Yubi Lakpi, a historic wrestling-like sport from Manipur, India, dates back to the 17th century. Players use a greased coconut as a ball, with rules similar to rugby. The Meitei tribe traditionally plays this game at temple grounds during the Yaoshang festival, linking it to Hindu mythology. Seven players per team compete to carry the coconut across the goal line while tackling and grappling their opponents.
The Birth of Yubi Lakpi
Yubi Lakpi, a traditional sport from Manipur, emerged from ancient ceremonies linked to the Samudra Manthan mythology.
The Meitei tribe shaped this coconut-snatching game into a competitive sport. While its exact starting date remains unknown, records show organized matches dating back to the 1800s during the reign of Maharaja Gambhir Singh. The game gained prominence as a regular feature of the spring Yaoshang festival.
The annual match at the Shree Shree Bijoy Govindaji temple grounds stands as the sport’s main event. Former royal family members attend these games, maintaining a tradition that spans generations. The last official palace match was documented in 1996, though informal competitions continue in various parts of Manipur.
Mythical and Spiritual Connections
Yubi Lakpi’s origins connect to the Hindu legend of Samudra Manthan – a battle between deities and demons for immortality’s nectar. The game acts as a physical representation of this story.
The sport maintains strong religious ties through its presence at major events. Since the early 1900s, an official match takes place during the Yaoshang Festival at Shri Shri Govindajee’s palace ground, with royal attendance. The Bijoy Govinda Temple Ground hosts regular matches, linking the sport to local Hindu practices.
Yubi Lakpi blends athletic competition with spiritual beliefs. Players on temple grounds and during festivals simultaneously engage in sport and tradition, keeping ancient customs alive through physical activity.
Game Regulations and Guidelines
Yubi Lakpi regulations have remained largely unchanged since its traditional origins in Manipur, India. The game occurs on a 45 x 18-meter dirt field with 4.5 x 3-meter scoring zones at each end.
Players compete barefoot and shirtless in shorts, their bodies coated in mustard oil and water. The coconut ball receives the same oil treatment. Players must carry the coconut under their arm, not against their chest.
A senior jatra (referee) enforces the rules. Seven players make up each team – Team God and Team Evil – though scoring remains individual. Tackling is permitted only against coconut carriers, while kicking and punching are forbidden. Play begins when the referee tosses the coconut skyward.
