PANJIM: The 37th National Games to be held in Goa likely later in October-November could be a historic one if the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) approves the introduction of two new sports – Goa’s traditional Logori and Pencak Silat – in their reportoire of 37 disciplines as the proposal has the backing of the Goa Government.
Chances of the two new modalities being given an entry in the Games appear very, very bright, as the officials controlling the local Associations in Goa have full support and backing from the Government and their close proximity to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant could be a clincher. Hence the near-certainty. While the Pencak Silat Asociation is headed by oncologist Dr Shekar Salkar, the Logori Association of Goa has Sanquelim-based Shubada Savaikar, a retired teacher, at the helm of affairs.
The Asian recognised Pencak Silat made its debut in the last Asian Games and the Goan association even successfully conducted the Federation Cup last January in Goa in which 16 out of 26 States participated. Chief Minister Sawant was so impressed with the sport during the final that he stressed that it is a must specially for the protection of girls. “It is important to learn to protect yourself,” he had stated. Pencak Silat players are eligible for sports marks, pointed out Dr Salkar who disclosed that it was already granted provisional recognition by SAG.
The Lagori Association existed many years ago but it does not figure in the SAG list. Memories of the sport take one back to the 2012-17 period when it was part of the local indigenous games at the festivals for tribals in Canacona.
Pancak Silat is a fighting, non-aggressive martial sport which collectively encompasses martial arts of various styles originating from Indonesia. This form of fighting involves, striking, grappling techniques, and throwing. In addition, fighters are allowed to use certain types of weapons.
Pencak Silat involves full-body fighting, where any part of the body can be used and any part of the body can be attacked. This form of fighting originated in Indonesia as a means of self-defense and turned into a competitive sport. The sport has currently spread to many South Asian countries.
Pencak Silat made its debut at the Asian Games in 2018 and has been regularly included in the Southeast Asian Games since making its first appearance in 1987. Some of the offensive moves that are commonly used are punches and kicks. Strikes with feet, elbow and shoulder are also often used. For defense, the most commonly used move is blocking, using hands, forearms, elbows or shoulders. Dodging and deflecting are also frequently used for defense. International Pencak Silat Association (PERSILAT) is the highest governing body of the sport which conducts major international competitions. The Pencak Silat World Championship which is held every two or three years, is the highest level competition for the sport which sees the participation of over 30 countries.
Speaking to oHeraldo, Bicholim-based physical education teacher Sandesh Barajankar, disclosed that Lagori Association of Goa was formed in 2013 and is affiliated with Lagori Federation of India. The spokesman of the Association added that the Goa squads have been participating on self-financing basis in the Nationals organised by Lagori Federation of India to which they are affiliated and that they had applied some years ago for SAG affiliation.
Lagori which was a very popular sport in Goa, especially during the Portuguese era, was played at a recreational level, and was considered as one of the oldest, cheapest and popular game just like Khoindo-bal, loukoreo. It consists of seven stones and a soft or rubber ball. It is believed to have its origins in the Southern part of India and goes by many names including Pittu Garam, dikori, lingocha, pitto or satoliya. It was more common game for boys age five and above. It is known in many countries like Bangladesh, Iran.
Lagori is played between two teams, with a minimum of three players and a maximum of nine on each team, using seven stones and a rubber ball. Each team gets nine chances, 3 players taking 3 chances each, to knock down the stones that are stacked vertically, from a distance of about 20 feet. If one team is unable to knock down the stones the other team gets the chance to throw.
If the throwing team knocks down the stones, the objective of the team is to stack all the seven stones back. The aim of the defensive team is to strike any player of the throwing team with the ball, below knee level. Players on the defensive team are not allowed to run with the ball and have to pass between players to move the ball.
Santosh P Gurav of Maharashtra is considered the founder of Amateur Lagori Federation of India. It is being played in at least 32 countries.
The traditional sport, was once popular among children who used to play it on the roads and bylanes, but today children do not know how lagori is played nor are they interested as football, cricket and other games have gained priority in their lives. The game has been recognised by the Maharashtra Government as a sport. With the revival, lagori expects to get a foothold with children. In Goa it will need a big push. The sport can actually draw anybody into its fold.
Tha sport has its rules and regulations. The markings of the field are 23 meters circle as boundary line for men and 20m for women, the midfield rectangle measures 16 meters by 12 meters width for men and 13m and 10m for women.
The promoters claim that the sport enhances team coordination, increases concentration, sharpens one’s eyesight, improves stamina, motor skills and alertness, among several benefits.
Seven Stones, one of the most ancient games of the Indian sub-continent whose history dates back to the Bhagavata Purana, a Hindu religious text that is claimed to be written 5000 years ago, mentions Lord Krishna playing the game with his friends.
Some claim that lagori is one of the most popular outdoor games played by children in every second “galli” in India, describing it as a game of strategy reigning from the mythological era of Lord Krishna.
