Inbuan
A
traditional game of the Indian state of Mizoram, Inbuan resembles
combat-wrestling. The sport is played in a circle, 15 to 16 feet in
diameter, on a carpet or grass. The winner, is the one who succeeds in
lifting his opponent off the ground, using strength, skill and rapid
movement of the arms and legs. By using the legs, the aim is to loosen
the grip of an opponent's legs or feet, but kicking is prohibited.
The contest is conducted over three rounds,
each of 30 to 60 second duration, or till one of the players is lifted
off the ground. Stepping outside the ring and bending of knees is not
permitted. The belt or catch-hold rope, around the waist, has to remain
tight all through the game.
Inbuan as a sport became known only, after the
Mizos migrated from Burma to the Lushai hills. It is said, that it was
invented in the village of Dungtland in 1750 A.D. It is a game of
strength, which every newcomer to the village had to demonstrate, when
matched against the strongest man in the village. |