Sagol Kangjei
(Meitei: ꯁꯒꯣꯜ ꯀꯥꯡꯖꯩ)
The illustration of the traditional Meitei game of Sagol Kangjei in a postage stamp of India
NicknamesGame of Kings, Horse Hockey, Sakol Kangchei, Shakol Kangchei, Shagol Kangjei
First playedc. 3100 BCE in Ancient Kangleipak (early Manipur)[lower-alpha 1]
Characteristics
Mixed-sexno
Typeequestrian sport
Presence
Country or regionKangleipak (Meitei for 'Manipur') (present day Manipur, India)[lower-alpha 1]
Olympicno
World Championshipsyes
Paralympicno
World Gamesno
Marjing Polo Statue, the world's tallest statue of a polo player, dedicated to Meitei polo deity Marjing, commemoratively built in the sport's birthplace, Kangleipak (Meitei for 'Manipur'), shown during the G20 summit.[6]

Sagol Kangjei (Meitei for 'polo'),[7] also known as Sakol Kangchei,[8] Shakol Kangchei, Shagol Kangjei,[9] is a traditional Meitei game,[10] resembling hockey,[11] played on a Sagol (Meitei for 'horse')[12] with a long-handled Kangjei (Meitei for 'hockey stick'),[13] or Kang-hu (Meitei for 'mallet/hockey stick')[14] and a Kangdrum (Meitei for 'polo ball'),[15] usually in a Kangjeibung (Meitei for 'Polo Ground').[16] It is the predecessorial as well as traditional form of modern polo in the intangible cultural heritage of Meitei civilization.[17]

Sagol Kangjei (Meitei for 'horse hockey') is considered to be one of the three types of Kangjei (or hockey), with the other two types being Khong Kangjei (Meitei for 'field hockey') and Mukna Kangjei (Meitei for 'wrestling and hockey'), which are the traditional sports of Meitei people, being played since time immemorial.[18]

In accordance to Cheitharol Kumbaba, the Royal Chronicle of Manipur Kingdom, Sagol Kangjei was used as an instrument of diplomacy, politics as well as palace intrigues, besides sports.[19]

Etymology

In Meitei language (officially called Manipuri), "Sagol" (Meitei: ꯁꯒꯣꯜ) means horse, and "Kangjei" (Meitei: ꯀꯥꯡꯖꯩ) means a mallet or a long-handled wooden headed hammer, used to strike a ball.[20]

History

During the reign of King Kangba

In accordance to the Kangjeirol (Meitei: ꯀꯥꯡꯖꯩꯔꯣꯜ), an ancient Meitei language text, the Sagol Kangjei (Meitei: ꯁꯒꯣꯜ ꯀꯥꯡꯖꯩ) was played during the reign of King Ningthou Kangba (Meitei: ꯅꯤꯡꯊꯧ ꯀꯥꯡꯕ) (1405-1397/1359 BCE) of Kangleipak (Meitei for 'Manipur'). King Kangba organized the sport tournament to be played by his official subjects on horseback.[21]

During the reign of King Khagemba

During the reign of King Khagemba (Meitei: ꯈꯥꯒꯦꯝꯕ) (1597-1652 CE) in Kangleipak (Meitei: ꯀꯪꯂꯩꯄꯥꯛ), Sagol Kangjei was popularized, along with the upgradation as well as revision of a set of rules and regulations for the game.[22]

Introduction to the Europeans

Sagol Kangjei (Meitei: ꯁꯒꯣꯜ ꯀꯥꯡꯖꯩ) was introduced to the British officers at Cachar (Meitei: ꯀꯁꯥꯔ) in Assam by Sir Chandrakirti Singh (1834–44 CE), the then ruler of Manipur Kingdom.[23]

Mythology and religion

In ancient Meitei mythology and folklore, the sport of Sagol Kangjei was played by ancient Meitei gods led by Marjing (Meitei: ꯃꯥꯔꯖꯤꯡ) and Thangjing (Meitei: ꯊꯥꯡꯖꯤꯡ).[24]

