The short answer
Imphal Polo Ground (Mapal Kangjeibung): what visitors should know first
Go if you like sport or history. Outside match days it is mainly a green open space to look at for 20-30 minutes; if you can catch a fixture, check current schedules and plan around it.
History and context
The story behind Imphal Polo Ground (Mapal Kangjeibung)
Tradition holds that the first recorded polo match was held in 33 CE during the reign of King Nongda Lairen Pakhangba, and that polo was introduced to the Manipuris much earlier. The ground, Mapal Kangjeibung, means outer polo ground; other grounds exist, including one inside Kangla.
Useful facts
Imphal Polo Ground (Mapal Kangjeibung) facts at a glance
- Location
- Central Imphal
- Sport
- Polo (Sagol Kangjei tradition)
- When to go
- Match days and tournaments; check locally
- Access
- Fixture-led; check schedules
- Known for
- Described as the world's oldest polo ground
Why it matters
Why Imphal Polo Ground (Mapal Kangjeibung) is worth your time
Manipur is widely described as the birthplace of modern polo. The traditional game, Sagol Kangjei, has seven players per side and is played on small, sturdy ponies; modern polo evolved from it. The ground itself is commonly called the world's oldest functioning polo ground.
Seeing it explains why polo shows up so often in Manipuri art, sculpture and museum displays, and links nicely with Kangla and the State Museum in a single half-day.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The ground
A wide green field in the middle of the city, quiet outside fixtures.
- 02
Sagol Kangjei
The traditional seven-a-side version played on Manipuri ponies.
- 03
Match days
If a fixture is on, it is a good way to see living tradition.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Visit the ground early or late in the day, when it is quiet, and walk its edge to get a sense of its size. Look for the markers and sculptures related to traditional Manipuri polo, known as Sagol Kangjei, which is played on Manipuri ponies.
If a match is on, plan to watch part of it. Fixtures, including international tournaments, are announced locally and change from year to year, so check the schedule.
Pair the ground with the Manipur State Museum nearby, where polo equipment is on display, to follow the story of the game from tradition to the modern sport.
Plan with confidence
Event-led places reward a little planning.
- Check the fixture schedule locally
- Carry water and sun protection
- Combine with the State Museum
- Respect any restrictions on the ground
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Central Imphal, near the Manipur State Museum
- Time needed
- 20-30 minutes; longer for a match
- Best time
- Match days; otherwise morning or late afternoon
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- Level ground with limited seating on non-match days. Ask about stands and shade for fixtures and carry water.
- Tickets and access
- Access depends on fixtures and the management of the ground; check the current schedule and any ticketing locally.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Imphal Polo Ground (Mapal Kangjeibung)
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Level ground with limited seating on non-match days. Ask about stands and shade for fixtures and carry water.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Is Manipur really the birthplace of polo?
It is widely described as the birthplace of modern polo, which evolved from the traditional game Sagol Kangjei.
Can I watch a match?
Fixtures and tournaments vary; check the current schedule locally.
How long do I need?
20-30 minutes for the ground, longer for a match.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.