ICTSG Leads Global Efforts to Preserve, Protect, and Revive Centuries-Old Cultural Heritage
The International Council of Traditional Sports and Games (ICTSG), recognized as the sole official global platform dedicated to safeguarding, developing, and celebrating Traditional Sports and Games (TSG), proudly led the world in celebrating the International Day for Traditional Sports and Games 2025 on 14 August.
From bustling city squares to remote rural villages, from grassroots events to international virtual summits, communities around the world united under a shared vision: to protect the living treasures of cultural heritage — the indigenous games, ancestral competitions, and folk traditions that have been passed down through centuries.
A Global Network with a Shared Vision
With its Headquarters in Florida, USA, ICTSG operates through a strong global presence:
Far East Office — Kyoto, Japan
Southeast Asia Office — Lahore, Pakistan
European Office — Cannes, France
African Office — Various Regional Hubs
These continental offices work hand in hand, sharing a common mission: to promote, protect, and revive traditional sports and games before they vanish into history.
President of ICTSG, His Excellency Khalil Ahmed Khan, emphasized in his keynote address:
“When a sport disappears, it is like a language that is no longer spoken — its stories, values, and lessons risk being lost forever. Through ICTSG, we document, play, and revive these games so that centuries-old traditions continue to inspire and unite future generations.”
Why We Celebrate: More Than Just Games
The International Day for Traditional Sports and Games, Adopted by the world ministerial conference and the member states in 2021, is not just about sports — it is about safeguarding living cultural heritage.
Each movement, rule, and ritual tells a story. These sports are the heartbeat of villages, the pride of nations, and the identity of communities. Celebrating them means:
Revival — Bringing back sports lost to time.
Safeguarding — Protecting intangible heritage.
Promotion — Showcasing indigenous, ethnic, and folk sports to the world.
Peace & Diplomacy — Uniting divided communities.
Impact for Good — Encouraging cultural pride, health, and sustainable development.
The SRETS Elevation Framework: A Path to Preservation
A key highlight of the celebrations was the introduction of the SRETS model — the ICTSG’s strategic six-stage process to elevate endangered sports from local recognition to global safeguarding.
Stages of SRETS:
SEWEN — Safeguarding Endangered Wisdom of Ethnic Nations
Identifies and documents games in danger of extinction.
Works with local communities to collect rules, stories, and cultural meaning.
LAAIB — Local Ancestral Activities & Indigenous Base
Strengthens grassroots participation.
Encourages community-level events.
TRINA — Tradition Recognized with Indigenous National Affirmation
Gains national-level acknowledgment.
Integrates traditional sports into cultural policies.
REUNA — Registered Entities with Unified National Affiliation
Registers organizations and federations officially.
Creates national frameworks for promotion.
KIZUN — Knowledge Integration for Zones of Unified Nations
Facilitates international collaboration.
Shares expertise, training, and academic research.
SOLAY — Safeguarded Original Legacy as Acknowledged Yield
Ensures the long-term preservation of the sport.
Recognizes it as a living heritage for future generations.
Through SRETS, ICTSG turns endangered sports into revived traditions that can once again thrive locally and globally.
Women Empowerment Through TSG
This year, ICTSG put a special emphasis on women’s leadership in traditional sports. Historically, women have been not only participants but also custodians of cultural practices, coaches, referees, and organizers.
ICTSG’s Women Empowerment Through TSG initiative ensures:
Equal opportunities in participation and leadership.
Training programs for women coaches and referees.
Support for women-led community sports projects.
50+ National Chapters Open for Leadership
In a call to action, ICTSG announced that more than 50 National Chapters worldwide are now open for leadership positions, including President, General Secretary, and other key roles.
Interested applicants can visit traditionalsportsgames.org to:
Explore existing chapters.
Apply for leadership positions.
Join the movement to safeguard traditional sports in their countries.
A Historic Declaration
The celebrations concluded with the adoption of the ICTSG Global Declaration, reaffirming:
ICTSG is the sole global platform for safeguarding and promoting TSG.
All member states and stakeholders are urged to actively participate in ICTSG-led initiatives.
Contributions to the ICTSG Online Encyclopedia of Traditional Sports and Games are encouraged.
TSG should be used as a tool for peace, intercultural dialogue, and sustainable development.
Following the reading of the declaration, participants were invited to raise their hands in agreement, both physically and via the Zoom “Raise Hand” feature, marking a symbolic and unifying moment.
Global Recognition: ICTSG Honors Top 100 Contributors
This year, the ICTSG Awards and Nomination Team proudly selected the top 100 contributors from around the world. These individuals have been recognized and appreciated for their invaluable efforts in safeguarding, developing, and promoting Traditional Sports and Games (TSG). Their dedication embodies the spirit of the ICTSG mission and plays a crucial role in preserving this vital cultural heritage for future generations.
A Legacy in the Making
The International Day for Traditional Sports and Games is more than an annual event — it is a global movement.
From archery in Mongolia to wrestling in Senegal, from stick-fighting in the Philippines to kabaddi in South Asia, these games are more than sport. They are carriers of language, music, rituals, and craftsmanship.
As ICTSG President Khalil Ahmed Khan stated:
“When we revive a game, we revive a culture. We give a voice to the past and a gift to the future.”
