The world is slowly but steadily rising from the
virus that has crippled it for nearly 2 years now. In the wake of the virus, we
are organizing International Traditional Sports Day 2021 for the first time
virtually. This is a worldwide event celebrating the diversity and the culture
of the locals helping them secure their traditions. The games also would help
boost the tourism, local traditions, and culture of the host country.
International Council of Traditional Sports and
Games or ICTSG is the official umbrella organization for all (Traditional
Sports and Indigenous Games) as well as organizers of traditional sports games
and sport-related international associations. It also facilitates the
understanding of TSG in terms of cultural identity and diversity. It gives
exposure to opportunities that mainstream sports can’t provide.
UNESCO is backing Traditional Sports and games to
expand intercultural awareness, making geographically distant cultures more
reachable, enable youth development and advance ethical sports practices. This
fits into UNESCO’s goal of building peace, eradicating poverty, and promoting
sustainable development alongside giving a flavor of the different cultures
across the globe.
The International Council of Traditional Sports and
Games was established at the 4th Collective Consultation Meeting on Traditional
Sports and Games, UNESCO on 14th August 2018 at Istanbul Turkey, which was
attended by more than 80 participants from 40 countries including Sports
Ministers, government officials, representatives of UNESCO Permanent
Delegations and international organizations. The International Council of
Traditional Sports and Games or ICTSG acts as an international organization
aiming to serve as an international platform for the preservation, promotion,
and development of traditional sport and games (TSG) at the global level and
play an integral part in socio-economic development, cultural heritage
promotion, environmental sustainability, a healthy lifestyle, and a
peace-building process. International Council of Traditional Sports and Games
(ICTSG) better promotes the International Traditional Sports Day. In fact, it
makes it more meaningful through its diverse actions in favor of TSG. For
example, ICTSG organizes TSG events. This puts more emphasis on TSG. One of the
main projects of the ICTG which will promote TSG and the International Traditional
Sports Day is the World Traditional Sports and Games. Such an event will draw
more interest on TSG, contribute to the gathering of people under important
values as solidarity, fair play, and cultural awareness while giving a boost to
tourism.
The International Council of Traditional Sports and
Games is being led by Khalil Ahmed Khan who was appointed as President in 2018.
Alongside him, Shammi Rana was appointed as Secretary-General. Previously he
was appointed as rapporteur of the UNESCO Traditional Sports and Games Ad Hoc
Advisory Committee in 2017 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and
Cultural Organization. In his UNESCO role, Rana promotes the mission of
Traditional Sports and Games. In the wake of the pandemic, the events are being
organized online and the world is the stage to showcase the skills and culture
of the community. The International day of Traditional Sports and Games will be
celebrated on 14th August 2021 virtually. To catch all the action and keep up
to date with the recent development, one can follow TSG’s official social
handles.
The International Traditional Sports Day 2021 is
worth celebrating to increase positive attitudes much needed in the world. Some
of these attitudes are cultural tolerance, inclusion, and peace.
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