TSG Connect - August 25 - #TSGDAY

Celebrating the International Day for Traditional Sports & Games 14th August 2025

Dear TSG Community,

This August, our global family comes together to celebrate one of the most important dates in our cultural calendar — 14 August: International Day of Traditional Sports and Games.
From Metaverse journeys to real-world revivals, from expert interviews to global recognition awards, this month is packed with inspiration. Dive in to explore the highlights, insights, and opportunities shaping the future of TSG.

TSG Day Celebrations – Global Heritage Comes Alive

This year’s TSG Day 2025 was a vibrant mosaic of cultures, communities, and connections. Across continents, people gathered in stadiums, open fields, schools, and even digital spaces to honor the sports that shaped our histories. The celebrations included live games, cultural performances, workshops, and international link-ups, all showcasing the universal joy of play and the spirit of togetherness.
📖 Read more

Reviving TSG through the Metaverse – A New Digital Frontier

The TSG community is embarking on an ambitious journey — bringing over 150 traditional games into Extended Reality (XR) environments. Through immersive technologies like VR, AR, and MR, our heritage will be reimagined for the next generation, allowing people anywhere in the world to experience culturally rich games in an interactive, global arena. This groundbreaking initiative connects ancient traditions with cutting-edge tech.
📖 Read more

Exclusive Interview – Dr. Richard Kennard on XR & Cultural Intelligence in Sports

We sat down with Dr. Richard Kennard, a pioneer in XR sports development, to discuss how martial arts and other sports can be transformed with cultural sensitivity and technological precision. His insights reveal the potential of merging heritage with high-tech innovation to create experiences that honor traditions while engaging modern audiences.
📖 Read more

Echoes of the Past – Namibia’s Rich TSG Heritage

In a moving contribution, Dr. Gisela Siririka shares childhood memories and cultural traditions from the Otjombinde constituency in Namibia. From the stone games of Onyune/Otjitoto to the communal spirit of village gatherings, her account is a reminder of the deep roots and social value of TSG in African communities.
📖 Read more

Six-Stage Elevation Framework Announced

Introducing our comprehensive Global Framework for Traditional Sports Registration. This strategic pathway provides clear elevation stages for recognition and integration with Sustainable Development Goals.

→ Explore the framework

Awards & Nominations – Top 100 Global Contributors

This TSG Day, ICTSG honors 100 exceptional individuals from around the world whose contributions — big or small — have strengthened our global movement. These awards recognize organizers, educators, content creators, and community leaders who have worked tirelessly to preserve and promote traditional sports.
📜 Full list and profiles coming soon — stay tuned for the link!

Open Call for Research Papers

The ICTSG Women’s Committee has been officially formed, opening leadership roles to women passionate about traditional sports and their cultural heritage. This is a landmark step toward ensuring gender equality and diversity in all our initiatives, empowering women to shape the future of TSG policy and practice.
📖 Read more

Volunteer Program Sign-Up – Be Part of TSG 2025–2026

We are opening global volunteer registrations for the upcoming year. Whether you’re passionate about event organization, digital storytelling, cultural research, or game preservation, there’s a place for you in the TSG movement. Your time and talent can directly contribute to safeguarding heritage and building community.
📖 Read more

Featured Indigenous Game: Kabbadi

Kabaddi is a dynamic contact sport deeply rooted in Southeast Asia’s rich heritage. Played between two teams of seven, it combines speed, strength, and strategy in an intense game where a single breath can decide the outcome.

With a history spanning centuries, Kabaddi has been a part of rural traditions, community gatherings, and local celebrations across the region. Known for fostering unity, discipline, and teamwork, the sport reflects the resilience and spirit of its people.

Today, Kabaddi continues to inspire new generations, preserving cultural identity while providing an exciting competitive platform that brings communities together. Its fast-paced nature and simple rules make it a thrilling experience for players and spectators alike.

→ Read more about Kabaddi and its enduring legacy

🌍 Leadership Position Openings

• President of Chapters: 30+ Countries Available

• General Secretary of Chapters: 20+ Countries Available

• Information & Communications Lead: 23+ Countries Available

→ View Available Countries & Apply Now

Explore our growing collection of video documentation showcasing traditional sports and games from around the world.

→ Browse video archive

A Message from Our Communications Team

Dear ICTSG members, partners, friends, and supporters,

This August holds a special place in our hearts.

The 9th and 10th mark the Global Day for Indigenous Peoples, a time to honor the voices, traditions, and wisdom of communities who have preserved the essence of our shared humanity for generations. Just a few days later, on the 14th, we gather again in celebration of the International Day for Traditional Sports and Games — a tribute to the games, skills, and cultural expressions that continue to connect us across continents and centuries.

For our global community, these two occasions are more than dates on a calendar — they are milestones in our ongoing journey to revive, protect, and celebrate our culture, heritage, folk traditions, ethnic expressions, and ancestral legacies. They remind us that every traditional sport, every indigenous story, and every cultural ritual is a living bridge between the past and the future.

Through your unwavering support, we have been able to shine a light on forgotten games, amplify indigenous voices, and build a platform where cultural heritage finds new life in the modern world. Your dedication inspires us to keep going — to work harder, dig deeper, and dream bigger.

We thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for being part of this remarkable movement. Together, we are not only preserving history — we are shaping a future where cultural diversity thrives, traditions are celebrated, and communities are united. Here’s to the years ahead, where our shared vision continues to grow stronger.

With gratitude and hope,

Majid Alam

Head of Communication & Information | Director Strategy & Institutional Relations
[email protected] 
International Council of Traditional Sports and Games (ICTSG)