Digital entertainment increasingly replaces outdoor play, which led Indian news media organisation Amar Ujala to launch a dynamic cultural sports movement called Bhule Bisre Khel (translated as “forgotten traditional games).”

This initiative aims to reconnect school children, families, and communities with India’s fading indigenous sports culture, while promoting physical fitness and community bonding.

Conducted across two major North Indian cities (Lucknow in November 2025 and Varanasi in December 2025), the event evolved into a large-scale cultural sports festival. Together, both editions saw participation from more than 150 schools and institutions, engaged more than 7,500 student players, and attracted a combined footfall of nearly 12,000 people.

This established Bhule Bisre Khel as one of the region’s most significant grassroots sports initiatives.

Reintroducing traditional games to modern generations

The programme featured more than 15 indigenous games rooted in India’s historical and rural landscape. These included kabaddi (a strategic contact team sport), kho-kho (chase-and-tag), kushti (traditional wrestling), tug of war, langdi (a one-legged chase game), pithu (seven stones), lattoo (spinning top), kanche (marbles), rassi kood (rope skipping), a sack race, a three-legged race, a lemon race, arm wrestling, and human pyramid formations.

These games — known for speed, strategy, teamwork, and agility — provided students with highly engaging alternatives to screen-based entertainment. Many participants were experiencing these traditional sports for the first time, leading to renewed excitement and pride in cultural identity.

Objectives focused on culture, fitness, and community strengthening

The initiative was built around five core objectives:

• Reviving India’s traditional games and reintroducing them in structured, competitive, inclusive formats.
• Encouraging physical activity, teamwork, discipline, and outdoor play among today’s digital-first generation.
• Strengthening cultural identity by spotlighting games rooted in local traditions and community life.
• Creating a collaborative platform uniting schools, sports bodies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), government authorities, and diverse community groups.
• Reinforcing Amar Ujala’s role as a catalyst for cultural preservation and grassroots sports engagement.

Strong institutional support and dignitary participation

A key factor in the programme’s success was the strong administrative and governmental support it received. Bhule Bisre Khel was honoured by the presence of distinguished guests including Uttar Pradesh’s deputy chief minister and state minister as well as the police commissioner of Varanasi.

Their participation added visibility, credibility, and encouragement, particularly for schools and young players. Additionally, district administration authorities, municipal leaders, sports officers, NGOs, and community-based organisations contributed to planning, coordination, security, and mobilisation.

Their collaboration ensured smooth execution and reinforced the importance of reviving traditional sports at a civic and state level.

Impact highlights

Across both cities, the initiative delivered powerful outcomes.

Thousands of people actively participated in or attended the events across the two cities. More than 15 indigenous games were successful revived and mainstreamed through the initiative, and dignitary participation enhanced the scale and recognition of the programme. Additionally, sports associations, NGOs, and inclusive community teams were actively involved in the programme’s success.

Certificates for all participants and medals/mementos for winners encouraged ongoing participation. Overall, there was strong mobilisation at the school and community level, which generated goodwill, visibility, and enthusiasm, positioning Bhule Bisre Khel as a sustainable multi-city movement.

Conclusion

Bhule Bisre Khel demonstrated how a media organisation can meaningfully revive cultural heritage while promoting health, unity, and social connection. By reconnecting children with India’s traditional games, Amar Ujala not only celebrated the past but also created a forward-looking model for strengthening grassroots sports and community engagement.

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