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June 26, 2025
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Lagori: India's Traditional Sport Shines at the National Games in Goa

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- Juan pablo,
Batsman

Cricket is the most popular sport in India, but something different and exciting happened at the 37th National Games in Goa. A very old game called Lagori was shown as a special demonstration sport. This was not just about playing an old game again. It was a way to celebrate India’s history and bring back traditional games.

A Game from Ancient Times: Lagori is one of the oldest games in India. People have been playing it for over 5,000 years! There are stories that Lord Krishna played this game with his friends. It probably started in southern India. Because the game is so simple and fun, it spread to many places like Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Sri Lanka, and even to Africa and the Caribbean. Today, Lagori is still played in more than 30 countries.

Lagori is easy to play. You just need seven flat stones and a rubber ball. This means anyone can play it, even in places where there is not much sports equipment. The game also teaches teamwork, quick thinking, and fast movements.
How to Play Lagori Lagori is played between two teams: hitters and seekers. Each team has at least 3 players and can have up to 9. First, the stones are stacked like a small tower. The hitters try to knock them down using a ball from about 20 feet away.
Each team gets 9 chances to knock the stones down. If they do, the hitters must quickly try to put the stones back together while the seekers try to hit them below the knees with the ball. Seekers cannot run with the ball; they must pass it to each other.
If the hitters can rebuild the stones before getting hit, they score a point and throw again. If they get hit first, the teams switch roles.

New Rules and Modern Fields. In the past, lagori didn’t have strict rules. But now, groups like the International Lagori Foundation have made standard rules. Now, there are 12 players in a team, with 6 players on the court at a time. Games have 3 rounds of 3 minutes each. Also, instead of playing on dusty fields, games now happen on indoor courts with soft discs instead of real stones.

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Lagori's Comeback: From Almost Forgotten to National Stage
Lagori’s Comeback. Even though Lagori is an old game, it started to disappear because of video games and modern sports. But fans and sports groups worked hard to bring it back. Big events like the Lagori World Cup in 2015 and the Indian Lagori Premier League in 2017 helped make Lagori popular again. The second World Cup will include teams from places like Bhutan, Brazil, and Turkey.
37th National Game Goa
Because of this new excitement, lagori was included in the 37th National Games in Goa. It was not a medal sport but a demonstration sport to show people what Lagori is. The matches were held on November 5 and 6 at Campal Open Ground in Panjim, Goa.
Traditional Sports Get a Big Boost The National Games in Goa were held from October 26 to November 9, 2023. These games were special because they included 43 sports, including many traditional Indian games. Along with Lagori, games like Kho Kho, Kabaddi, and Gatka were also shown.
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The Indian government supports bringing back traditional sports through programs like “Bharatiya Khel” and “Khelo India.” These programs want more people, especially in villages, to play these old games. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also supports these efforts and even talked about playing Lagori as a child.
Traditional Sports Get a Big Boost The National Games in Goa were held from October 26 to November 9, 2023. These games were special because theavy included 43 sports, including many traditional Indian games. Along with Lagori, games like Kho Kho, Kabaddi, and Gatka were also shown.
What’s Next for Lagori?
Lagori being shown at the National Games was a big moment. Many people who had never seen it before got to watch it. It showed that this game is not only fun but also full of culture and history.
Lagori has already being played in schools in India. There are also national championships and World Cup events. The hope is that more people will now play it, and maybe it will become a regular sport in future national and international competitions.

Lagori’s story shows how India wants to grow in modern sports while also respecting its history. Bringing back games like Lagori helps keep old traditions alive and makes sure the next generation can enjoy them too.

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