Abdul Sattar alias Ningthem: Remembering an International Polo Player

Written by: Dr. Syed Ahmed
(Associate Professor, Department of History,Dhanamanjuri University,Imphal)

Earlier, I had written about the International Polo player, Md. Abdullah, from Paobitek in Imphal West District. Today, I am bringing the story of Abdul Sattar, popularly known as Md. Ningthem, another International polo player from the same village. He was a contemporary of Md. Abdullah. The two played together in various polo clubs, State level tournaments and represented Manipur in National and International Polo events.
Sadly, I could not meet Ningthem during his lifetime as he passed away some 11 years ago.
I have been planning to meet his family members for the last few weeks, but due to my busy schedule, I could not accomplish the plan. Now, I have collected the information and documents of Ningthem with the help of a close relative.
Ningthem was born to Md. Jame and Manijan on February 1, 1968 at Paobitek Mayai Leikai, Paobitek. He belonged to Bogimayum sagei.
Ningthem started playing traditional polo, or sagol kangjei, from a young age. He developed an interest in the game after watching his village elders playing in the village kangjeibung or polo field.
I had written in the previous post that Paobitek produced some of the finest polo and horse race, or jockey, players. It may be noted that the small village of Paobitek produced several sagol kangjei and lamjel players. Md. Alimuddin alias Oli, Md. Mere, Md. Abdullah, Md. Kaher, Md. Ibungo, Md. Seraddin, Md. Amu, Md. Mani, Md. Tomba, etc. were some of the outstanding polo players from Paobitek in the 1950s and 60s. Some of these players played at Hatta Kangjeibung, and their talents were recognized by the rulers.
Ningthem started playing for Paobitek Polo Club. He showed extraordinary talent in the game from his early days. His contemporary polo players include Naba Singh from Thangmeiband, Manihar from Tentha, Md. Abdullah from Paobitek, among several others. He was also a gifted jockey player. He rode a few popular horses, known by the names of Langdon Sambi, Kwaklei and Kori. These horses were well-trained in polo and horse race.
Ningthem participated along with Md. Abdullah in exhibition matches at several places of India representing Manipur. His family remembered him playing in Ladakh and Australia.
Ningthem married Komla of Mayangmayum sagei from Kwakta Khunou in Bishnupur District. They have eight children three sons (Md. Achouba, Md. Habibur and Md. Firoz Khan) and five daughters (Leibaklei, Minarjan, Nureda, Nurejan and Rukshana).
Ningthem played as captain for Paobitek Polo Club against several other clubs of Manipur during his lifetime. He played both Pana (traditional sagol kangjei) and International Polo style.
Ningthem served as the Secretary of Paobitek Polo Club for several years. In fact, he served as the Secretary till his last breath. This polo club not only played polo and horse jockey, but also groomed several young polo players from Paobitek with public subscription.
Sadly, due to the gradual decline of the popularity of the game, lack of Government’s attention, and shortage of funds led to the inactivity of the club. After his death, the Paobitek Polo Club is struggling to survive. The club which produced some of the excellent polo and jockey players of Manipur for several decades needs State Government’s and community’s attention.
Ningthem’s family showed his certificates, which include:
State Level Knock-out Polo Tournaments organised by Manipur Horse Riding & Polo Institute (1987, 1989)
Incentive State Sports Award given by Department of Youth Affairs & Sports, 1991
State Level N. Hajari Memorial Polo Tournament (1993, 1994)
Classic Polo Manipur, International Invitational Tournament, November 27 to December 2, 1991 organised as a part of the International Cultural Conference & Festival.
The family has lost or misplaced several other certificates and important documents over the years.
In recognition of his excellence in the game of polo, Ningthem was given employment by the Manipur Government in the Department of Veterinary & Animal Husbandry, Government of Manipur, as Veterinary Attendant in 1992. He was posted at Wangoi ICDP Sub-Centre. He continued to play for few polo clubs.
Ningthem expired on November 27, 2012 at a young age due to an illness.

I am extremely grateful to the wife and children of Ningthem for providing these valuable information and photographs. I also extend my gratitude to Md. Rustam, son of Md. Alimuddin alias Oli, the famous polo and jockey player of the 1950s-70s from Wangoi, for giving me assistance for developing this post.