Kh. Khaithi,
Dr. L. Pungding,
- Research Scholar, Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, Manipur University, Indo-Myanmar Road, Canchipur Imphal, Manipur, India
- Associate Professor, Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, Manipur University, Indo-Myanmar Road, Canchipur Imphal, Manipur, India
Abstract
Traditional wrestling among the Poumai Nagas of Manipur represents an important component of indigenous sporting culture and serves as a significant expression of socio-cultural identity, spirituality, and community values. Beyond its function as a physical contest, wrestling is deeply embedded in the social and ritual life of the community and is closely associated with agricultural festivals, customary practices, and inter-village interactions. The present study aims to explore the socio-cultural and spiritual significance of traditional wrestling among the Poumai Nagas and to document its role in preserving indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage. The study employed an exploratory and ethnographic approach based on field observations, oral narratives, interviews with community elders, wrestlers, and local residents, supplemented by relevant secondary sources. The findings reveal that wrestling functions as a symbol of cultural identity, social cohesion, and communal solidarity. It serves as a medium for transmitting traditional values such as discipline, respect, courage, and perseverance among younger generations. The practice is also closely linked with ritual beliefs and festival celebrations, reflecting the spiritual worldview of the community. Furthermore, the study documents several indigenous wrestling techniques that demonstrate the richness of traditional sporting knowledge. Despite the challenges posed by modernization and changing lifestyles, traditional wrestling continues to play a vital role in strengthening ethnic identity and preserving cultural continuity among the Poumai Nagas. The study highlights the importance of systematic documentation and community-based preservation efforts to safeguard this valuable element of indigenous cultural heritage.
Keywords: Poumai Naga, traditional wrestling, indigenous sports, cultural identity, spirituality, cultural heritage, Manipur.
References
- Khaithi K, Pungding L. TRADITIONAL STYLE OF POUMAI NAGA WRESTLING (POYU). Acta Scientiae. 2025 Dec 25;8(1):218-31.
- VIZO VV, MARAK Q. The Game of Kene: A Study of Traditional Wrestling among the Angami Naga of Kohima Village, Nagaland. Indian Anthropologist. 2025 Nov 1;60(3):332.
- Liba H. LAONII FESTIVAL: A CATALYST FOR PRESERVING CULTURAL IDENTITY OF THE POUMAI NAGA. International Journal Of All Research Writings. 2020 Sep 3;3(3):30-5.
- Singh WP, Devi OS, Oinam M. THE ROLE OF SPORTS IN SHAPING SOCIAL IDENTITIES IN MANIPUR. Acta Scientiae. 2025 Dec 25;8(1):149-54.
- Sapkota PP. Kulpuja: A ritual and behavior of Magar. Dhaulagiri Journal of Sociology and Anthropology. 2011;5:235-46.
- Taishya P, Das AP. Following the footprints of tradition: the paddy plantation festival (Paoki) of Nagasin Purul Village of Senapati District in Manipur, India. 2024:335-344.
- Bareh H, editor. Encyclopaedia of North-East India: Meghalaya. New Delhi: Mittal Publications; 2000. 351 p.
- Green JA. The last century of Danegeld. The English Historical Review. 1981 Apr 1;96(379):241-58.
- Goswami N. The Naga narrative of conflict: Envisioning a resolution roadmap. Strategic Analysis. 2007 Jul 23;31(2):287-313.
- Yaongam R, Elizabeth H. Women’s Participation in Traditional Local governance in Tangkhul Naga Villages, Ukhrul District, Manipur. Contemporaty social Scientist (A National Refereed hournal). 2017;9(1):80-91.
- Thong T. ‘To raise the savage to a higher level’:* The Westernization of Nagas and their Culture. Modern Asian Studies. 2012 Jul;46(4):893-918.
- Marak Q. People, societies and cultures in Meghalaya: A review of anthropological researches from the beginning to recent times. Social Science Research in North East, Guwahati, India. 2017:288-312.
- Yimchunger J. Mainstream Indian media and naga audience: Representation and perception. International Journal of Communication and Media Studies (IJCMS). 2019;9:23-36.
- Chowdhury MH, Das D. Travel, Empire and Ethnographic Self-Fashioning of a White Headhunter: Christoph von Furer-Haimendorf’s The Naked Naga. Rupkatha Journal on Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities. 2022 Mar 1;14(2):1.
- VIZO VV, MARAK Q. The Game of Kene: A Study of Traditional Wrestling among the Angami Naga of Kohima Village, Nagaland. Indian Anthropologist. 2025 Nov 1;60(3):332.
- Tekam P, Sahu H. The Role of Traditional Sports in Preserving Cultural Heritage and Promoting Sports Tourism. Int. J. Phy. Edu. Spo.;11(04):09-17.
- Priyadarshini P, Abhilash PC. Promoting tribal communities and indigenous knowledge as potential solutions for the sustainable development of India. Environmental Development. 2019 Dec 1;32:100459.
- King CR. Introduction: Other peoples’ games: Indigenous peoples and sport in North America. The International Journal of the History of Sport. 2006 Mar 1;23(2):131-7.
- Jacob M, Nandini B, Sharma N. Indigenous Sports of India: connecting past to the present. Artha Journal of Social Sciences. 2023 Jul 17;22(1):1-23.
- Singh WP, Devi OS, Oinam M. THE ROLE OF SPORTS IN SHAPING SOCIAL IDENTITIES IN MANIPUR. Acta Scientiae. 2025 Dec 25;8(1):149-54.
Recent Trends in Sports
| Volume | 03 | |
| 02 | ||
| Received | 29/08/2026 | |
| Accepted | 09/09/2026 | |
| Published | 11/09/2026 | |
| Publication Time | 13 Days |