Revival of Indigenous Native Games 2026 kicks off in Imphal

DIPR
Imphal, May 21 : The five-day Revival of Indigenous Native Games (RING) 2026 commenced today at Mapal Kangjeibung under the joint organisation of the Manipur Upliftment Centre and National Yuva Cooperative Society.
RING celebrates indigenous games and living traditions that embody the spirit, history and identity of communities across generations. The initiative aims to empower youths while fostering leadership through sports and shared cultural heritage.
Speaking at the inaugural function, the Commissioner of Youth Affairs and Sports Naorem Praveen, IAS,highlighted that Manipur is globally recognised for its rich legacy of indigenous sports and native games.
Referring to traditional games such as Sagol Kangjei, Khong Kangjei and Yubi Lakpi, he stressed that these sports are deeply rooted in the culture and identity of the people. He emphasised the need for proper training, institutional support and early exposure for children to preserve and promote indigenous games.
It was further noted that Sagol Kangjei possesses strong tourism potential and called for dedicated training spaces and the inclusion of indigenous games in educational curricula. Referring to Thang-Ta, speakers mentioned that the martial art form is now featured in National school championships.
He also encouraged youth to channelise their energy through sports and cultural activities, while stressing that such initiatives should be organised annually for the preservation and promotion of native games.
In the inaugural address, Senior Journalist and Editor of the Imphal Review of Arts and Politics, Pradeep Phanjoubam, underscored the urgent need to safeguard Manipur’s traditional games as an integral part of the State’s sporting and cultural heritage.
“Our indigenous games are deeply connected to our identity and sporting culture. If we fail to preserve and promote them through collective and sustained efforts, there is a real danger that these living traditions may one day survive only in museums,” he remarked.
The importance of pioneers in traditional sports was also highlighted, stating that their leadership is essential in creating awareness and inspiring wider participation to keep these games alive and relevant for future generations.
Olympian Nameirakpam Kunjarani Devi, recipient of the Padma Shri, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award and Arjuna Award in Weightlifting, expressed willingness to share her expertise for youth development, stating that proper guidance would help talented youths shape their future.
Director Manipur Tourism, Lourembam Bikram Singh, IAS and eminent artiste Lourembam Badabati devi, renowned sportspersons also attended the function as dignitaries.
 Demonstrations of several indigenous sports and martial traditions including Thang-Ta (Huyel Langon), Arambai exhibition, Mukna Kangjei, Sagol Kangjei and Kom Archery exhibition were the highlight of the event.
 Yubi Lakpi, Thouri Chingbi, Mukna and Kangjei disciplines are also part of the games.