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June 26, 2025
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Lagori’s Comeback at the 37th National Games in Goa (2023)

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What is Lagori?
Lagori, also called “seven stones,” is an old Indian game. People have played it for many years in villages and towns. It is simple: you need a ball and seven flat stones. In November 2023, Lagori was shown as a special sport at the 37th National Games in Goa. This event helped many new people learn about Lagori and remember how fun it is.
Lagori’s History
Lagori is very old. Stories say that Lord Krishna and his friends played it, and even the heroes from the Mahabharata may have played it too. In Goa, the government calls Lagori a “traditional Goan sport.” For many Indians, Lagori is a game they remember from their childhood. It is easy to play outside, and you don’t need expensive equipment. The National Games helped people see that Lagori is not just an old game, but an important part of India’s sports culture.
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How to Play Lagori

Lagori is easy to learn. Here’s how you play:

  • Teams: There are two teams. Each team can have up to 12 players, but only 6 play at a time.
  • Setup: One team stacks 7 flat stones into a small tower. The other team stands with the ball.
  • Knock Down: A player throws the ball and tries to knock down the stones.
  • Rebuild: After the stones fall, the team that threw the ball must quickly rebuild the tower.
  • Opposing Team: While the first team tries to rebuild, the other team throws the ball at them. If a player is hit by the ball before finishing the tower, they are out.
  • Safe: A player can avoid being out by touching a member of the other team before the ball hits them.
  • Winning: If the team rebuilds the tower before everyone is out, they win the round. The last player to place a stone shouts “Lagori!” Then the teams switch roles.

Games are played in short rounds, and sometimes there is a time limit. The game is fast, fun, and full of running and throwing.

Lagori Today: Making a Comeback
Lagori is getting more popular again. People are making official rules and holding big tournaments. Santosh Gurav, known as “Lagori Guruji,” started the Amateur Lagori Federation of India and the International Lagori Federation in 2008. He helped teach the game to many people before he sadly died in 2017. Now, his brother and friends continue his work.
What’s new in Lagori:
  • There are national and world Lagori tournaments.
  • Some places play Lagori on the beach or in leagues.
  • Schools in India now include Lagori in their sports competitions.
  • There are official rules and sometimes special equipment, like soft balls and fiber discs instead of stones.
  • Lagori is now played in at least 30 countries.

Even with these changes, Lagori keeps its old spirit. It is still about knocking down stones and running to rebuild them.

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Lagori at the National Games in Goa
The 37th National Games in Goa were special for Lagori. The sports minister of Goa, Govind Gaude, chose Lagori as one of two special sports to show. The matches were played on November 5 and 6, 2023.
  • The Goa men’s team won by beating Maharashtra.
  • The Goa women’s team reached the semifinals.
  • Even though Lagori was just a demo sport, the winners got prize money like other medal winners.

At the event, organizers explained the rules and history of Lagori to the crowd. Many people watched, and photos and videos were shared online. The National Games made Lagori more famous across India.

Support from Leaders and Organizations
Lagori’s return got help from many people:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked about Lagori on his radio show and said he played it as a child
  • Goa’s sports minister supported the game and promised prize money for the winners.
  • The National Games committee and the Lagori federations worked together to make the event happen.
  • Schools now play Lagori in their national competitions.

All this support helped Lagori get more attention and respect.

Why Lagori Matters
Showing Lagori at the National Games sent a strong message: traditional games are important. For many people in Goa and across India, it was a proud moment to see Lagori on a big stage. The event made more people want to play and watch Lagori.

Now, Lagori is not just a childhood memory. It is becoming a real sport, with leagues and international matches. Experts say Lagori could become as popular as Kabaddi, another Indian game that is now played worldwide.

Conclusion
The National Games in Goa helped Lagori become popular again. With support from leaders, organizers, and the public, Lagori moved from the playground to the national spotlight. The game showed that old traditions can still be fun and exciting today.
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