Rules and regulations

  • The Kangjeibung (Meitei for 'Polo Ground')[25] is usually rectangular in shape, and is around 210 yards long and 100 yards wide.[26]
  • There is no-goal post and the player has to strike the ball with his polo stick.[27]
  • When the ball crosses the end line on the wide side, a goal is considered to be scored.[28]

Sagol

A match of a Sagol Kangjei, the Meitei classical polo, followed with an exhibition of Arambai (Meitei for 'Meitei martial iron tipped peacock feathered weapon') in a pologround of the Marjing Polo Complex, during the G20 summit

Every player rides on a Manipuri pony (alias Meitei horse), having an average height of 4 to 5 feet.[29]

Kangjei and other equipments

Kangjei

The Kangjei (Meitei for 'hockey stick')[30] or Kang-hu (Meitei for 'mallet/hockey stick')[31] is made of seasoned cane. It has a narrow angled wooden head, which is fixed at its striking end.[32]

Kangdrum

The Kangdrum (Meitei for 'polo ball')[33] is made of bamboo roots.[34] It is generally 14 inches in circumference.[35]

Players and teams

Sagol Kangjei – Polo in Manipur

Sagol Kangjei (Meitei: ꯁꯒꯣꯜ ꯀꯥꯡꯖꯩ) is traditionally played between two teams, which are referred to as the northern team and the southern team. Both of the teams have seven players each.[36]

Each player has to occupy a certain position in the polo field, which are as follows: pun-ngakchun(g) (Meitei for 'full back'), pun-ngakchun(g) (Meitei for 'half back'), pulluk (Meitei for 'left wing'), langjei (Meitei for 'centre'), pulluk (Meitei for 'right wing'), punjen(g) (Meitei for 'inner') and pun-jenchun(g) (Meitei for 'inner').[37]

Uniforms

Of the player humans

of lower part
  • The players wear a white long piece of unstitched cloth, tucked up above the knees.[38]
  • A Khongyon (Meitei for 'leg guard') is used to protect the shins and the calves.[39]
  • A Khuning Khang is used to protect the heels and the ankles.[40]
  • The stirrup has a flat base with a narrow foothold, where the player keeps his naked toe.[41]
of head part

A kokyet (Meitei for 'headgear'), held by a khadangchet (Meitei for 'chin strap') is used as a headdress.[42]

of trunk part

The players wear a short-sleeved jacket having the same colour for its whole team.[43]

Of the player horses

  • A Chanam Maru (Meitei for 'Snaffle') is used as rein for the player horse.[44]
  • Saddles are made of decorated leather, attached to a wooden frame called ukang khe, made from Khe-U tree, for decorations.[45]

Heritage Sites

Kangjeibung

National recognition

International recognition

Guinness World records

The Guinness World Records stated:

"Polo can be traced to origins in Manipur state in 3,100 BC, when it was played as 'Sagol Kangjei'."

— Guinness World Records[46]

International tournaments

India's only international women's polo tournament

Manipur Statehood Day Women's Polo Tournament (Meitei: ꯃꯅꯤꯄꯨꯔ ꯁ꯭ꯇꯦꯠꯍꯨꯗ ꯗꯦ ꯋꯨꯃꯦꯟ'ꯁ ꯄꯣꯂꯣ ꯇꯨꯔꯅꯥꯃꯦꯟ꯭ꯠ) is the first and the only international women's polo tournament ever organized in India.[47][48][49]

Manipur International Polo Tournament

Manipur International Polo (Meitei: ꯃꯅꯤꯄꯨꯔ ꯄꯣꯂꯣ ꯏꯟꯇꯔꯅꯦꯁ꯭ꯅꯦꯜ ꯇꯨꯔꯅꯥꯃꯦꯟ꯭ꯠ) is participated by multiple nations including but not limited to Argentina, Australia, Canada, Egypt, France, Germany, Haiti, India, Kenya, Mongolia, Morocco, Poland, South Africa, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States and Uruguay, competing with the team of players from Manipur.[50]

