Usha International, one of India’s leading consumer durables brands, extended strong support to the two-day Yubi Lakpi Indigenous Sports Festival 2025 held at Kambongput Lampak, Nongpok Sanjenbam in Imphal East. The event, deeply rooted in Meitei-Pangal tradition, showcased over 200 athletes competing in the ancient coconut-snatching game played in a seven-a-side format similar to football.
The festival witnessed high-octane sporting action, with SKDC emerging as champions and Heinoubok Team securing the runner-up position. Notable individual honours went to Maibam Khumanlakpa, who clinched both the Best Performer and Best Sparring (Chainaba) Player awards, while BRYO Team-B received the Fair Play Award. As the official sports partner, Usha conducted demonstrations, workshops, outreach activities and distributed sports kits to promote inclusive participation.
Speaking on the occasion, Komal Mehra, Head–Sports Initiatives, Usha International, said indigenous sports reflect Manipur’s cultural legacy and promote healthier lifestyles. “Sport serves as a meaningful bridge between tradition and the future,” she added. The festival was attended by key dignitaries including MLA of Wangkhei AC Shri Arunkumar Thangjam, MLA Khongbantbam Ibomcha, and eminent Thang-Ta scholar Irom Ibomcha Meitei, who emphasised that Yubi Lakpi embodies the spirit and courage of Manipur. In Imphal, local traders reported a positive footfall around the festival venue as the event drew large crowds. Vendors selling traditional crafts, food, and sports accessories said such indigenous sports festivals boost micro-business activity and help preserve local economic traditions alongside cultural identity. Usha continues to invest in indigenous sports through initiatives like Usha Silai Schools and its associations with Kalari, Mallakhamb, Thang-Ta, and other regional games.
