TRINA Stage – Tradition Recognized with Indigenous National Affirmation TRINA represents the Tradition Recognized with Indigenous National Affirmation stage in ICTSG’s Traditional Sports and Games (TSG) Elevation Framework. This level acknowledges traditional sports that are formally recognized or celebrated within national programs, government institutions, or national federations—positioning them as cornerstones of a country’s cultural heritage strategy. 📖 What Does TRINA Represent? TRINA marks the moment when a cultural practice transcends local use and becomes a source of national identity, pride, or curriculum. It reflects indigenous sports with documentary proof, curriculum presence, national festivals, or inclusion in policy frameworks. These are often sports on the path to full institutional integration. 📌 Who Qualifies for TRINA?
Sports with official government or national federation recognition Included in national events, educational programs, or broadcasted cultural showcases Supported by national heritage or sports ministries Practiced across regions with media coverage or documented rules
🏆 Examples of TRINA-Stage Traditional Sports The following sports have achieved TRINA-level recognition and represent a cross-section of cultural depth and policy-level backing:
Sport Name Country / Region Cultural Relevance Summary
Adimurai Tamil martial art from India Passed through oral tradition, revived in Tamil Nadu education & film
Bando Burmese martial art National pride, integrated into cultural activities
Banshay Burmese weapon-based martial art Preserved in traditional circles, taught regionally
Sikaran Filipino martial art focusing on kicking Practiced regionally, limited global reach
Atya-patya Indian traditional game of chase Indigenous roots, revived in sports festivals
Chaturanga Ancient Indian precursor to chess Historically significant and documented
Snakes and Ladders Ancient Indian morality game Transformed into commercial game
Dama African strategy game Played in multiple countries
Sungka Filipino shell counting game Cultural heritage with active play
Kambala Buffalo racing in Karnataka, India Annual ritual sport
If you are a cultural leader, federation, or ministry working with these or similar sports, ICTSG invites you to submit the documentation for official listing, research collaboration, and strategic policy alignment under TRINA. 🌍 TRINA Stage and the UN Sustainable Development Goals The TRINA stage is closely tied to long-term national development goals and cultural sovereignty:
SDG 4 – Quality Education: Integration of cultural sport into school curricula SDG 5 – Gender Equality: National support for inclusive sport participation SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities: Elevating indigenous heritage across regions SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities: Cultural resilience through policy-backed heritage events SDG 16 – Justice and Institutions: State support for peacebuilding through sport SDG 17 – Partnerships: Nation-to-nation alliances in cultural diplomacy
📨 How to Register at the TRINA Stage
Submit your sport through the ICTSG Contact Portal Include:
Government endorsements, school or ministry references Event photos, national curriculum extracts, or published rules Existing federation or association references (if any)
The ICTSG Sports Review Committee evaluates eligibility for TRINA classification Guidance is issued for higher stage elevation or global promotion opportunities
🎯 Benefits of TRINA Recognition
Global visibility for national heritage games Academic research and SDG-aligned development support Connection with global federations and advisory councils Eligibility for cultural diplomacy projects, training programs, and digital preservation
Get Involved Benefits of Joining Support ICTSG
About ICTSG: The International Council of Traditional Sports and Games (ICTSG) is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and revitalizing traditional sports and games as powerful tools for education, peace, and sustainable development.
About Us
"When a sport disappears, it is like a language no longer spoken. When we revive a game, we revive a culture."
Khalil Ahmed Khan — President, ICTSG
