Tracing its history back to the 1300 the lively game of Sagol Kangjei can be is seen as the mother of modern polo. The Pana-style polo of Manipur is played with the famous Manipuri pony (not more than 4.5 ' tall) and involves 7 players on each side. This particular version of polo is swifter than the modern game played in international arenas. Players use a cane stick with an angled wooden striking head and the ball is made of bamboo root. Both the indigenous version and the international styles of polo are popular in Manipur.

The Manipuri version of hockey Khong Kangiei is played with 7 players on each side,. The game, vigorous and volatile is an admixture of hockey, football, rugby and wrestling.

The last day of the Lai Haroba festival is punctuated with Mukna, the Manipuri version of wrestling. The opponents are matched by physical build and weight, but have no other rules- so it's a general free for all. The game once enjoyed royal patronage.

The lively game of Yubi-Lakpi (akin to modern-day rugby) is played with an oil-smeared coconut and has its roots in Hindu mythology. It is considered a re-enactment of the celestial snatching of the pot of nectar after the Samudra Manthan. It is played with 7 players on either side and to score a goal, the player has to pass the goal line with his greased coconut.

Between the Manipuri New Year Day and the Rath Yatra festival, contestants meet up on the mud floor of a mandap to play Kong. This game of skill involves living fixed targets with a flat, oblong disc (kang) made of ivory or lac, and 7 players on each side. A game of mixed doubles allows women to participate as well.

Two of Manipur's very popular ritualistic martial arts are the Thang-ta and Sarit-Sarak. A great deal of dexterity and practice are needed to perform the elaborate and precise rituals of this battlecraft, which involves spears, swords and shields. Rules have to be abided to strictly.