See also

Notes

References

  1. ↑ Aldous, David (2014-06-17). International Turf Management. Routledge. p. 9. ISBN 978-1-317-84491-4. The early sport of polo, which also involves horse and rider, had its origins in Manipur State, India, circa. 3100 BC when it was played at Sagol Kangjei. Polo was introduced to England from India in 1869 and now has a keen following in the United States, Argentina and Australia.
  2. ↑ "Sagol Kangjei". INDIAN CULTURE. Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
  3. ↑ "Manipur's ancient polo wows G20 delegates". The Times of India. 19 February 2023. ISSN 0971-8257.
  4. ↑ "E-Pao! Books :: Complete e-platform for Manipuris". books.e-pao.net.
  5. ↑ "Italian seal on Manipur polo origin – Milan-based writer to visit Imphal to collect material for book on game's history". www.telegraphindia.com.
  6. ↑ "Excursion to historic and places of tourists interest marks the second day of G20 delegates visit to Manipur". pib.gov.in. Press Information Bureau (PIB), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. Retrieved 2023-12-10.
  7. ↑ Sharma, H. Surmangol (2006). Written at US. "Learners' Manipuri-English dictionary ("Sagol Kangjei")". dsal.uchicago.edu (in English and Manipuri). University of Chicago. Chicago: Digital Dictionaries of South Asia. p. 188. Retrieved 2023-12-10. sagol kāngjei ꯁꯒꯣꯜ ꯀꯥꯡꯖꯩ /sə.gol káŋ.jəi/ n. polo: a game played on horseback. Morph: sagol kāng‑jei [horse; sth round‑stick].{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  8. ↑ "Discovery of Kangleipak 1". Retrieved 2023-12-10. ...Polo (Kanglei indigenous people called Sakol Kangchei)...
  9. ↑ —"Governor opens meet". www.telegraphindia.com. Retrieved 2023-12-10. A shagol kangjei (modern polo in traditional dress)...
    —Press, Imphal Free (2014-09-28). "Manipuri Ponies are critically endangered – KanglaOnline". Retrieved 2023-12-10. ... the rally was carried out to save the Manipuri pony from extinction because it has given an identity to Manipur through Shagol Kangjei and Polo.
  10. ↑ Dzüvichü, Lipokmar; Baruah, Manjeet (2017-11-13). Modern Practices in North East India: History, Culture, Representation. Taylor & Francis. p. 373. ISBN 978-1-351-27134-9.
  11. ↑ "Sagol Kangjei". INDIAN CULTURE. Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Retrieved 2023-12-10.
  12. ↑ Sharma, H. Surmangol (2006). Written at US. "Learners' Manipuri-English dictionary ("Sagol")". dsal.uchicago.edu (in English and Manipuri). University of Chicago. Chicago: Digital Dictionaries of South Asia. p. 188. Retrieved 2023-12-10. sagol ꯁꯒꯣꯜ /sə.gol/ n. horse.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  13. ↑ Sharma, H. Surmangol (2006). Written at US. "Learners' Manipuri-English dictionary ("Kangjei")". dsal.uchicago.edu (in English and Manipuri). University of Chicago. Chicago: Digital Dictionaries of South Asia. p. 38. Retrieved 2023-12-10. kāngjei ꯀꯥꯡꯖꯩ /kaŋ.jəi/ n. hockey stick. Morph: kāng‑jei [a round/spherical object‑stick].{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  14. ↑ Sharma, H. Surmangol (2006). Written at US. "Learners' Manipuri-English dictionary ("Kanghu")". dsal.uchicago.edu (in English and Manipuri). University of Chicago. Chicago: Digital Dictionaries of South Asia. p. 38. Retrieved 2023-12-10. kānghu ꯀꯥꯡꯍꯨ /káŋ.hu/ n. a type of hockey stick. Morph: kāng‑hu [a round or spherical object‑id.].