What are Traditional Sports and Games (TSG)? Traditional Sports and Games (TSG) are cultural expressions of physical activity rooted in the customs, heritage, and history of communities worldwide. They are passed down through generations and often reflect the identity and values of a particular region or people.

Why are Traditional Sports and Games important? TSGs promote cultural diversity, community participation, physical well-being, and intergenerational connections. They also serve as a tool for peace, education, and sustainable development.

How can I learn more about specific traditional sports and games from different countries? You can explore detailed information about various TSGs by visiting our Knowledge Base or the TSG Database on the website, where you'll find descriptions, rules, history, and cultural significance.

What is the International Council of Traditional Sports and Games (ICTSG)? The ICTSG is an international body recognized by UNESCO that promotes, safeguards, and revitalizes Traditional Sports and Games globally. It brings together governments, communities, and organizations to preserve TSGs as an essential part of intangible cultural heritage.

What is the authority of ICTSG in the global context? ICTSG operates as a consultative and coordinating body, with support from UNESCO, to encourage policy-making, documentation, and promotion of TSGs among member states, NGOs, and cultural institutions.

Is ICTSG affiliated with UNESCO or any other international organization? No, ICTSG closely aligns its goals with the UNESCO Charter of Physical Education and Sport, as well as international frameworks for safeguarding cultural heritage. ICTSG is an external body from UNESCO.

What are the main activities of ICTSG? ICTSG organizes international conferences, cultural festivals, workshops, and educational initiatives. It also supports documentation projects, national TSG programs, and advisory services to governments and cultural bodies.

What is the International Conference on Traditional Sports and Games? The International Conference is a flagship event hosted by ICTSG that brings together policymakers, scholars, practitioners, and cultural leaders to discuss the promotion and protection of TSGs worldwide.

How can I participate in ICTSG events or contribute to its initiatives? Individuals and organizations can participate by registering for conferences, submitting research, volunteering, or collaborating on community projects. Check the Events section of our website for upcoming opportunities.

Can my organization become a member of ICTSG? Yes. ICTSG welcomes applications from national bodies, academic institutions, NGOs, and cultural organizations committed to preserving and promoting TSGs. Visit the Membership page to learn more about criteria and application procedures.

How can I support the work of ICTSG? You can support ICTSG by spreading awareness, donating, partnering on initiatives, or participating in TSG promotion activities. Visit our Get Involved section for more details.

Where can I find research or publications on TSGs? ICTSG regularly publishes reports, guidelines, and studies related to Traditional Sports and Games. Visit the Resources or Publications section of our website for access to downloadable materials.

How can I contact ICTSG for more information or inquiries? For general inquiries, partnership opportunities, or media requests, please visit the Contact Us page or email us at office@traditionalsportsgames.org.

How does ICTSG ensure the authenticity of traditional sports and games it promotes? ICTSG collaborates with cultural custodians, local communities, and scholars to document and present TSGs in their authentic forms, respecting the origins and cultural context of each practice.

Are Traditional Sports and Games recognized in modern sports events? Yes, some TSGs have been integrated into modern sports festivals and cultural exhibitions. ICTSG actively works to include TSGs in local, national, and international events to raise awareness and participation.

Does ICTSG offer training or certification for traditional sports and games? ICTSG collaborates with educational institutions and cultural bodies to provide training programs, certifications, and workshops on TSGs, especially for educators, trainers, and youth leaders.

How is ICTSG promoting TSGs among youth? ICTSG supports the inclusion of TSGs in school curricula and youth programs, fostering cultural pride and physical activity among the younger generation.

Are there educational materials available for schools or cultural centers? Yes, ICTSG provides resources such as manuals, curricula, and multimedia materials to support the teaching and demonstration of TSGs in schools and cultural centers.

Can individuals or communities from any country contribute to the ICTSG database? Yes, ICTSG welcomes contributions from around the world. Communities can submit their TSGs through a formal documentation process, subject to verification and cultural review.

How many countries are currently involved with ICTSG? ICTSG has engaged with representatives and stakeholders from over 80 countries through its conferences, programs, and partnerships.

Does ICTSG maintain a digital archive or video documentation of TSGs? Yes, ICTSG is developing a growing digital archive, including video demonstrations, interviews, and documentary content to preserve and promote traditional sports globally.

How can I stay updated on ICTSG news and events? You can subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on social media, or regularly check the News and Events sections of our website for the latest updates.

What are the Oldest Known Traditional Games by Continent? Africa• Mancala (Believed to be over 3,000 years old) – A family of board games played across Africa involving counting and strategy using seeds or stones and pits. Asia• Go (Weiqi) (Over 2,500 years old) – Originated in China, Go is a strategic board game played with black and white stones on a grid.• Pachisi (Around 4th century CE) – Originating in India, Pachisi is a cross and circle board game that inspired Western games like Ludo. Europe• Knucklebones (Ancient Greece, over 2,000 years old) – A game of dexterity using animal bones or small objects, considered a precursor to dice games.• Tablut (Possibly over 1,000 years old) – A variant of the Tafl games played by the Vikings in Scandinavia, involving strategy and asymmetric play. Middle East• Royal Game of Ur (Around 2600 BCE) – Originating from Mesopotamia, it is one of the oldest known board games, played with dice and markers.• Mehen (Around 3000 BCE) – An Egyptian board game symbolizing a coiled serpent, associated with protection and the afterlife. Americas• Patolli (Pre-Columbian Mesoamerica) – A gambling board game played by the Aztecs using beans and a cross-shaped board.• Chunkey (Mississippian culture, over 1,000 years old) – A Native American game involving rolling a stone disk and throwing spears to land closest to where the stone stops. Oceania• Mu Torere (Traditional Māori game) – Played on a star-shaped board, involving movement strategy and territorial control. Disclaimer: answers are prepared by the staff using resources available at the time of writing. This site may include links and references to third-party databases, websites, books and articles, this does not imply endorsement by the ICTSG.