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Source: The post is based on the article “Sagol Kangjei: The ancient polo of Manipur, played on the celebrated Manipur Pony” published in Indian Express on 6th January 2023
What is the News?
Union Home Minister inaugurated a 122-foot-tall statue of a polo player astride a Manipur Pony in Imphal, a project that has been in the works for several years now.
Where did Modern polo originated from?
Modern polo is said to have originated from Sagol Kangjei.
Sagol Kangjei is the name of the game of polo played in Manipur. Sagol means pony/horse, kang means a ball or round object and jei is a stick used for hitting.
In this game, players ride horses, specifically the Manipur Ponies which are referenced in records dating back to the 14th century.
What is Manipur Pony?
The Manipuri Pony is a breed of horse mainly found in the plains of Manipur.
It is one of five recognised equine breeds of India and has a powerful cultural significance for Manipuri society. In the past, it was used for warfare as well as for polo games.
However, the small and dwindling numbers of the Manipur Pony has been a cause for concern.