{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  15. ↑ Sharma, H. Surmangol (2006). Written at US. "Learners' Manipuri-English dictionary ("Kangdrum")". dsal.uchicago.edu (in English and Manipuri). University of Chicago. Chicago: Digital Dictionaries of South Asia. p. 38. Retrieved 2023-12-10. kāngdrum ꯀꯥꯡꯗ꯭ꯔꯨꯝ /kaŋ.drum/ n. hockey ball. Morph: kāng‑drum( [a round/spherical object‑to be round].{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  16. ↑ Sharma, H. Surmangol (2006). Written at US. "Learners' Manipuri-English dictionary ("Kangjeibung")". dsal.uchicago.edu (in English and Manipuri). University of Chicago. Chicago: Digital Dictionaries of South Asia. p. 38. Retrieved 2023-12-10. kāngjeibung ꯀꯥꯡꯖꯩꯕꯨꯡ /kaŋ.jəi.buŋ/ n. pologround. Morph: kāng‑jei‑bung [a round/spherical object‑stick‑mound].{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  17. ↑ —"Sagol Kangjei". INDIAN CULTURE. Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Retrieved 2023-12-10.
    —Bhattacharyya, Rituparna (2022-07-29). Northeast India Through the Ages: A Transdisciplinary Perspective on Prehistory, History, and Oral History. Taylor & Francis. p. 200. ISBN 978-1-000-62390-1. ... It's the birthplace of polo. Its indigenous name is Sagol Kangjei. Every year polo teams from all over the world come to Manipur to participate in the polo match-but more pertinently to pay homage to the place which gave them their game. The Indian hockey team, both male and female have prominent Manipuri players. ...
    —Levin, Jonathan V. (2017-10-04). Where Have All the Horses Gone?: How Advancing Technology Swept American Horses from the Road, the Farm, the Range and the Battlefield. McFarland. pp. 152, 153. ISBN 978-1-4766-6713-3.
    —Defenders of the dawn. LP. 2000. p. 48. ISBN 978-81-7062-279-6.
    —Ghosh, G. K. (2008). Bamboo: The Wonderful Grass. APH. p. 108. ISBN 978-81-313-0369-6.
    —Institute, Bathroom Readers' (2012-08-15). Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Sports Spectacular. S&S. p. 61. ISBN 978-1-60710-692-0.
    —Prakash, Col Ved (2007). Encyclopaedia of North-East India. APD. p. 1558. ISBN 978-81-269-0706-9.
    —Agarwal, M. K. (2012). From Bharata to India: Volume 1: Chrysee the Golden. Universe. p. 351. ISBN 978-1-4759-0765-0.
    —Sharma, H. Surmangol (2006). Written at US. "Learners' Manipuri-English dictionary ("Sagol Kangjei")". dsal.uchicago.edu (in English and Manipuri). University of Chicago. Chicago: Digital Dictionaries of South Asia. p. 188. Retrieved 2023-12-10. sagol kāngjei ꯁꯒꯣꯜ ꯀꯥꯡꯖꯩ /sə.gol káŋ.jəi/ n. polo: a game played on horseback. Morph: sagol kāng‑jei [horse; sth round‑stick].{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  18. ↑ —"Sagol Kangjei". INDIAN CULTURE. Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Retrieved 2023-12-10.
    —Agarwal, M. K. (2012). From Bharata to India: Volume 1: Chrysee the Golden. Universe. p. 351. ISBN 978-1-4759-0765-0.
  19. ↑ "Sagol Kangjei". INDIAN CULTURE. Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Retrieved 2023-12-10.
  20. ↑ —"Sagol Kangjei". INDIAN CULTURE. Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Retrieved 2023-12-10.
    —Sharma, H. Surmangol (2006). Written at US. "Learners' Manipuri-English dictionary ("Sagol Kangjei")". dsal.uchicago.edu (in English and Manipuri). University of Chicago. Chicago: Digital Dictionaries of South Asia. p. 188. Retrieved 2023-12-10. sagol kāngjei ꯁꯒꯣꯜ ꯀꯥꯡꯖꯩ /sə.gol káŋ.jəi/ n. polo: a game played on horseback. Morph: sagol kāng‑jei [horse; sth round‑stick].{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
