The International Council of Traditional Sports and Games (ICTSG) operates across every inhabited continent through a network of National Chapters, Regional Bodies, and strategic partnerships. This overview maps the organization's global footprint and the distinctive traditional sporting landscapes it serves.

Africa

Africa is home to one of the world's richest and most diverse collections of traditional sports. From traditional wrestling (Laamb in Senegal, Evala in Togo) to indigenous running and archery, African traditional games reflect the continent's extraordinary cultural diversity.

ICTSG's regional body for Africa, the African Traditional Sports and Games Council (ATSGC), was established in 2020 and coordinates national chapters across sub-Saharan Africa and North Africa. A landmark Ministerial Roundtable in 2021 brought ministers from over 12 African nations together to discuss TSG policy.

Asia

Asia's traditional sports landscape spans some of the oldest continuously practiced games in human history. Mongolia's Naadam Festival, recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, features traditional wrestling, horse racing, and archery. Indonesia's Pencak Silat received UNESCO ICH recognition in 2019. South Asia's Kabaddi is now played internationally, while dozens of regional traditions continue in community settings across the continent.

ICTSG has signed Memoranda of Understanding with Mongolia, visited Korea and Indonesia, and actively supports Asian traditional sports communities in advancing toward international recognition.

The Arab World

The Arab World contains traditional sports shaped by desert ecology and nomadic heritage: camel racing, falconry (UNESCO ICH), Furousiyya, traditional archery, and traditional wrestling. The Gulf region's investment in traditional sports infrastructure has made it a global leader in traditional sports preservation. ICTSG maintains active relationships with UAE institutions.

Europe

Europe's traditional sports include Basque Pelota, Swiss Schwingen, Scottish Highland Games, Irish Gaelic sports, and Turkish Yagli Gures (UNESCO ICH). ICTSG's MOU with North Macedonia marked a significant step in European engagement. Several European national chapters actively document and advocate for regional traditional sports traditions.

The Americas and Oceania

From Indigenous Arctic games to Amazonian traditional sports, the Americas host a vast spectrum of traditional sporting practices. The Pacific Islands and Oceania contain distinctive traditional sports including traditional canoe racing and Pacific wrestling styles. ICTSG's engagement in these regions continues to grow.

Global Events

The annual International Day of Traditional Sports and Games (August 14) is celebrated across all regions simultaneously. The World Martial and Vigorous Culture Festival (WMVC) is another signature event bringing traditional athletes together from around the world.