Manipuri polo is one of the world's oldest sports, with some historians claiming it was first played c. 3100BCE in the ancient Meitei kingdom of Kangleipak.
[5] In Meitei mythology and folklore, sagol kāngjei was played by the gods led by Marjing and Thangjing.
[6][7] In the Cheitharol Kumbaba, the Royal Chronicle of Kangleipak, sagol kāngjei was not only a sport, but used as an instrument of diplomacy, politics, and palace intrigue.
[8] Sagol kāngjei was introduced to the British officers at Cachar, Assam by Sir Chandrakirti Singh, the then ruler of Manipur.
[8][6] Players typically wear short-sleeved jackets in their team's colours and white dhotis tucked up above their knees.
[8] Manipur International Polo attracts teams from nations including Argentina, Australia, Canada, Egypt, France, Germany, Haiti, India, Kenya, Mongolia, Morocco, Poland, South Africa, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States and Uruguay, competing with the team of players from Manipur.
[27][28][29] Also on Heingang Ching, there is a shrine dedicated to the god Marjing, where devotees, including polo players, offer prayers, and perform rites and rituals in his honor.