Manipur CM Singh hails state's global cultural and sporting legacy at Panthoibi Natya Mandir's 54th Foundation Day
Synopsis
At Panthoibi Natya Mandir's 54th Foundation Day in Imphal, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh spotlighted Manipur's globally recognised cultural and sporting identity — with a special focus on Sagol Kangjei polo — while honouring theatre, dance, and literary personalities and certifying 31 young workshop participants.
Key Takeaways
CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh addressed the 54th Foundation Day of Panthoibi Natya Mandir on 1 May 2025 in Imphal West .
The CM distributed certificates to 31 youngsters who completed a 15-day workshop on Sagol Kangjei (polo) and cultural values.
Art and Culture Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh delivered the presidential address and congratulated all awardees.
The Minglen Khonga Award 2026 was presented to Laimayum Minakumari Devi .
Seven theatre, dance, and cultural personalities received awards including Heisnam Sabitri (Bahuroopi Ranga Gourava 2026) and Akham Niladhaja Khuman (MSKA Awardee 2024 in Theatre).
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Friday, 1 May 2025, declared that Manipur has earned widespread global recognition for its rich art, culture, traditions, and sporting heritage, speaking at the 54th Foundation Day celebration of Panthoibi Natya Mandir held at Shri Shri Nityainanda Mandop in Yumnam Leikai, Imphal West district. The Chief Minister called on citizens to actively promote and develop the state's cultural and sporting legacy for broader, multipurpose benefits.
CM's Address and Key Highlights
Singh commended Panthoibi Natya Mandir for organising a workshop on Manipuri Pony and Sagol Kangjei (polo), alongside its continued emphasis on cultural themes. He noted that it is encouraging to see the organisation training young members of society in Sagol Kangjei through such initiatives. The Chief Minister also distributed certificates to 31 youngsters who participated in the workshop.
In a post on his X handle, Singh stated:
Point of View
But sustained institutional support, not ceremonial endorsement, will determine whether these traditions survive another generation. With Sagol Kangjei gaining international polo circuits' attention, the window to build a structured, state-backed training ecosystem is narrow and should not be squandered on annual award functions alone.
NationPress
2 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Panthoibi Natya Mandir and why is it significant?
Panthoibi Natya Mandir is a prominent cultural institution in Manipur dedicated to theatre and traditional dance, celebrating its 54th Foundation Day on 1 May 2025. It is widely acknowledged for nurturing artistic talent and preserving Manipuri performing arts traditions.
What is Sagol Kangjei and why is it important to Manipur?
Sagol Kangjei is the traditional Manipuri form of polo, widely considered one of the oldest versions of the sport in the world. Manipur's Chief Minister highlighted it as a key part of the state's sporting heritage, with a 15-day youth workshop organised to train young participants in the discipline.
Who received awards at the Panthoibi Natya Mandir 54th Foundation Day event?
Several cultural personalities were honoured, including Akham Niladhaja Khuman, Sarungbam Beeren, and Khwairakpam Bishwamittra Singh (all MSKA Theatre Awardees 2024), Heisnam Sabitri (Bahuroopi Ranga Gourava 2026), and Yumnam Mangi Singh (Sangeet Bhushan 2024). The Minglen Khonga Award 2026 went to Laimayum Minakumari Devi.
What did the 15-day workshop at Panthoibi Natya Mandir cover?
The workshop, titled 'Strengthening Culture and Value in Education through the Means of Sports, especially Sagol Kangjei (Polo) of Manipur,' focused on imparting knowledge of traditional polo and cultural values to youth. A total of 31 youngsters received certificates from Chief Minister Singh at the valedictory function.
What is the government's stated commitment to Manipur's cultural institutions?
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh stated on X that the government is committed to upholding and preserving the reputation of institutions like Panthoibi Natya Mandir, which he described as having made a mark in theatre and traditional dance since its inception.
