Indigenous Games and Sports of North-Eastern India in National and International Arena: Highlighting the Development of Polo and Thang-Ta.

Abstract

North-East is the easternmost region of India, which is around 8 percent of India. It comprises eight states, i.e., Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim. In this region, more than 220 ethnic groups and multiple languages are used. The people of this region are known for their unique culture, traditions, and sports. Numbers of Olympians from this region are rising and signing in across the world. In this region, various types of indigenous games and sports are played by the local people. These indigenous games and sports are played at various festivals. In this study the researcher highlighted the Indigenous Games and Sports of North-Eastern India which are playing in the National and International arena. For this study the researcher selected Sagol Kangjei (Modern Polo) and Thang-Ta. Both the events are originated from Manipur; a North-Eastern State of India and played in the National and International level. Researcher highlighted the past and present of the both events. The term Sagol Kangjei is derived from three Manipuri words: “Sagol” means “Horse”, “Kang” means “Ball” and “Jei” means "stick.”. It is one of the most popular indigenous game of Manipur and has been played since 3100 BC. According to Meitei mythology and folklore, Sagol Kangjei was played by the gods led by Marjing and Thangjing. This ancient game was learned by the British and spread around the world as Polo. Sagol Kangjei was played by two opposing teams, each consisting of seven players and the modern Polo is played by two opposing teams, each consisting of four players. Thang-Ta is derived from two word, “Thang” means sword and “Ta” means spear. The people of Manipur respect Thang as their mother and Ta as their father. It was banded by the British Government after Anglo-Manipur War, 1891. Now this martial art is developing as a sport in India and in the world also.  It is included as a medal event in National School Game of India and Khelo India Youth Games.