Through The Power Of Sports Changing Lives - Isha Outreach

Inbuan
A traditional game of the India’s North-Eastern state
of Mizoram, Inbuan is a form of combat wrestling
whose history is wrapped in centuries old Mizo
legends. The prime objective is to lift the opponent
off his feet through the skillful use of hands and the
legs. Both combatants wear belts (waistbands for
catching and holding) that must be kept tightened
throughout the match. Matches consist of three
rounds of 30 to 60 seconds each. Played under
strict rules that do not allow kicking or bending of
knees, the contest is held inside a circle of 15-16
feet diameter on carpet or on grass. The rules also
prohibit the contestants from stepping out of the
demarcated circle during any point in
the combat.
Kene or Hepwa
Known amongst the Angami and Chakhesang tribes as Kene
and amongst the Zeliangs as Hepwa, Naga Wrestling is the
most popular indigenous sport not just in Nagaland but many
surrounding areas too. Nurtured with respect for sacrosanct
traditions and strict adherence to rules, it is a true grassroot
sport that is played passionately from an early age. The
sport is culturally rooted in Nagaland’s timeless tradition of
wrestling for fun, show of strength, settlement of disputes
and building of new bonds.
Rowing and Boating
Indian’s ancient rowing and regatta tradition is best epitomised in the centuriesold
thriving Vallamkali or boat-racing tradition in the state of Kerala. Thousands
of visitors throng the popular regattas that are held in the months of August and
September every year to experience the colourful fervour and community pride
that is associated with the races. Named after their long, slender shapes and their
exquisitely embellished hood-like sterns that rise 15 to 20 feet above the water,
the famous ‘Chundan Vallams’ or Snake Boats are the cynosure of attention. The
spectacular boats – normally 100 to 140 feet long – are the largest rowboats in
the world. Besides Chundan Vallams many other types of indigenous boats are
also used for different categories of races. Some of the important races include
the Champakulam Moolam Vallamkali, Aranmula Uthruttathy Vallamkali, Payippad
Jalotsavam, Neerettupuram Vallamkali, Jawaharlal Nehru Trophy Boat Race, Rajiv
Gandhi Boat Race and the Pulimkunnu Karuvatta Boat Race. The races generally
coincide with the celebration of Onam – Kerala’s biggest festival.
Deep in the heart of the Bay of Bengal, India’s Nicobar Islands have their own
version of boat racing – a thrilling Canoe Race locally known as Asol Aap. Canoes
of upto 100 feet length are used in this five to six kilometre long race on open
seas. Miles away from Kerala and the Nicobar Islands, Manipur in North-Eastern
India is famous for the Hiyang Tannaba – an enthralling boat race held every year
during Manipur’s famous Lai Haraoba festival. Like the other traditional boat races
of the country, long-cherished beliefs, music, dance and revelry are an intrinsic
part of the event.
The game is simple and does not need any special
infrastructure or facility to be conducted. Playable anywhere,
where a clearing big enough for two wrestlers to step into
is available, Naga Wrestling is so popular that it takes little
to turn even village level meets into festive occasions with
people from all walks of life thronging to cheer for their
favourite wrestlers.
Naga Wrestling has no weight category. It is more a matter
of guile and technique. The wrestlers are required to bind a
traditional waist binder firmly around the waist and the bout
begins with both the wrestlers holding their opponent’s
waist binder. The basic objective is to pin the opponent
down within the specified time. Hands cannot be used to
hold the thighs or legs of the opponent. If any part of the
trunk, thighs, shoulders or arms (above the elbow) touches
the ground, then it is considered to be a ‘fall’. In 1972, the
game was formalised with proper rules and regulations.
Periodic championships are held under the auspices of the
Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) beginning at the clan
level in the villages and culminating at the State level.