Parliament Question: Promotion of Traditional Games in Tamil Nadu

Government of India Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports Department of Sports LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4869 TO BE ANSWERED ON 23.03.2026 Promotion of Traditional Games in Tamil Nadu 4869. SHRI SELVAM G: SHRI C N ANNADURAI: SHRI NAVASKANI K: Will the Minister of YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government has identified and documented traditional rural and tribal games of Tamil Nadu, such as Silambam, Sadugudu and Vallam Kali for promotion under the Khelo India programme and if so, the details thereof; (b) whether any specific initiatives have been undertaken to integrate rural and tribal youth from Tamil Nadu into Khelo India talent identification and training pathways, particularly in tribal and remote districts and if so, the details thereof; (c) whether the Government has collaborated with educational institutions, local sports bodies and community organizations in Tamil Nadu to preserve and promote indigenous games at district, State or national levels under Khelo India programme and if so, the details thereof; and (d) whether traditional games from Tamil Nadu have been included or proposed for inclusion in Khelo India events or demonstration categories and if so, the details thereof? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS [ DR. MANSUKH MANDAVIYA ] (a) to (d) ‘Sports’ being a State subject, the responsibility of development of sports, including promotion of traditional rural and tribal games, rests Page 1 of 2primarily with the State/Union Territory Governments. The Union Government supplements their efforts by bridging critical gaps. However, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is promoting indigenous, rural and tribal games under the Khelo India Scheme through the sub- component “Promotion of Rural/Indigenous and Tribal Games”. Under this sub-component, traditional disciplines are identified and supported for revival, preservation and wider participation. Silambam, a traditional martial art of Tamil Nadu, has been recognized as one of the supported indigenous games, along with disciplines such as Mallakhamb, Kalaripayattu, Yogasana, Gatka and Thang-Ta. Financial assistance is also extended to State Governments, educational institutions, local sports bodies and community organizations for conduct of competitions, training, awareness activities and other promotional efforts relating to indigenous games. Through the Khelo India Scheme, a total of 1066 Khelo India Centres (KICs) have been notified across 36 States/UTs, including 39 KICs in Tamil Nadu to strengthen training at the district level. This includes a dedicated KIC for Mallakhamb in the Viluppuram district to nurture traditional talent, training 63 athletes. Nationwide, 258 KICs have been established across 174 priority tribal districts to ensure that remote talent has access to quality coaching. Traditional games are also promoted through national platforms under Khelo India and Fit India. In this context, Silambam was showcased as a demonstration sport during the Khelo India Youth Games 2023 held in Tamil Nadu. Inclusion of indigenous disciplines in demonstration or competitive formats in Khelo India events is considered from time to time with a view to preserving and promoting India’s traditional sporting heritage. **** Page 2 of 2