Manipuri Polo Sagol Kangjei Horse Origin Manipur

Polo, one of the world oldest team sports, originated in the Imphal valley of Manipur as Sagol Kangjei, played on Manipuri ponies (Meitei Sagol) for over 1500 years. Kangla Fort records depict polo as a ritual offering to Meitei deities. The sport was adopted by British officers from Cachar and Manipur in the 1850s and spread globally. The Manipuri Pony is a distinct breed listed as endangered with fewer than 1000 remaining. The Manipuri Polo Association and state government run pony conservation programmes with breeding cooperatives in Imphal valley. Traditional Sagol Kangjei, played without helmets on uneven village fields, continues to be practiced in Manipur as a cultural heritage sport.