Manipur - Adventure Starts Here

WITH A RICH AND DIVERSE TOPOGRAPHY AND PEOPLE WITH ADVENTURE IN THEIR DNA, MANIPUR HAS THE RIGHT MIX TO PROVIDE A GREAT OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE

- Dr L. Surjit Singh

APTLY DESCRIBED by a Japanese Captain who came to Manipur during the Second World War as “Takane No Hana”, which means ‘A Flower on Lofty Heights’ this small state is known to the outside world for its exquisite dances and the origin of modern polo. But of late, Manipur has come to the international spotlight as the powerhouse of games and sports because of the splendid performances by its sportspersons in the national and international arena. The ancestors of the Manipuris were a conglomeration of cognate tribes of Mongolian stock and were often invaded by their neighbors thought they too invaded others, and thus, were engaged in constant wars. They became a warlike martial race, courageous, strong and sturdy. Hence, it is no wonder that Manipuri sportspersons have now come to the center-stage of Indian sports.

For the adventure sports of mountaineering and trekking, it may be said that these sports have been in existence since historical times. Climbing of various peaks like Koubru, Thangjing, Nongmaiching, and other hills on the auspicious day of Chieraoba, the first day of the Meitei calendar, has been a cultural practice. Here we may recall the spirit of adventure displayed by some of the followers of Maharaj Chandrakirti (1850-1886) during his journey from Imphal to Silchar in Assam to meet Lord North Brook, the then Viceroy of India. When Leishang Jatra, a valiant horseman found the Cambridge (Litan) over the river Barak was completely broken, he swam across the turbulent waters of the Barak and joined the two ends of the crane bridge, thus making His Majesty’s journey safe.

Another nobleman, Maibam Tamra Singh, ran a marathon from Silchar to Imphal and back, crossing hills and mountains within three days on an errand of the Maharaja’s orders. The story of these two stalwarts is mentioned in the Puya Chandrakirti Jila Changba (Ed. O. Bhogeswor, 1979, p.37)