Mukna from Manipur is a form of folk wrestling which is known to be a popular in the capital city Imphal along with Bishnupur and Thoubal.
As per reports during the last celebrating days of the Lai Haraoba festival Mukna is widely played in Manipur . It is also known to be a major event . Mukna sport includes both the techniques of Wrestling and Judo . The technique used in Mukna is called Lou, which includes different attacking and defending skills.
The matches begin when the competitors hold each other’s belts, commonly known as Ningri . The object is to pin the opponent with their back touching the ground. The winner is called a yatra. Men perform this sport and battle with each other to prove their strength. Usually the fighters need absolute skills and physical fitness to perform .It is said that the players follow various combat styles such as the hip throw or twisting the opponent’s calf to knock them down on the floor thereby restricting the movement of the opponent to stand up and fight. Holding the opponent’s neck, hair, ear or legs with the hands is not permitted. Any strikes are also considered fouls. Anyone who touches the ground with any part of their body besides the feet is declared the loser.
The fighter with the maximum points wins the match and is regarded as Yatra. The fighters usually hold the opponents by their calf and try to knock them down on the ground. If any body part of the opponent touches the ground, he loses the match immediately.
The fighters are paired according to their weight. During the fight the players use traditional weapons and traditional attire because the traditional attire protect the players’ vital parts of the body.
According to historians Mukna sport originated in the 15th century and it was created by Sanamahi, after his father the king of Manipur Shree Atiya Mapu Shidaba made his sibling Pakhangba his heir to the throne. This folk wrestling gained popularity in other regions from 1597-1672 as per reports.
Mukna sport is not just a mere sport but it has a great respect among the players because of its historical significance and ancient heritage .
