Thang-ta: A traditional & ancient martial art from Manipur
AGARTALA: Thang-ta, a traditional martial art from Manipur, is an ancient practice rooted in self-defense and warrior training. While its popularity has declined over time, current initiatives aim to revitalise this martial art by integrating it into school sports programmes.
Amalendu Das, the Sabhadhipati of Unakoti Zilla Parishad in Tripura, underlined this revitalisation during the inaugural ceremony of the first state-level School Sports Thang-Ta Competition held at Unakoti Kalakshetra in Kailashahar. He highlighted that Thang-Ta transcends being merely a sport, it serves as a tool for enhancing physical and mental strength, discipline and self-confidence particularly benefiting the youth by restoring dignity and confidence.
The event, organised with an eye towards building adequate sports infrastructure in the Unakoti district, signifies a hopeful future for hosting more state-level competitions. The chairperson of the Kailashahar Municipal Council, Chapala Rani Deb Roy, presided over the proceedings, which featured a welcome address from Amit Jadab, the assistant director of the Youth Affairs and Sports Department.
With 192 participants hailing from eight different districts, the competition includes contests in under-14, under-17 and under-19 categories for both boys and girls. It set to run until September 17.
Image: Representational purpose only.