Recorded History of ICTSG

A Journey Through Traditional Sports and Games (1999-2030)

🌍 Preserving Global Heritage

The International Council of Traditional Sports and Games (ICTSG) has been at the forefront of preserving and promoting traditional sports and games worldwide. This timeline documents key milestones in our journey from the first ministerial conference to our vision for 2030.

Each event represents a step forward in safeguarding humanity's sporting heritage and fostering international cooperation in cultural preservation.

1999

🏛️ MINEPS III Conference

Location: Punta del Este, Uruguay

The third International Conference of Ministers and Senior Officials Responsible for Physical Education and Sport (MINEPS III) marked a significant step in recognizing traditional sports and games. Attended by ministers, UNESCO representatives, and sports leaders including IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch and UNESCO Director-General Koichiro Matsuura.

Key Participants: Delegates from Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Barbados, and many other nations.

2003

🌏 International Gathering

A significant gathering of international representatives focusing on traditional sports development. The event brought together delegates from India, Israel, Japan, and other nations to discuss the preservation and promotion of traditional sports.

Notable Attendees: Mr. T.H. Chaoba Singh (Minister of State Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports, India), Dr. Jitendra Singh Naruka (LNIPE), and representatives from various countries.

2004

🤝 Global Collaboration

Continued international cooperation with participation from Malaysia, Mali, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, and Norway. Representatives discussed strategies for integrating traditional sports into national policies and educational systems.

Key Figures: Mr. Mohd Taib bin Hussin (Malaysia), M. Adama Kone (Mali), Ms. M.C. Arouff-Parfait (Mauritius), and Mr. Per Kristian Skulberg (Norway).

2005

🌐 Expanding Networks

Further expansion of the traditional sports movement with participation from Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, and Qatar. Discussions focused on creating international frameworks for traditional sports recognition and preservation.

Notable Delegates: Mr. Jan Kozlowski (Poland), H.E. Sh. Mohamed Bin Eid Al-Thani (Qatar), and representatives from South American nations.

2006

🏛️ 1st Consultative Conference on TSG

Location: Paris, France

The first dedicated Consultative Conference on Traditional Sports and Games brought together experts from around the world. This event established the foundation for future international cooperation in preserving traditional sports heritage.

Participants: Representatives from Qatar, Romania, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, and other nations.

2007

🌍 Growing Momentum

Increased international participation with delegates from Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, and Sweden. Discussions focused on developing strategies for traditional sports inclusion in national education systems and cultural policies.

Key Representatives: Mr. Janko Strel (Slovenia), Ms. Annika Nilsson (Sweden), and Dr. Piyasiri Vijaya-Sekere (Sri Lanka).

2008

🏛️ Ministerial Round Table Conference

Location: Zanzibar, Tanzania

A landmark event bringing together ministers and high-level officials to discuss traditional sports and games. Hosted by H.E. Mr. Amani Abeid Karume, President of Zanzibar, with participation from African Union representatives and sports leaders.

Key Attendees: Essay Amara (President of African Union Committees), General Lassana Palenfo (President ANOCA), Dr. Shipho S. Moyo (Rep of African Bank), and Joel Bandera (Deputy Minister of Tanzania).

2009

🏛️ 2nd Consultative Conference on TSG

Location: Tehran, Iran

The second Consultative Conference continued the work of establishing international frameworks for traditional sports. The event featured comprehensive participation from Asian and Middle Eastern countries, strengthening regional cooperation.

Notable Delegation: Representatives from Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay, and other nations, including Ms. Yenrudee Wong-budh (Thailand) and M. Belhassen Lassoued (Tunisia).

2013

🌐 MINEPS V Conference

Location: Berlin, Germany

The fifth International Conference of Ministers and Senior Officials Responsible for Physical Education and Sport continued the momentum for traditional sports recognition. The event featured participation from various Uruguayan sports organizations and institutions.

Uruguayan Delegation: Sr. Francisco Mesa (President of Maldonado), Sr. Roberto Migletti (President of Uruguayan Sports Confederation), and representatives from various sports federations.

2015

🤝 Regional Development

Continued development of traditional sports networks with participation from Uruguay, Venezuela, and Vietnam. The event focused on strengthening regional cooperation and developing implementation strategies for traditional sports promotion.

Key Participants: Sr. Antonio Tejero Chocho (Uruguay), St. Ruben Pacheco Hernández (Venezuela), and H.E. Mr. Ha Quang Du (Vietnam).

2017

🏛️ 3rd Consultative Conference on TSG

Location: Paris, France

The third Consultative Conference brought together permanent UNESCO delegations, NGOs, and experts to discuss the future of traditional sports. The event featured participation from major international sports organizations.

