It is believed that Sagol Kangjei, the modern-day Polo game originated in Manipur.
Sagol Kangjei
- Modern polo is said to have originated from Sagol Kangjei, a sport indigenous to Manipur.
- In this players ride horses, specifically the Manipur Ponies, which are referenced in records dating back to the 14th century.
Conserving the breed: Manipur Pony
- The Manipur Pony is one of five recognised equine breeds of India, and has a powerful cultural significance for Manipuri society.
- The pony has been indispensable with Manipuri society for its socio-cultural association for centuries.
- Its antecedents, however, are not clear, as one source stated Tibetan ponies as its ancestors while another source stated its origin to be a cross between Mongolian wild horse & Arabian.
- The 17th Quinquennial Livestock Census 2003 had recorded 1,898 Manipur Ponies; the number fell to 1,101 in the 19th Quinquennial Livestock Census in 2012.