    —Sharma, H. Surmangol (2006). Written at US. "Learners' Manipuri-English dictionary ("Sagol")". dsal.uchicago.edu (in English and Manipuri). University of Chicago. Chicago: Digital Dictionaries of South Asia. p. 188. Retrieved 2023-12-10. sagol ꯁꯒꯣꯜ /sə.gol/ n. horse.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
    —Sharma, H. Surmangol (2006). Written at US. "Learners' Manipuri-English dictionary ("Kangjei")". dsal.uchicago.edu (in English and Manipuri). University of Chicago. Chicago: Digital Dictionaries of South Asia. p. 38. Retrieved 2023-12-10. kāngjei ꯀꯥꯡꯖꯩ /kaŋ.jəi/ n. hockey stick. Morph: kāng‑jei [a round/spherical object‑stick].{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  21. ↑ —"Sagol Kangjei". INDIAN CULTURE. Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Retrieved 2023-12-10.
    —Lisam, Khomdan Singh (2011). Encyclopaedia Of Manipur (3 Vol.). GPH. p. 701. ISBN 978-81-7835-864-2.
  22. ↑ "Sagol Kangjei". INDIAN CULTURE. Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Retrieved 2023-12-10.
  23. ↑ —"Sagol Kangjei". INDIAN CULTURE. Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Retrieved 2023-12-10.
    —Kalita, Jayanta (2017-10-25). I am HIV Positive, So What?: A World Champion’s Fight Against Drugs,Disease and Discrimination. BP. p. 32. ISBN 978-93-86606-10-5.
  24. ↑ —"Sagol Kangjei". INDIAN CULTURE. Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Retrieved 2023-12-10.
    —Taneja, Anil (2009). World of Sports Indoor. GPH. pp. 213, 214, 215. ISBN 978-81-7835-765-2.
    —Agarwal, M. K. (2012). From Bharata to India: Volume 1: Chrysee the Golden. Universe. p. 351. ISBN 978-1-4759-0765-0.
    —Devi, Dr Yumlembam Gopi (2019-06-16). Glimpses of Manipuri Culture. LP. p. 21. ISBN 978-0-359-72919-7.
  25. ↑ Sharma, H. Surmangol (2006). Written at US. "Learners' Manipuri-English dictionary ("Kangjeibung")". dsal.uchicago.edu (in English and Manipuri). University of Chicago. Chicago: Digital Dictionaries of South Asia. p. 38. Retrieved 2023-12-10. kāngjeibung ꯀꯥꯡꯖꯩꯕꯨꯡ /kaŋ.jəi.buŋ/ n. pologround. Morph: kāng‑jei‑bung [a round/spherical object‑stick‑mound].{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  26. ↑ "Sagol Kangjei". INDIAN CULTURE. Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Retrieved 2023-12-10.
  27. ↑ "Sagol Kangjei". INDIAN CULTURE. Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Retrieved 2023-12-10.
  28. ↑ "Sagol Kangjei". INDIAN CULTURE. Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Retrieved 2023-12-10.
  29. ↑ "Sagol Kangjei". INDIAN CULTURE. Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Retrieved 2023-12-10.
  30. ↑ Sharma, H. Surmangol (2006). Written at US. "Learners' Manipuri-English dictionary ("Kangjei")". dsal.uchicago.edu (in English and Manipuri). University of Chicago. Chicago: Digital Dictionaries of South Asia. p. 38. Retrieved 2023-12-10. kāngjei ꯀꯥꯡꯖꯩ /kaŋ.jəi/ n. hockey stick. Morph: kāng‑jei [a round/spherical object‑stick].{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  31. ↑ Sharma, H. Surmangol (2006). Written at US. "Learners' Manipuri-English dictionary ("Kanghu")". dsal.uchicago.edu (in English and Manipuri). University of Chicago. Chicago: Digital Dictionaries of South Asia. p. 38. Retrieved 2023-12-10. kānghu ꯀꯥꯡꯍꯨ /káŋ.hu/ n. a type of hockey stick. Morph: kāng‑hu [a round or spherical object‑id.].{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  32. ↑ "Sagol Kangjei". INDIAN CULTURE. Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Retrieved 2023-12-10.
