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Is Lagori an International game?

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Kids used to enjoy a variety of tiny field activities before smartphones grabbed away the playground. Cricket and football matches took up a large portion of the playing area, leaving only small pockets of open space. Those places, on the other hand, were never left unoccupied since they were suitable for old Indian games like Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, and Gilli-Danda.

Most of these games vanished over time, but a handful endured. The Pro Kabaddi League gave Kabaddi a huge boost, turning it into a global phenomenon. Fortunately, that isn’t the only sport gaining popularity on the international stage. This year, Lagori, an enthusiastic game that used to get the kids pumped, will be played in two massive events!

Introduction and History of Lagori 

Lagori is a traditional Indian sport that has been practised for over 5000 years. As evidenced by ancient records, people have been intrigued by this game for over five millennia! It’s a really basic sport that anyone of any age may engage in without risking injury. 

An open space is ideal, and 7-9 flat stones are stacked on top of each other to form a pyramid. The centre of the field is marked by a mound of stones, and two teams stand on either side of it. The assaulting team begins the game by smashing the stones with the use of a ball. The squad rapidly gathers and tries to pile up the stones as the ball bounces off and travels across the field.

At the same time, the defending team is attempting to retrieve the ball. After that, it is hurled towards the assaulting team’s players, who will be forced to leave the field if they are hit by the ball. The attacking team wins the game if the pile is completed before all of the players have been eliminated. If the pile is left unfinished and all of the attacking players are eliminated, the game is won by the defensive team. To determine the winner, several sets are played.

Modern Day Lagori

The fact that Lagori is played in 30 countries throughout the world is a source of immense pride. It goes by numerous names and has different territories, but the pure joy that the game offers is consistent. The game has grown in popularity without anyone noticing, and it is only a matter of time before it becomes a global phenomenon.

On a larger scale, India, the birthplace of Lagori, is the epicentre of the game’s development. The Indian Lagori Premier League, which will take place in November 2017, has already gained a lot of traction. This year’s Lagori World Cup will also take place, with India, Bhutan, Hong Kong, Brazil, Turkey, and Sri Lanka all competing for a chance at international success.

Modern Day Rules

The game has evolved significantly over time, from an outdoor field with dusty turf to a synthetic indoor facility, from a pile of flat stones to 9 circular fibre discs, and from a worn out tennis ball to decrease impact to a softball specifically designed for Lagori. The International Lagori Federation has established six essential rules: 

  • A total of 12 players are required for each side. Every set, however, only six players are allowed to play on the court. 
  • Each set lasts 3 minutes, with a 30-second break following each set. 
  • A Lagori match consists of three sets, with the team with the most points winning. 
  • A single hand or both hands might be used to catch the ball. 
  • With the ball, no player is allowed to run.
  • The pile of 9 discs must be rearranged in the same pyramid chronology once it has been knocked off. 

Certainly, the frequency with which the game has been played has decreased over the last decade, but with the success of the inaugural World Cup in 2015 and the ILPL catering to wider audiences, Lagori is experiencing a resurgence. Hopefully, it will be able to achieve what Kabaddi has. Hopefully, this generation’s kids will embrace the game and enjoy it to the fullest, returning it to its rightful place on the playground!