Mukna is a form of folk wrestling, which has hailed from one of the seven sisters states of India - Manipur. It is much popular in the capital city Imphal along with Bishnupur and Thoubal.
It is widely played during the last celebrating days of the Lai Haraoba festival. It is also the major event during the ceremonial functions. The matches usually begin when the competitors hold each other's belts, commonly known as Ningri.
Mukna is an indigenous and furious sport which includes both Wrestling and Judo techniques. The sport is performed by men to prove their strength.
The players usually perform various combat styles such as the hip throw or twisting the opponent's calf to knock them down on the floor, which will make them unable to stand up and continue the fight.
The participants in this sport aim to pin down their opponent in such a way that their back should touch the ground. 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 divided into various groups according to their weight. The players use traditional weapons and attire because it helps them to protect their sensitive and vital parts of the body.
The sport originated in the 15th century when the king of Manipur Shree Atiya Mapu Shidaba's son Sanamahi created the competition when his father made his sibling Pakhangba his heir to the throne. Later, From 1597 to 1672 Muklna went on earning popularity from other regions as well.
Today, it is celebrated on the last day of the Lai Haraoba festival. The players usually fight using traditional equipment and dress. The technique used in Mukna is called Lou, which includes various attacking and defending skills.
The sport isn't much popular in India and has been restricted to Manipur, but many fighters follow this combat style. The sport holds an ancient heritage value to the players and is respected by them a lot.
Mukna Kangjei
This is a fusion of Mukna and Kangjei which refers to stick game similar to
hockey. In this sport, the players are required to hold a cane stick and aims to strike the ball, made of bamboo root.