Organizations Represented: AIESEP, ICHPER-SD, ICSSPE, FIEP, International Dance Council, and IFPE, among others.

2018

🏛️ 4th Consultative Conference & Formation of ICTSG

Location: Istanbul, Turkey

A historic milestone marking the official formation of the International Council of Traditional Sports and Games (ICTSG). The event brought together ministers, permanent UNESCO delegations, AAC members, and high government officials from around the world.

Key Leadership: Mr. Khalil Ahmed Khan (Chairman AAC), Mr. Necmeddin Bilal Erdoğan (President WEC), Dr. Mehmet Muharem Kasapoğlu (Minister of Youth and Sports, Turkey), and ministers from Qatar, Cote d'Ivoire, Gambia, Kyrgyz Republic, Serbia, and Sri Lanka.

2019

🌏 Regional Expansion

Two significant regional events: the ASPAC Plenary Session and the SICA Council of Ministers Meeting in Belize. These gatherings strengthened regional cooperation in traditional sports development across Asia-Pacific and Central America.

SICA Participation: Representatives from Belize, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama, with Hon. Patrick Faber (Deputy Prime Minister of Belize) playing a key role.

2021

🎉 Global Festivals & Conferences

Two major events: the Gwader International TSG Festival and the World Ministerial Conference. These events marked a significant expansion in the global reach of traditional sports promotion and preservation efforts.

The festival celebrated traditional sports through cultural demonstrations and competitions, while the ministerial conference focused on policy development and international cooperation frameworks.

2023

📱 Digital Transformation

A significant year for digital initiatives in traditional sports preservation. Focus on developing digital archives, virtual reality experiences, and online platforms to document and promote traditional sports and games globally.

These digital tools aim to make traditional sports more accessible to younger generations and preserve them for future study and appreciation.

2024

🎭 GurMela Festival

A major traditional sports festival celebrating cultural heritage through traditional games and sports. The event brings together practitioners, enthusiasts, and cultural experts to showcase and preserve traditional sporting practices.

The festival serves as a platform for knowledge exchange and cultural celebration, strengthening community bonds through traditional sports.

2025

🏮 Asian Traditional Games

A major continental event showcasing the rich diversity of traditional sports and games from across Asia. The games will feature competitions, demonstrations, and cultural exchanges highlighting Asia's sporting heritage.

This event aims to strengthen regional cooperation and promote the inclusion of traditional sports in national sports policies throughout Asia.

2026

🌍 African Traditional Games

A celebration of Africa's diverse traditional sports and games, bringing together participants from across the continent. The event will feature traditional wrestling, board games, athletic competitions, and cultural performances.

This gathering aims to preserve Africa's sporting heritage and promote traditional games as tools for social development and cultural identity.

2027

🌐 World Traditional Games

The pinnacle event in the traditional sports calendar, bringing together participants from every continent. The World Traditional Games will showcase the diversity of global sporting heritage through competitions, demonstrations, and cultural exchanges.

This event aims to raise global awareness about traditional sports and establish frameworks for their preservation and promotion worldwide.

2028

🏛️ European Traditional Games

A continental celebration of Europe's traditional sports and games, featuring ancient athletic competitions, folk games, and traditional sporting practices from across Europe.

The event will highlight Europe's sporting heritage and promote the integration of traditional games into modern sports culture and education.

2029

🌍 African Traditional Games

The second edition of the African Traditional Games, building on the success of the 2026 event. This gathering will further strengthen Africa's traditional sports networks and showcase new developments in traditional sports preservation.

Focus on youth engagement and the role of traditional sports in education and community development across Africa.

2030

🌐 World Traditional Games

Culminating the decade of traditional sports development, the second World Traditional Games will celebrate the progress made in preserving and promoting traditional sports worldwide.

This landmark event will evaluate achievements, set new goals for the future, and establish sustainable frameworks for traditional sports preservation in the decades to come.

🔮 Our Vision for the Future

From our first ministerial conference in 1999 to our vision for 2030, ICTSG has been committed to preserving humanity's sporting heritage. Our journey has brought together ministers, experts, practitioners, and cultural organizations from every continent.

Looking ahead, we continue to work towards a world where traditional sports and games are recognized, valued, and integrated into education, cultural policies, and community life worldwide.

📜 Join Our Heritage Journey

Be part of our mission to preserve and promote traditional sports and games. Whether you're a practitioner, researcher, policymaker, or enthusiast, your contribution helps safeguard humanity's sporting heritage for future generations.

🔗 Learn more about our work: traditionalsportsgames.org

Traditional Sports: A Global History Timeline (1999-2030)