5th Indian Traditional Sports and Games Festival 2026 to be Held at Panjab University, Chandigarh

Chandigarh | 1–3 May 2026

The 5th Indian Traditional Sports and Games Festival 2026 is set to take place from 1st to 3rd May 2026 at the prestigious Panjab University, Chandigarh, marking another significant milestone in the promotion and preservation of India’s rich traditional sports heritage.

Organised under the vision of reviving indigenous games and safeguarding them as Intangible Cultural Heritage, the festival will bring together athletes, officials, experts, researchers, and cultural ambassadors from across India and abroad. The three-day national festival aims to celebrate unity, cultural diversity, and grassroots sporting excellence through traditional sports and games.

Festival Highlights

·        National-level competitions in Indian Traditional Sports and Games

·        Participation from multiple states, institutions, and traditional sports bodies

·        Live demonstrations of rare and indigenous games

·        Cultural programmes showcasing India’s folk traditions and sporting legacy

·        Interaction sessions with sports educators, historians, and policymakers

The festival will serve as a vibrant platform for youth engagement, cultural exchange, and awareness about the historical and social significance of traditional games in nation-building and community development.

Academic & Institutional Significance

Hosting the event at Panjab University, Chandigarh, one of India’s leading academic institutions, reinforces the growing synergy between education, culture, and traditional sports research. The venue provides an ideal environment for scholarly interaction alongside competitive sporting activities.

National Vision

The 5th Indian Traditional Sports and Games Festival 2026 aligns with national initiatives promoting:

·        Fit India Movement

·        Khelo India – Indigenous Sports Promotion

·        Cultural preservation and youth empowerment

·        Recognition of Traditional Sports and Games as Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)

Organisers expressed confidence that the 2026 edition will be larger in scale and impact, strengthening India’s leadership in the global traditional sports movement.

Further details regarding participating disciplines, registration, schedules, and official programmes will be announced shortly through official channels.