A combination of the games of football and rugby, Yubi Lakpi is one of the traditional sports in Manipur. It is a seven-a-side traditional football game that is played using a coconut and is associated with the indigenous forms of Hinduism.
Etymology of Yubi Lakpi
The word Yubi means coconut and Lakpi means to snatch and together it forms the sport of Yubi Lakpi. Thus, the concept of snatching oil slick coconut became an important part of the game.
Legend of Yubi Lakpi
Having its roots in the Hindu mythology, the game of Yubi Lakpi is considered to be a re- enactment of snatching the celestial pot of nectar or "Amrita" after the Samudra Manthan. On the occasion of the Yaoshang festival, the game of Yubi Lakpi is held on the grounds of the Shree Govindajee Temple in the presence of royalty. Some games also take place at the Bijoy Govinda Temple ground. With its associations with royalty, the ultimate goal of the game of Yubi Lakpi was to present the coconut to the King or the head of the royal lineage.
Overview of Yubi Lakpi
Yubi Lakpi is a game of individuals, lacking any kind of specific teams. Before starting the game, the players make their bodies slippery by rubbing mustard oil and water. An oil soaked coconut, which serves the purpose of a ball, is presented to the chief guest of the function. In the ancient times, the coconut was offered to the king or the head of the tribe. A player should not hold the coconut against their chest but need to carry it under their arm.
The field has a rectangular box measuring 45 m X 18 m with no grass and each side has 7 players. One side of the pitch is the central portion of the goal line. It is played on rough and dried mud. To score a goal a player has to approach the goal from the front with his oiled coconut and pass the goal line. Some of the other features of the game include that the players are supposed to remain barefoot and wear shorts but not shirts. The game has an umpire, who takes the major decisions during the game, like its beginning, end and giving fouls. It is deemed unethical to kick, punch or tackle another player on field.
