Lagori Shines at the 37th National Games
The 37th National Games in Goa were special for a traditional Indian game called Lagori. This big event happened from October 26 to November 9, 2023. For the first time, Lagori was shown as a demonstration sport. This means people could watch and learn about the game, but there were no medals for winning. The Lagori matches took place on November 5 and 6 at Campal Open Ground in Panjim, Goa. It was very exciting because Lagori got a chance to be in the spotlight and show everyone how fun it is.
What Happened at the National Games?
The National Games are a huge sports event in India. Players from all over the country come to play. Usually, games like cricket and football get the most attention. But this time, the organizers wanted to show some Indian games too. Lagori was one of them, and it was a big moment for the game.
Teams played Lagori at the Campal Open Ground. Many people came to watch, and the matches were full of energy. The Goa government and the sports minister, Govind Gaude, worked hard to make this happen. Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked about Lagori in his radio show, Mann Ki Baat. He said he played Lagori as a child, which made more people interested. This was part of a plan called Bharatiya Khel, which means bringing back old Indian games, especially for children in villages.
How Did Lagori Look at the Event?
At the 37th National Games, Lagori was played in a simple but exciting way. Two teams faced each other: one team was the hitters, and the other was the seekers. The hitters had to knock down a stack of seven flat stones using a rubber ball. They threw the ball from about 20 feet away and got nine tries to hit the stones. If they knocked them down, they had to quickly stack them back up. At the same time, the seekers tried to hit the hitters with the ball, but only below the knee. The seekers couldn’t run with the ball—they had to pass it to each other.
If the hitters stacked the stones without getting hit, they got a point and kept going. But if the seekers hit a hitter, the teams switched sides. The games were fast and fun to watch. People cheered as players ran, threw, and dodged the ball. The event used softballs and flat discs instead of rough stones, making it safer and easier to play. It showed how Lagori can be both old-fashioned and modern at the same time.
How Was Lagori Played at the Event?
Lagori at the National Games was played in a simple, safe, and fun way. Two teams played against each other. One team was called the hitters, and the other was the seekers.
- The hitters tried to knock down a pile of seven flat stones using a rubber ball. They had nine chances to throw the ball from about 20 feet away.
- If they knocked down the stones, they had to quickly put them back in a pile.
- While they did this, the seekers tried to hit the hitters with the ball, but only below the knee.
- The seekers could not run with the ball; they had to pass it to each other.
If the hitters rebuilt the stones without getting hit, they scored a point and kept playing. If the seekers hit a hitter, the teams switched sides. The games were fast and fun. The crowd cheered as players ran, threw, and dodged the ball. Soft balls and flat discs were used instead of real stones, making the game safer.
Why Was Lagori Special at the Games?
Having Lagori at the National Games was important. It was not just about playing; it was about showing Indian culture and history. The organizers wanted people to remember and enjoy traditional games, not just new ones. Because Lagori was a demonstration sport, it got a lot of attention. People learned about the game and got excited to play it.
The Campal Open Ground was a great place for the matches. Everyone could see the action. The players worked well together, and the crowd loved it. Prime Minister Modi’s story about playing Lagori made it even more special. His support made people proud of Lagori and want to try it too.
What’s Next for Lagori?
After the National Games, Lagori has a bright future. The event showed that people like to watch and play it. The organizers hope Lagori can become a regular sport in the National Games, not just a demonstration. They also want Lagori to be played in other countries. Some countries already play Lagori, and there are plans for another Lagori World Cup with teams from Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and more.
The matches in Goa were just the beginning. More tournaments and training can help Lagori grow. The players in Goa showed how exciting the game is, and now more people might join in. The government and sports leaders want to keep supporting Lagori so everyone can enjoy this traditional game.
Why Does It Matter?
Lagori at the National Games was not just about sports. It was about keeping India’s traditions alive. The event in Goa showed that old games can still be fun today. It brought people together to watch, cheer, and learn. The players worked hard, and the crowd’s energy made it a special moment.
The National Games proved that Lagori is more than just an old game. It helps people stay active, work as a team, and have a good time. With support from leaders like the sports minister and the prime minister, Lagori is getting the attention it deserves.
In the end, Lagori’s time at the National Games was a big success. It showed that traditional games can be just as exciting as modern ones. As more people hear about it and play it, lagori could become a favorite not just in India but around the world. The event in Goa was the first step, and it’s exciting to see what happens next for this amazing game!