Traditional Sports and Martial Arts of Meghalaya

The main purpose of the study was to find out the traditional sports and martial arts of Meghalaya tribal's of India, and selected aspects of social and cultural life. This study gave a high significance to the heritage, culture, traditions, customs activities and way of life of Meghalaya state. Data collection was made by using questionnaire and visitation technique. Authentic information was collected through interviews with the grand masters, masters, players and eminent scholars, and also from those who have a fairly good knowledge about the activities of tribal people of Meghalaya. The information thus collected was sorted out and classified under two different heads: 1. Traditional Sports and 2. Martial Arts. The people of Meghalaya play different types of recreational activities. They are: 1. Wa Pong Sala. 2. Katsucao. 3. Resu Dena. 4. Wa Pong Piksusao. 5. Ro-ong Dea. 6. Archery. 7. Peg-top-spinning 8. Bamboo Climbing. 9. Wapong Sika. It is observed that the people of Meghalaya used different types of weapons for various purposes like hunting, fishing, attacking and defending themselves from the enemies. The Garo of Meghalaya has keen interest in Garo traditional wrestling of which rules and regulations are different from those international or Indian wrestling.