Panjab University to host 5th Indian Traditional Sports and Games Festival from May 1
Panjab University (PU), Chandigarh will host the 5th Indian Traditional Sports and Games Festival 2026 from May 1 to May 3 on its campus, in collaboration with the Traditional Sports and Games Federation of India.
City Air News
Apr 30, 2026 05:57
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Chandigarh, April 30, 2026: Panjab University (PU), Chandigarh will host the 5th Indian Traditional Sports and Games Festival 2026 from May 1 to May 3 on its campus, in collaboration with the Traditional Sports and Games Federation of India.
The poster of the festival was released by PU Vice Chancellor Prof. Renu Vig. Those present on the occasion included Dean University Instruction Prof. Yojna Rawat, Director, Research and Development Cell Prof. Meenakshi Goyal, Registrar Prof. Y.P. Verma, Dean Student Welfare Prof. Y.P. Rawal, Director of Sports Dr. Rakesh Malik and Founder President of National Council of Physical Education and Sports Sciences Dr. Neeraj Mehra.
The three-day event will bring together about 1,200 participants from across the country for competitions in a range of indigenous disciplines, including Gilli-Danda, Gatka, Mallayuddha, Kho-Kho, Atya-Patya, Pittu and Pachisi, along with yoga demonstrations.
These traditional games collectively reflect India’s diverse sporting heritage, blending physical skill, strategy and cultural values, while promoting teamwork, agility, discipline and mental acuity among participants.
Dr. Rakesh Malik said the festival is an effort to bring traditional games back into the mainstream. These sports are part of our identity but have gradually lost visibility. This platform aims to provide them the scale and recognition they deserve, while engaging young players in a meaningful way.
Being organised under the aegis of the Asian Traditional Sports and Games Federation and the International Traditional Sports and Games Association, the festival is expected to see wide participation from universities, institutions and traditional sports bodies.
Competitions will be held across multiple venues within the campus, with organisers aiming to combine sporting action with a broader cultural showcase.
