FROM SAGOL KANGJEI TO POLO
India—more specifically Manipur—gifted the world one of its most majestic and aristocratic games: Polo, in its modern form. Long before it became a symbol of royalty and leisure in the West, Polo was played on the lush plains of Manipur as Sagol Kangjei, a sport deeply woven into the social, cultural, and spiritual fabric of Manipuri life.
Meaning and Origins of Sagol Kangjei: The term Sagol Kangjei comes from the Manipuri language—Sagol meaning pony, and Kangjei meaning a game played with sticks. Thus, Sagol Kangjei literally translates to “a game played on ponies using sticks.”
Although the exact origins of the game remain a subject of historical debate, references to Sagol Kangjei can be traced back to ancient times. According to the Royal Chronicle of Manipur (Cheitharol Kumbaba), the game was introduced by King Kangba, who ruled Manipur around 33 CE. Initially enjoyed by princes and members of royal families, the sport was also used as training for warfare.
A Game of Skill, Speed, and Warfare: In its early form, Sagol Kangjei was not merely a sport but a military exercise. Princes practiced throwing the Arambai—a deadly dart with iron heads often decorated with peacock feathers—while riding swiftly on horseback. This sharpened their riding skills, coordination, and combat readiness.
Players rode a special and hardy breed known as the Manipuri Pony, renowned for its endurance, agility, and intelligence. These ponies were perfectly suited to the fast-paced and physically demanding nature of the game.
Spiritual and Cultural Significance: Ponies hold a sacred place in Manipuri society and mythology. They are associated with Marjing, a revered deity believed to be the protector of horses. Even today, Polo sticks and balls are offered to the deity during worship, reflecting the spiritual reverence attached to the sport.
The cultural importance of Sagol Kangjei is also evident in Lai Haraoba, one of Manipur’s most significant festivals. During the celebrations, a ritual dance portrays a bride searching for her groom, holding a Polo stick, symbolising the sport’s deep-rooted presence in Manipuri life and traditions.
From Sagol Kangjei to Modern Polo: The unique sport caught the attention of British colonial rulers in the 19th century when they witnessed it being played in the plains of Cachar (present-day Assam). Fascinated, the British adapted and standardised the game, modifying its rules and structure.
Thus was born Modern Polo, typically played between two teams of seven players each, with defined goalposts and standardised equipment. From India, the game spread to England and eventually to countries across Europe, the Americas, and beyond.
Traditional Sagol Kangjei vs Modern Polo: Traditional Sagol Kangjei differs significantly from its modern counterpart:
● Players rode bareback, without saddles or reins
● The game was played barefoot
● There were no goalposts; goals were scored by hitting the ball past either end of the field
● The ball was traditionally made from bamboo roots, unlike the synthetic balls used worldwide today
● These elements made Sagol Kangjei a raw, thrilling, and intensely skilled sport.
Mapal Kangjeibung: The Oldest Polo Ground
The heart of Polo in Manipur lies in Mapal Kangjeibung, located in Imphal. Recognised as the oldest polo ground in the world, it stands as a living testament to Manipur’s enduring polo heritage.
Every year, during the 10-day Manipur Sangai Festival held in the last week of November, an International Polo Tournament takes place here. Teams from countries such as the United Kingdom, USA, Australia, Thailand, and several others participate, celebrating Manipur’s timeless legacy.
A Living Heritage: Sagol Kangjei is not just the origin of modern Polo—it is a living heritage, a symbol of Manipuri identity, resilience, and cultural pride. In an age where Polo is often seen as an elite sport, its roots in Manipur remind the world of a tradition born from community, courage, and cultural continuity.
Manipur did not merely play Polo—it gave the world a game that continues to inspire grace, discipline, and sportsmanship across continents.
