What is Sagol Kangjei?

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Sagol Kangjei is the name of the game of polo played in Manipur.
Sagol means pony/horse, Kang means a ball or round object, and jei is a stick used for hitting.
In the state of Manipur, it has always been a game for the common man. It is played by seven players on each side and the players are mounted on ponies.
Manipuri polo symbolises the immense cultural heritage of the state, and great efforts have been put made to raise the standard of this popular game.
The prominent patrons of the game were King Kyamba and King Khagemba (1597-1672 A.D.), and King Chandra Kirti (1850 – 1886 A.D.). The latter, especially, is to be credited with popularising the sport in other parts of the world
There are no goalposts in this game. Goal lines determine the end of the two boundaries of the rectangular field. The ball (hang drum) is white. To score a goal the ball must cross the line.
The polo stick is made of cane or wood, and is called Kang – hu and has a head of hardwood and the ball is made of bamboo root.
The traditional attire consists of a chin – strap ( khadangchet ) and a turban, for protecting the head. Leg – guards ( khongyom ) are worn below the knee. Since no shoes are worn, the players use khumit – Khang. A leash of thick leather is held by the index finger of the left hand.
This is a seasonal game and is played in the Manipuri month of September / October and in June / July.