Khong kangjei, also known as foot hockey, Manipuri hockey or hockey on foot, is a sport similar to field hockey[1] primarily of the state of Manipur in India. It is a game which requires stamina, speed, and agility,[2] and is one of the most popular games in Manipur.[3] It is one of the indigenous sports of Manipur, others being sagol kanjei and kang, each of which reflects the martial tradition of Manipur,[1] and with mukna captures an ethical code important to the culture of Manipur.[4]
The name is derived from the Meitei terms khōng (foot), kāng (ball or round object), and jei, which is derived from the term chei (to hit).[5]
After the Hiyang Tannaba, a type of traditional boat race[6] held annually in Manipur, spectators adjourn to the hockey grounds, on which is played a match of foot hockey. Scoring for these matches "is carried on from year to year".[7]