'Sagol Kangjei,' the precursor to polo, emerged in Manipur with wooden balls and unique rituals. The name 'Pulu,' derived from the wooden ball, eventually became 'polo' in anglicized terms. The game's association with Manipur's rituals, particularly the reverence for God Marjing, suggests an origin predating historical records. King Khagemba's reign in 1605 marked the formalization of polo's rules, laying the groundwork for its evolution.