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Celebrating and reshaping the Future of Indigenous Games
Where legacy lives
Our Vision
Honouring the Past, Inspiring the Future.
RING - Revival of Indigenous Native Games, is envisioned as a state-level sports and cultural festival dedicated to reviving and promoting the indigenous sporting traditions of Manipur. It seeks to encourage youth participation and healthy lifestyles, strengthen social harmony and inter-community understanding, and create a platform to identify and nurture emerging sporting talent. At its core, RING aims to empower youth and foster leadership through the spirit of sport and shared cultural heritage.
1
Preserve and promote indigenous sports traditions
SPORTS as CULTURAL HERITAGE
Manipur’s traditional sports are part of a shared cultural heritage.
Promoting these sports will: Revive ancient traditions, strengthen cultural pride, encourage youth to reconnect with heritage and, preserve traditional knowledge and techniques.
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2
Youth Empowerment & Leadership
FROM PARTICIPATION to ENGAGEMENT
Participation in sports helps youth develop: Discipline, confidence, teamwork, leadership and respect for rules
By engaging thousands of youths, the sports meet will help develop responsible future leaders.
3
Creating Inter-Community Interaction
THE COMING TOGETHER
Participants from all districts and communities will come together.
This will allow: Youth from hill and valley regions to interact, formation of new friendships and networks and building a shared sense of identity and belonging.
Such interaction is crucial for long-term peace and unity in the state.
A platform to restore pride in our sporting traditions while empowering youth through discipline, identity, and opportunity.
Logo of the games
The logo features a circle formed by stylised human icons holding hands, each rendered in different colours. The circular formation symbolises unity, continuity, and collective strength. The varied colours represent the diverse communities, cultures, and traditions of Manipur, standing together in harmony.
The interlinked figures convey solidarity, shared heritage, and mutual respect - reflecting the spirit of indigenous games as platforms that transcend boundaries and bring people together. The circular shape also signifies inclusiveness, equality, and the unbroken bond between generations.
Overall, the logo embodies unity in diversity, cultural pride, and youth empowerment through tradition.
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FULL SCHEDULE
Games
Manipur is not merely a land of scenic beauty. It is the birthplace of Sagol Kangjei, the ancient game that gave the world modern polo. It is the home of Thang-Ta, a martial tradition that embodies discipline, courage, and philosophy. Our ancestors did not separate sport from culture - for them, sport was character, identity, and community.
Thang-Ta (Traditional Martial Art)
Thang-Ta is the ancient martial art of Manipur combining sword (Thang) and spear (Ta) techniques. It emphasises discipline, agility, and combat skills, rooted in the state’s warrior traditions. The art is practiced with strict rituals and deep cultural significance.
Sagol Kangjei (Traditional Polo)
Sagol Kangjei is the traditional Manipuri form of polo and the origin of the modern game played worldwide. It is played on horseback, requiring exceptional riding skills, coordination, and teamwork. The sport remains a proud symbol of Manipur’s heritage.
Mukna (Traditional Wrestling)
Mukna is a traditional form of wrestling where two contestants compete using strength, skill, and technique. Matches are held between players of similar build to ensure fairness. It is a prestigious sport with deep cultural roots and historical royal patronage.
Mukna Kangjei
Mukna Kangjei is a unique combination of wrestling and stick play, played between two teams. It involves physical strength, agility, and coordination to control and strike the ball. The game reflects both martial skill and teamwork.
Arambai Hunba
Arambai Hunba is a traditional dart-throwing sport derived from ancient Manipuri cavalry warfare. Players aim to hit targets with precision, demonstrating focus and control. It reflects the martial heritage and warrior spirit of the region.
Kang
Kang is a traditional indoor game played on a smooth court using a flat disc. Players slide the disc towards a target, requiring accuracy and strategy. It is especially popular during festivals and social gatherings.
Thouri Chingbi
Thouri Chingbi is a traditional tug-of-war played during festivals like Yaoshang. It involves teams competing in a test of strength and coordination, often between different community groups. The game promotes unity and festive spirit.
Poyu or Chayu (Naga wrestling)
Naga wrestling is a traditional sport that symbolises strength, discipline, honour, and cultural identity among the Naga communities. Wrestlers compete in the same age and weight categories, ensuring fairness and respect in the sport. Beyond competition, Naga wrestling also serves as a means to foster peace, unity, and brotherhood among villages and tribes or even warring groups.
Yubi Lakpi (Traditional Rugby-like Sport)
Yubi Lakpi is a traditional game played with a coconut, similar in spirit to rugby. Players attempt to carry the slippery coconut to a goal, relying on strength and agility. The game is known for its uniqueness and cultural importance.
