The most exciting overview of Yubi Lakpi game

The Yubi Lakpi game is a classic outdoor sport. In northern India’s Manipur, the Yubi Lakpi game first appeared. Most people might not know the name since it sounds a little complex. The game is a mixture of soccer and rugby.

In this game, seven players play with two teams. The name of the game gives us an idea about the game. Here Yubi means Coconut, and Lakpi means Grab. So Yubi Lakpi means coconut snatching. 

It is popular among the state’s youth. Locals referred to it as a modern type of rugby. However, its peculiarity serves it well.

Origin of Yubi Lakpi game

Yubi Lakpi in Manipur is the most popular and traditional sport introduced in India. In Manipur, we played it for the first time. It has a historical significance and origin.

Indigenous Hinduism is associated with Yubi Lakpi. After Samundra Manthan, the celestial snatching of the nectar pot began as a ceremonial reenactment.

We played the game of Yubi Lakpi in the presence of royalty on the grounds of the Shree Govindajee Temple during the Yaoshang festival. The Bijoy Govinda Temple’s grounds also host several sporting events.

The game’s ultimate objective was to offer a coconut to the King or the head of the royal lineage since it had regal connections. We played the game with a lot of zeal and it is a significant aspect of Manipur’s cultural history. 

Note: The “King” (or “Leader Guest”) of today is frequently a Village chief, teacher, or official.

Types of equipment

Using lime powder and chalk steak is necessary for the boundaries. Mustard oil and Coconut are also essential. We used Coconut as a Yubi Lakpi ball. 

Players typically play barefoot and in shorts, including langot. They don’t wear shirts because the athletes frequently apply oil to their bodies and battle with physical touch. Women players might dress according to a common notion.

Playground Dimensions

The field where the Yubi Lakpi game competes is square. Size-wise, it measures around 45 m by 18 m. The goal region, which measures 4.5 m by 3 m, is the zone immediately behind the finish line.

We usually use two white fabric strips wrapped in the shape of a flag to indicate the target area. One goalpost stands in place. 

The playground may change at the discretion of the game organizers. We usually play the game on gritty, dry mud. Also, the Yubi Lakpi game is played on a grass field.

Yubi Lakpi Rules

• Each squad comprises seven individuals who battle against the other team.
• The judges behind the line require the players to give them the Coconut as soon as they cross the line.
• A player must hold the Coconut against the chest or carry it under the arm. It must always be in contact with the body.
• The players must wear shorts (langot) with no shirt or t-shirt. They must also play the game barefoot.
• There are no penalties for kicking, punching, beating, or tackling opponents who don’t hold Coconuts.
• Players must carry the Coconut to the entire distance of the goal.
• It is only allowed to tackle the player holding the Coconut.
• The winner is the player who reaches the goal box while holding the Coconut.
• The umpire stops the game in case of a foul.

How to play Yubi Lakpi

Before the gameplay

The players make their bodies slick before the game by coating them in water and mustard oil. In front of the host, oiling the Coconut is mandatory.

It presented coconuts to the hosts after the game ended. The players only wear shorts and no shoes or shirts.

Starting of the Gameplay

• Like cricket, there is a referee who throws a coconut instead of a coin for the toss.
• The players line up in front of the starting line outside the playground’s perimeter.
• The referee places the Coconut at the starting line within the ground to begin play.
• The referee blows his whistle to announce the start of play immediately after that.
• Each player tries to obtain the Coconut as the players rush onto the playground.

Operating the gameplay

• After grabbing the Coconut, the player clutches it close to his chest while running toward the goal and dodging other players’ attacks.
• A player with Coconut sprints and the others rush to push him down.
• The player falls and attempts to get up, but the others rush over and force him down as each tries to grab the Coconut.
• However, the player in possession of the Coconut makes every attempt to keep it. 
• To resist enormous tension, you need a lot of energy, endurance, and tenacity.
• When someone else grabs the Coconut, that player immediately runs toward the finish line.
• The next player restarts the procedure of rushing and catching the target. 
• Another player then catches the Coconut, and the game resumes. 
• The group reaches the goalpost as each new player gets the Coconut.

The final stage of the gameplay

• A fierce battle ensues when one player steals the Coconut.
• This kind of escape needs quickness and power. After scoring a goal, the game is over.
• The winner presents the Coconut to the chief or the judges, who are seated just beyond the goal line.
• As the game continues, it will continue for a predetermined amount of time, such as 30 minutes or until all players agree to play again.

This game has no scoring points or team structure. The only winner is the one who carries the Coconut into the goal box as soon as possible. For the next innings, the game begins new.

The popularity of Yubi Lakpi

In Manipur, Yubi Lakpi is a well-liked sport. In India, it was one of the earliest sports. It deeply rooted Yubi Lakpi in Manipur in the Hindu culture.

Manipuri rugby is the coconut-stealing manifestation of Yubi Lakpi, the forerunner of rugby, as we know it today.

Yubi Lakpi feels pride in the local sport. It is only in Manipur as part of the Sangai Festival, an initiative of the Manipur Tourism Department.

It conveys a traditional and mythological concept. Hopefully, with a variety of initiatives, the Yubi Lakpi game can be brought back to life and become more widely known in the present.

Final Words

 Here, I provide you with a basic concept of the Yubi Lakpi game. You may try playing Yubi Lakpi. Stay tuned for further information, and leave a remark in the box.

Thank you for sticking. I’ll try to go into more detail about this in the future and present you with something new. If you enjoy reading it, follow Sports Dribble and its Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter account.

Krishanu

My name is Krishanu Das the founder of the Sports Dribble.
I am Accountant by profession but a Sports Blogger by passion.
I am passionate about sharing my all knowledge and experiences of sports, with my readers and every sports enthusiast.

sportsdribble.com