Participants discussed the Nomad Games (Kyrgyzstan) as an example of traditional sport showcase, which showcase culture and heritage that is thousands of years old, before the sport constructs of today. Several traditional sports were highlighted including archery, falconry (in Qatar), swimming, fencing, horse riding and more, and participants reflected on how they reinforce tradition, and strong cultural values.
New Zealand’s haka was highlighted as an example of how tradition was adapted to include women in a traditionally male-dominated sport.
Character-building through traditional sport was raised in relation to youth engaging with their history and elders, connecting with their roots, and using sport to showcase identity — with traditional sport seen as a potential anchor for cultural continuity, particularly given the pace of digitalisation. Traditional and non-Western games were discussed in relation to how they differ from formats practised elsewhere, prompting reflection on what needs to be preserved.
The value of time in considering heritage was also raised comparing, decades, centuries, and millennia.
The role of government and intentional programs to promote uptake of traditional sport in youth was raised, along with establishing clear pathways for economic livelihoods through sport.