Physical Education · Ch 5 — Physical Fitness, Wellness and Lifestyle
Types of Traditional Sports and Regional Games
Types of Traditional Sports and Regional Games
Many kinds of games were invented and played in India. Some survive in their original form and some with minor changes. The textbook groups them into seven types.
1. Board games
Early natives developed two major board games still played worldwide - chaupar, the origin of ludo, and shatranj, now known as chess.
2. Combat games
Often misunderstood as being invented to hurt others, combat sports were really for self-defence. Kalarippayattu, one of India's oldest martial arts, originated in Kerala and is considered the originator of judo and karate.
3. Games involving the help of animals
Animals have long been part of many cultures, and their use in showing athletic skill is the base of several sports. Horse riding is ancient, and in India its inclusion in games came with polo, still played today.
4. Racquet games
Some of today's fastest and most exciting games have roots in India. Ball Badminton, played with a racquet and a rubber ball, was invented in India, and some believe modern badminton originated in Pune.
5. Team games
Team games build a sense of belonging. Kho-Kho and Kabaddi are believed to have originated in India.
6. Play games
Some games played by children are part of our culture and roots. Gilli Danda, played with one small and one big stick, is very popular, and Atya Patya, mentioned in Tamil literature, is played across the country under different names.