Purba Burdwan, West Bengal, India – [10-12 February, 2025] – The International Seminar on the Promotion of Intangible Cultural Heritage of...
Objective and Focus
The seminar aimed to preserve, promote, and revitalize India’s rich cultural heritage through the lens of traditional sports and games. With globalization influencing indigenous practices, this event sought to highlight the need for structured efforts to ensure the continuity of age-old sporting traditions that have been an integral part of India's history and identity.
Key areas of discussion included:
Historical and cultural significance of traditional sports in India.
The role of traditional games in community building and youth engagement.
Integrating traditional sports into mainstream sports policies and educational curricula.
International collaboration for the preservation and global recognition of indigenous sports.
Challenges and opportunities in reviving traditional games in the modern era.
Distinguished Speakers and Participants
The seminar brought together an esteemed panel of academicians, sports historians, cultural experts, policymakers, and practitioners from India and across Asia. Notable dignitaries included representatives from:
Asian Traditional Sports and Games Association (ATSGA)
Traditional Sports and Games Federation of India (TSGFI)
Physical Education Foundation of India (PEFI)
National and regional sports federations
Universities and research institutions focusing on sports heritage
Highlights of the Seminar
Panel Discussions: Experts engaged in thought-provoking discussions on strategies for sustaining and developing traditional sports within local communities.
Live Demonstrations: Martial artists, wrestlers, and practitioners showcased live demonstrations of indigenous games like Kushti, Mallakhamb, Kabaddi, Silambam, and Gatka.
Policy Recommendations: The seminar concluded with a strong call for policy interventions, including the need for government support, funding, and institutional backing to protect traditional sports from extinction.
MoUs and Collaborations: Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between stakeholders to advance research and preservation efforts.
Way Forward
The seminar resulted in key resolutions, including:
Establishment of dedicated research centers focusing on traditional sports studies.
Incorporation of traditional sports into school and university curricula.
Recognition of traditional sports under major sports development programs and funding schemes.
Organizing annual festivals and tournaments to promote traditional games.
Encouraging international collaboration to ensure India’s traditional sports gain global recognition.
Conclusion
The International Seminar on the Promotion of Intangible Cultural Heritage of India marked a significant step towards the revival and global recognition of traditional sports and games. The collaboration between ATSGA, TSGFI, and other stakeholders has set the stage for future initiatives aimed at preserving India's intangible cultural heritage through sports.
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