LAHORE: Lahori Gur Mela 2021 was held on 31st January 2021 at Meadows Resorts, Lahore - Pakistan under the auspices of the International Council of Traditional Sports and Games (ICTSG) and AgriTourism Development Corporation of Pakistan.
The event was focused on the revival of Pakistani traditional sports including Gulli Danda, Bander Killa, Wanj, Pithu Garam, Stapu, Cocla Chipaki, Ludoo and Latoo. Alongside, live organic gur (pure sugar) making, horse riding, food stalls, shooting and recreational cultural activities were enjoyed by hundreds of participants gathered around from all around Pakistan.
His Excellency Muhammad Raza Nazeri, Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran attended the event along with his family and other diplomats. Mr. Khalil Ahmed Khan, President of the International Council of Traditional Sports and Games (ICTSG), Major General (r) M Akram Sahi Vice President of Asian Athletics Association and President of Pakistan Athletics Federation, Mr. Babar Raaja Chairman of AgriTourism Development Corporation of Pakistan (ATDCP), Mr Yasir Gillani Chairman PHA, Mr. Tariq Tanveer CEO of ATDCP, Mr. Fazl Rehman Director Agriculture Gilgit Baltistan and many other dignitaries were present at the occasion.
Muhammad Raza Nazeri said that Pakistan and Iran have exemplary brotherly relations. He appreciated the efforts of the International Council of Traditional Sports and Games and its President to promote and safeguard traditional sports and games globally. He said that he was thankful for being invited to this event which reminded him of his childhood days in Iran. "Today I understand that between two countries have a much more common culture and traditions. The same as this event we have in Islamic Republic of Iran" said Mr. Nazeri.
Mr. Khalil Ahmed Khan said that the cultural heritage of Pakistan and Punjab was very deep-rooted. He said that traditional sports and games play a vital role in the development of a society and it is really important to develop and promote such games which represent the real cultural heritage of a particular country. He further said that this was just a glimpse of the wider picture and many international level mega events on traditional sports and games will be organized this year especially in Pakistan.
Major General (r) M Akram Sahi expressed his thanks to President ICTSG and said that he is really happy to see such sports being promoted and acknowledged the efforts of the International Council of Tarditional Sports and Games. He said that traditional sports were also as important as modern sports. He said that Athletics Federation of Pakistan was working for the development of sports and athletes in the country and said that now traditional sports and games will also be promoted with full zeal in the country.
Mr. Babar Raaja welcomed all the participants to Meadows Resort and explained the importance of cultural heritage and traditions of a country. He said that only gur was used in previous times hence people were not diagnosed with diseases such as diabetes etc. Mr Raaja further said that traditional sports should be promoted in the country and that this Festival will be held annually at Meadows Resorts to promote the importance of Gur and traditional sports.
Many international players of Pakistan attended the event and enjoyed playing the traditional sports and cultural activities.
