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Sagol Kangjei
Amidst the green mountains and scenic landscapes, Manipur hosts a treasure trove of diverse cultural expressions. This state is renowned for promoting a number of age-old traditional games and sports. Sagol Kangjei is one such ancient sport which is said to be a predecessor of the present-day sport of Polo. The term ‘Sagol’ literally stands for a horse, and ‘Kangjei’ means a mallet or a long-handled wooden headed hammer to strike a ball. Based on the legends mentioned in the Meitei texts, known as the Manipuri Puyas, this ancient sport was played by local gods including Marjing and Thangjing. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, 1991, “Polo can be traced to origins in Manipur state, India, C. 3100 BC, when it was played as ‘Sagol Kangjei’.” The game was said to be introduced to the British Officers at Cachar in Assam by the Maharaja of Manipur, Sir Chandrakirti Singh (1834-44 CE).
Sagol Kangjei Image source: Wikimedia Commons
Kangjeirol Image source: Wikimedia Commons
Kangjeirol, an ancient script on Sagol Kangjei, claims that the sport of Sagol Kangjei originated a few centuries before the birth of Christ during the reign of King Ningthou Kangba of Manipur (1405–1397/1359 BCE). King Kangba used to order his officers to play the sport on horseback. Sagol Kangjei is considered one of the three types of hockey after Khong Kangjei (field hockey) and Mukna Kangjei (wrestling and hockey) which people used to play in those times. It is said that the game became popular with a set of revised rules during the reign of King Khangemba (1597-1652 CE). Cheitharol Kumbaba, the Royal Chronicle of Manipur mentions that Sagol Kangjei was played a role in diplomacy, politics and also palace intrigues.
The sport of Sagol Kangjei is traditionally played between two teams generally known as North Team and South Team. Each team consists of seven members and each player rides a pony or horse of 4 to 5 feet in height. The field, also known as Mapal Kanghjeibung is rectangular in shape having dimensions of around 210 yards in length and 100 yards in width. There is no-goal post and the player has to hit the ball with his mallet. When the ball crosses the end line on the wide side, goals are scored. The stick is made of seasoned cane with a narrow angled wooden head fixed at its striking end. The ball or kangdrum, made of bamboo root, is 14 inches in circumference. It is reported that each player takes a specific position in the field, viz. PUN-Ngakchun (full back), PUN-Ngakchun (half back), PULLUK (left wing), LANGJEI (centre), PULLUK (right wing), PUNJEN (inner) and PUN-JENCHUN (inner).
The players wear a white dhoti (long piece of unstitched cloth) tucked up above the knees. A Manipuri turban or kokyet, held by a chin strap or khadangchet is worn as head-gear. The players usually wear a short-sleeved jacket having the same colour. Khongyon or leg guard is used to protect the shins and calves, while khuning khang protects the heels and the ankle. The stirrup used in this sport has a flat base with a narrow foothold where the player keeps his naked toe. The players use a snaffle or chanam maru as reins. The horse saddles are made of decorated leather, mounted on wooden frames called ukang khe. A product from Khe-U tree is used for the purpose of decoration.
Reflecting a legacy of sports enthusiasm, Sagol Kangjei continues to promote the state of Manipur as a powerhouse of Indian sports.
Manung Kangjeibung, one of the most ancient polo grounds in the world, located inside the Kangla Fort in Manipur. Image source: Wikimedia Commons
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