Langdi (sport)

For the writing script, see Langdi.
School kids play langdi during a inter-school competition

Langdi[a] is a traditional South Asian field sport which combines elements of tag and hopscotch.[2] It was originally played during the Pandiyan Dynasty and called "Nondiyaattam" at that time. The teams alternate chasing (attacking) and defending roles in each of the 4 innings of the game, with the chasing team's players restricted to hopping around on one foot, and attempting to score points by tagging as many defenders as possible within the 9 minutes of each inning. It is described by Marathis as a sport with a Marathi ethos.[3]

Langdi is considered to be useful in training for sports like kho kho, volleyball and gymnastics.[4] The National Langdi Federation received national recognition in 2010.[5]

Langdi in Maharashtra is a popular childhood pastime, it is described as the foundation of all sports. Suresh Gandhi, Secretary of Langdi Federation of India acknowledges playing langdi isn't financially rewarding. Stake holders have to arrange for funds out of their own resources.[3] Mumbai University will be the first Indian university to introduce langdi at the college level, for female students thus revitalising the traditional sport. 5 lakh female students study in the university in 700 colleges affiliated to it.[6] C. N. Vidyamandir, a school in Ahmedabad, encourages participation in traditional sports such as langdi as these cost less money to play and are mentally and physically refreshing for children addicted to the electronic media and games.[7] According to Mahesh Vichare writing in Maharashtra Times, English medium schools, both secular and those run by Christian institutions, in Mumbai, tend to neglect traditional sports like langdi.[8] Chauhan, national president of Krida Bharati, has stressed that the organisation would endeavour to revitalise traditional sports like langdi in order to create healthy youngsters.[9] Krida bharati is an organisation that promotes sport in India.[10] According to Arun Deshmukh, recognition from the Indian Olympic Association is in the pipeline. This recognition results in facilities like concessional railway travel being made available, thus ensuring in growth of the sport.[3]

Expatriate Indians have associated in the effort to popularise langdi in other countries, such as Thailand. Video films of the sport being played have been prepared in order raise interest internationally.[3]

  1. ^ Chougule, Dr Sushama Narayan (2021-04-15). Contribution of Bombay Physical Culture Association to the Fields of Physical Education, Sports and Allied Disciplines. Lulu Publication. ISBN 978-1-716-20897-3.
  2. ^ Awasthi, Shailendra (2010-01-01). "Now officially a sport, Langdi takes giant leap". Indian Express. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  3. ^ a b c d Vishal Karule. लंगडी निघाली परदेशवारीला!. Zee 24 Taas.
  4. ^ Medhekar, Niranjan (2013-05-14). "PMC deals crippling blow to folk games in its sports policy". Mid-Day. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  5. ^ Phatak, Parag (2013-06-30). "मुंबईची लंगडी लवकरच ऑनलाइन!". Loksatta (in Marathi). Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  6. ^ Andhale, Santosh (2013-07-25). "MU will be India's first university to introduce the traditional sport langdi to keep girls fit". Daily News and Analysis. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  7. ^ "Changing the game plan". Times of India. Archived from the original on February 22, 2014. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  8. ^ Vichare, Mahesh (2012-08-19). "खेळांची 'शाळा'...शाळांचे 'खेळ'". Maharashtra Times (in Marathi). Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  9. ^ "क्रीडा भारतीसाठी झोकून द्या: चौहान". Tarun Bharat. 2013-03-09. Archived from the original on 9 August 2013. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  10. ^ "Don't create fuss about 'winning WC for Sachin': Chauhan". The Times of India. 2011-02-05. Archived from the original on 2013-08-09. Retrieved 9 August 2013.


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