Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Imphal: The Revival of Indigenous Native Game 2026 kicked off this week in Imphal, bringing together athletes and cultural experts to honor Manipur’s traditional sports. Held at Mapal Kangjeibung, the five-day event is a collaborative effort between the Manipur Upliftment Centre and the National Yuva Cooperative Society.
Youth Affairs and Sports Commissioner Naorem Praveen Singh served as the chief guest for the opening ceremony. He noted that Manipur’s consistent success in the global sports arena is rooted in its rich history of local games. He encouraged the preservation of these practices, which serve as essential components of the state's social and cultural identity.
Padma Shri recipient Nameirakpam Kunjarani Devi also addressed attendees, urging youth to maintain strong connections to their heritage. She explained that traditional games instill values of discipline and personal identity. The event was further supported by the presence of prominent figures including former World Champion Laishram Sarita Devi and journalist Pradip Phanjoubam.
The program featured live demonstrations of several storied martial traditions, including Thang-Ta, an Arambai exhibition, Mukna Kangjei, and Kom archery. Organizers hope the event will foster greater interest among younger generations while strengthening the overall awareness of Manipur's unique cultural customs.
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