Khong kangjei, also known as foot hockey, Manipuri hockeyorhockey on foot, is a sport similar to field hockey[1] primarily of the stateofManipurinIndia. It is a game which requires stamina, speed, and agility,[2] and is one of the most popular games in Manipur.[3] It is one of the indigenous sports of Manipur, others being sagol kanjei and kang, each of which reflects the martial tradition of Manipur,[1] and with mukna captures an ethical code important to the culture of Manipur.[4]
The name is derived from the Meitei terms khōng (foot), kāng (ball or round object), and jei, which is derived from the term chei (to hit).[5]
After the Hiyang Tannaba, a type of traditional boat race[6] held annually in Manipur, spectators adjourn to the hockey grounds, on which is played a match of foot hockey. Scoring for these matches "is carried on from year to year".[7]
A match is contested between two teams of seven players.[2] The match is refereed by an umpire, who also signals change of sides (pun onba) and the end of the match. Each team has a leader, referred to as a panjenba, and play commences when the umpire throws a ball between them at the centre line.
A team attempts to score goals against the opponent, and the team first to attain a predetermined number of goals is declared the winner.[5] Each player has one piece of equipment, a slightly curved bamboo stick[5] about 4 feet (120 cm) in length similar to a hockey stick.[2] It is used to strike a ball made of bamboo root[2] of approximately 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter.
Each player is associated with an opposing player, and the two never leave each other during a match.[8] Players may pick up the ball and run with it,[2] a play often terminated by the player tossing the ball in the air and striking it.[5] A player may also kick the ball, but must strike the ball with the stick to score a goal.[2]
A player may obstruct an opponent; tripping opponents is permitted, and is known as a collar.[5] A player carrying a ball may be physically challenged by an opponent, which requires the two players to wrestle (mukna),[2] after which play resumes.