Sarkuuh Thlaailou Insin
(Porcupine foraging game)
This is a traditional game of the Tarao people of Manipur that portrays the hardworking life of a porcupine searching for food in the forest while overcoming obstacles. It symbolises patience, perseverance, courage, and hard work. The game tests physical stamina, strength, and agility, especially leg power. The winner is the one who collects the most food within the stipulated time while best imitating the movements of the porcupine.
Other traditional games
Traditional games of tribal communities including: Tangkhul, Poumai, Kabui, Maring, Tarao, Kom and other communities of Manipur.
Message from the Chief Patron of the games.
Indigenous games are not merely a legacy of the past - they are the foundation upon which our sporting culture has been built. Long before the advent of modern infrastructure and organized training systems, these traditional disciplines cultivated strength, skill, discipline, teamwork, and resilience among our people. They served not only as forms of recreation, but as powerful instruments of character-building and social cohesion.
In Manipur, this legacy is especially profound. Our indigenous games have shaped generations of athletes who have gone on to distinguish themselves at national and international platforms. The spirit of endurance, precision, and excellence that defines Manipuri sport today is deeply rooted in these time-honored practices.
The launch of initiatives such as RING marks a significant and timely step forward. By reconnecting our youth with their cultural roots, such efforts foster physical fitness, mental well-being, and a strong sense of identity. At a time when digital distractions increasingly dominate lifestyles, reviving engagement with indigenous sports offers a meaningful pathway toward healthier, more grounded communities.
I commend the organizers for their vision, commitment, and dedication to preserving and promoting our rich heritage. It is my earnest hope that this initiative will grow into a sustained movement - one that inspires participation, pride, and excellence for generations to come.
Shri Govindas Konthoujam
Hon'ble Minister for Home, Youth Affairs and Sports
Messages
Hon'ble CM of Manipur
Shri Yumnam Khemchand Singh
Indigenous games are a reflection of our civilisational wisdom, discipline, and community spirit. Manipur, with its rich heritage of traditional sports such as Sagol Kangjei, Yubi Lakpi, Mukna, and Kang, has long been a cradle of sporting excellence.
RING is a commendable initiative that not only celebrates these time-honoured traditions but also provides a platform to preserve, promote, and pass them on to future generations. These games are not merely forms of recreation - they embody our identity, values, and way of life.
I extend my best wishes for the grand success of RING and urge our youth to take pride in our indigenous sporting legacy.
Hon'ble Governor of Assam Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya
Indigenous sports are a vital expression of our rich cultural heritage and traditional wisdom.
They not only promote physical fitness and discipline but also strengthen community bonds and preserve age-old customs that define our identity. Such initiatives play a crucial role in inspiring the younger generation to reconnect with their roots while embracing the values of teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship.
I convey my best wishes for the grand success of the Sports Meet and for all the participants to perform with excellence and true sporting. spirit.
Hon'ble Deputy CM of Gujarat Shri Harsh Sanghavi
RING's commitment to reviving indigenous sporting traditions and strengthening grassroots development is commendable. Manipur has always been a powerhouse of Indian sports, and projects like RING are essential to preserving that rich cultural and athletic heritage.
The objectives of your meet-promoting physical fitness, discipline and community harmony through traditional games, align perfectly with the vision of a fit and united India.
I wish to convey my heartiest Wishes for the grand success of this event. May this initiative inspire the youth of Manipur and provide them with a platform to shine while staying rooted in their traditions.
Hon'ble Deputy CM of Nagaland Shri Yanthungo Patton
The indigenous games of our region are a testament to the rich cultural heritage and shared traditions of the North-East. They embody values of courage, discipline, community bonding, and respect for nature.
Manipur has long been a torchbearer in preserving and promoting traditional sports, and initiatives like RING play a crucial role in bringing these games to a wider platform. Such efforts not only strengthen cultural identity but also foster unity and mutual appreciation among the people of different states.
I commend the organisers for this commendable initiative and extend my best wishes for the success of RING. May it continue to inspire greater recognition and celebration of our indigenous sporting traditions.
Hon'ble President of BJP Manipur Pradesh Smt Sharda Adhikarimayum
Our indigenous games are living symbols of our heritage and unity. They transcend generations and bring communities together through shared traditions and values.
RING is an important step towards reviving and institutionalising these games at a larger platform. It is heartening to see such initiatives that strengthen cultural pride while encouraging healthy competition.
My best wishes to all participants and organisers for a successful and inspiring event.
Our Valued Partners
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