  33. ↑ Sharma, H. Surmangol (2006). Written at US. "Learners' Manipuri-English dictionary ("Kangdrum")". dsal.uchicago.edu (in English and Manipuri). University of Chicago. Chicago: Digital Dictionaries of South Asia. p. 38. Retrieved 2023-12-10. kāngdrum ꯀꯥꯡꯗ꯭ꯔꯨꯝ /kaŋ.drum/ n. hockey ball. Morph: kāng‑drum( [a round/spherical object‑to be round].{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  34. ↑ Ghosh, G. K. (2008). Bamboo: The Wonderful Grass. APH. p. 108. ISBN 978-81-313-0369-6.
  35. ↑ "Sagol Kangjei". INDIAN CULTURE. Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Retrieved 2023-12-10.
  36. ↑ "Sagol Kangjei". INDIAN CULTURE. Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Retrieved 2023-12-10.
  37. ↑ "Sagol Kangjei". INDIAN CULTURE. Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Retrieved 2023-12-10.
  38. ↑ "Sagol Kangjei". INDIAN CULTURE. Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Retrieved 2023-12-10.
  39. ↑ "Sagol Kangjei". INDIAN CULTURE. Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Retrieved 2023-12-10.
  40. ↑ "Sagol Kangjei". INDIAN CULTURE. Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Retrieved 2023-12-10.
  41. ↑ "Sagol Kangjei". INDIAN CULTURE. Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Retrieved 2023-12-10.
  42. ↑ "Sagol Kangjei". INDIAN CULTURE. Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Retrieved 2023-12-10.
  43. ↑ "Sagol Kangjei". INDIAN CULTURE. Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Retrieved 2023-12-10.
  44. ↑ "Sagol Kangjei". INDIAN CULTURE. Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Retrieved 2023-12-10.
  45. ↑ "Sagol Kangjei". INDIAN CULTURE. Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Retrieved 2023-12-10.
  46. ↑ —"Sagol Kangjei". INDIAN CULTURE. Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
    —"Manipur's ancient polo wows G20 delegates". The Times of India. 19 February 2023. ISSN 0971-8257.
    —"E-Pao! Books :: Complete e-platform for Manipuris". books.e-pao.net.
    —"Italian seal on Manipur polo origin – Milan-based writer to visit Imphal to collect material for book on game's history". www.telegraphindia.com.
  47. ↑ "Manipur celebrates Statehood Day with first international women's polo tournament". DNA India. Retrieved 2023-12-11.
  48. ↑ "1st Manipur Statehood Day Women Polo Tournament 20160114". Retrieved 2023-12-11.
  49. ↑ Correspondent (2010-09-15). "1st Manipur Statehood Day Women's Polo". assamtribune.com. Retrieved 2023-12-11.
  50. ↑ —"Manipur lift Polo International trophy". www.thepeopleschronicle.in.
    —"Manipur USA win in Manipur Polo International". UNI India.
    —"Manipur lifts Polo International Trophy defeating England". UNI India.
    —"India B wins Manipur International polo tournament – The New Indian Express". www.newindianexpress.com.
    —"Ampareen hits back at 'surrendered' HNLC leader; dares government to make procedure public". Northeast Now. 2018-10-21.
    —"11th Manipur International Polo Tournament". POLO+10 The Polo Magazine.

Further reading

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Sagol Kangjei.
Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Polo in Manipur.
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