While the Britishers may have introduced this sport to the world, it is Manipur that claims to have taught them the game centuries ago. The sport I'm talking about is Polo. Known locally as Sagol Kangjei, this sport saw a decline during the communist era but is now experiencing a resurgence. In Meitei language, 'Sagol' means horse, and 'Kangjei' means a mallet or a long-handled wooden headed hammer, used to strike a ball.Originally played with seven players on each side, riding ponies and wielding Polo-sticks made of bamboo root, Manipuri Polo is said to have evolved into the international sport of Polo.Manipuris believe that the Britishers learned the game's intricacies from Manipur in the 19th century, refining it into the Polo we know today. Sagol Kangjei was introduced to the British officers at Cachar in Assam by Sir Chandrakirti Singh, the then ruler of the Manipur Kingdom.Follow #NEWay to learn more such interesting facts about the history and culture of Northeast India.