarit-Sarak is the tech- nique of fighting armed or unarmed opponents. Thang-ta can be practised in three different ways. The first is exclusively a ritual form, the second a display of decorative swords and spears dances and the third the actual technique for fighting. MIZORAM 1. Insuknawr : A sport for men, it is a test of strength and stamina. Played inside a circle with a diameter of 16 feet to 18 feet, the only instrument required is a wooden staff of eight feet length and three to four inches in diameter. The objective of the game is to push the opponent out of the circle in three to five rounds. Events are held according to the following weight categories: Below 50 kgs; 51 to 58 kgs; 59 to 66 kgs; 67 to 74 kgs and above 75 kgs. 2. Inburan: Another indigenous sport of Mizoram, it involves lifting the opponent off the ground using strength, skill and rapid movement of arms and legs. The contest is held over three rounds of 30 seconds to 60 seconds each or till one of the player is lifted off the ground. Once again events are held under the following weight categories. Below 50 kgs; 51 to 58 kgs; 59 to 66 kgs; 67 to 74 kgs; and above 75 kgs. 3. Mizo Inchai: Very familiar to the popular form of wrestling a contestant is declared a winner under the following three condi- tions. a) If he pins both the shoulders of the opponent to the ground for a count of six in five seconds

an open field measuring 125 metres in length and 80 metres in breadth.

MANIPUR Boasts of a number of indigenous games. The salubrious climate of Manipur has produced healthy, vigorous and energetic people, who indulge in a number of indigenous sport and activity. 1. Mukna: A form of wrestling, which is as old as the Manipuri civilisation. The sport is normally played on the last day of the festival worshipping the Slyan deity. The ceremonies are incom- plete without the holding of Mukna contests. Discipline and obedience are a must before training can start in this form of martial art. 2. Khong Kangjei : Essentially a form of hockey, this highly Manipuri in character sport also involves wrestling. According to legend the game originated in the pre-historic 'Hayichak' era when a young boy of the royal household was found playing with a curved stick and a round object. 3. Sagol Kangjei : A precursor to the modern game of polo, the origin of this sport dates back to 3000 B.C. The word Sagol means a pony, while Kang means a ball and 'jei' a stick. It was a common game among the ancient Manipuri folk. 4. Kang Shanaba : The formation of the All Manipur Kang Asso- ciation (AMKA) and the conduct of the first women's Kang Tournament at Imphal in 1980, has kept alive to the modern day, this ancient sport, which was played between Manipur's New Year's Day and the Ratha Jatra festival. Though the origins of the game are uncertain, the rules were standardised from 1948 onwards and the first league Kang tournament held in 1957 saw the participation of 11 teams. According to one version the Kang playing field represents the 'Field of Life' and the seven players,