Traditional Sports of India

India is truly the land of traditional sports. Jallikattu, kho-kho, kabaddi, wrestling, boat racing, pachisi and several others traditional games are played in several parts of the country. Most of these games have their roots in ancient India. Such is their popularity that these interesting games are played even today.
 Indian Traditional Sports

The improvised modern games actually trace their roots back in India. India has a history of producing many other sports that are played in different parts but not known to all, as it is very much restricted to a particular state or region. Since India is known for its rich cultural heritage, it has a wonderful, exclusive tradition of games, which can be played, not only by skilled sports persons, but also by every member of the family during leisure.In Villas Mani Manjri, Tiruvedacharya describes many of these games in detail. In Manas Olhas (1135 AD.), Someshwar has written about bharashram (weight - lifting), bharamanshram (walking).

Gilli Danda, Indian Traditional Sport

Gili Danda is one of India`s famous traditional game played by children in streets. Cricket or Baseball played with sticks instead of bats or balls, is exactly the structure of Gilli Danda. Gilli Danda is played with two wooden sticks - a gilli and a danda. The gilli is about three inches long and tapered at the ends. The danda, about 2 feet long, is used to strike the gilli. The gilli is placed across a small oval-shaped hole in the centre of a small circle about four feet in diameter, is drawn on the ground.   Silambam, Indian Traditional Sport Silambam is a popular Indian Traditional Sport played in Tamil Nadu. It is a popular type of fencing in Tamil Nadu, India. Fencing was endorsed very well in the state during the reign of the Pandya kings. The Silamabam weapons were sold to foreign merchants during the 2nd century A.D. Silambam begins with salutations to God, the opponent, spectators and teachers of the players. Players have to try and touch each other`s body making use of the staff. Kabaddi, Indian Traditional Sport Kabaddi a famous Tradional Indian sports is originated in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. According to a legend, this game came into existence, when a boy hit another boy for his candy. Kabaddi has a log history dating back to pre-historic times.It is 4,000-year-old game and it is a team sport, which requires both skill and power and combines the characteristics of wrestling and rugby.The game was introduced in the Indian Olympic Games at Calcutta, in the year 1938. It was in 1950, that the All India Kabaddi Federation came into existence. Pachisi, Indian Traditional Sport Pachisi was the traditional Indian Sports.Pachisi is one of the oldest entertainment games and is also known as the "Mind Game". The game of Pachisi is played on a board in the shape of a cross, each arm being divided into three adjacent columns of eight squares. The four arms/limbs of the Pachisi board are conjoined at the center called `Char Koni`. Four players, with two players teaming up as partners, can play the game.This is an old traditional Indian game played by both rural and urban women. Thoda, Indian Traditional Sport Thoda is an Indian tradional game. It is a martial art form from Himachal Pradesh. The sport demands excellent expertise in archery. And so expectedly, the main weapons needed for Thoda are bows and arrows.The whole concept of this traditional sport is to create a highly energetic atmosphere with non-stop leg kicking on one-hand and constant attempts to hit the target on the other. Lightning movements and agility are the sole methods of defence.