Shammi Rana with Angela Melo Director - Division of Ethics, Youth and Sport Sector for Social and Human Sciences, UNESCO
Rana has been appointed Secretary-General, International Council of Traditional Sports and Games (ICTSG)
Shammi Rana has been appointed Secretary-General, International Council of Traditional Sports and Games (ICTSG). The goal of the International Council of Traditional Sports and Games is to assist governmental and non-governmental organizations in organizing and promoting traditional sports and games and official umbrella organization for Traditional Sports and Indigenous Games as well as organizers of traditional sports games and traditional sports-related international associations throughout the World.
In 2017, Rana was appointed as rapporteur of the UNESCO Traditional Sports and Games Ad Hoc Advisory Committee by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, In his UNESCO role, Rana promotes the mission of Traditional Sports and Games.
UNESCO supports Traditional Sports and Games as a vehicle to broaden intercultural awareness, enable youth development, advance ethical sports practices, and feature indigenous cultural practices around the world. That responsibility fits into UNESCO’s broader mission of building peace, eradicating poverty, promoting sustainable development, and encouraging intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, and cultural development.
Rana, who has more than 20 years of promoting experience at the top levels of professional sports has worked with state dignitaries around the world to promote political, social and diplomatic relations at the highest levels of government.
Rana added: “My goal will be to protect traditional sports and games from the kind of commercialization that negatively affects the cultural heritage and core values of traditional sports and games. I believe that traditional sports and games should be promoted in all parts of the world, especially where the resources are low.”
Shammi Rana, rapporteur for UNESCO's Traditional Sports and Games (TSG), and Hari Banaag met with US representatives in California to discuss promoting traditional sports and games.
Recently, a meeting was held in Delano, California, between high-profile members of UNESCO (including Mr. Shammi Rana, rapporteur of Traditional Sports and Games, along with Mr. Hari, a member of the Advisory Committee of Traditional Sports and Games) and Terrance John Cox - U.S Representative from California’s 21st Congressional district - along with Mr. Joe Aguirre, Mayor of Delano, USA.
Mr. Shammi Rana has been the pinnacle of sports promotion, which has landed him the USA martial arts Hall of Fame award. Not long ago, he was honored with an Honorary Doctorate of Martial Arts Philosophy and Martial Arts Science by the University of Asian Martial Arts Studies, in May 2019.
Mr. Shammi Rana, who was appointed rapporteur of the Advisory Committee of Traditional Sports and Games, in 2017, has held memberships in 10 martial arts organisations in Asia. For over 20 years, he has worked with several state VIPs to advance sports to the next level.
As a part of internationally governing associations, Mr. Shammi Rana, vice president of the International Association of Traditional Wrestling Sports highlighted on promoting Korean martial arts in none other than his hometown of Punjab.
His influence as a promoter of sports has been recognised globally, owing to his professional career and tireless efforts.
In the meeting that took place in Delano, Mr. Hari Osias Banaag, the president of Global Sikaran Federation raised his concern with the Congressman Terrance John Cox, a politician in the U.S. and a member of Democratic Party, on establishing a pan-America Traditional Sports and Games HQ in Delano, CA.
Mr. Hari further added that a pan-America Traditional Sports and Games HQ would bring Delano on the world map.
Mr. Hari Osias Banaag is a US-based Filipino Grandmaster of martial arts who is determined to take Filipino sport to its highest level. His motivation for this sport comes from his father, as Mr. Hari established his own martial arts school by the name of Foremost Sikaran Brotherhood in 1976. He is inspired to get Filipino sport the global recognition it deserves.
The meeting in Delano unveiled Mr. Hari’s desire to host the UNESCO Traditional Sports and Games meeting with the support of Mr. Joe Aguirre, Mayor of Delano. Both the parties reached an agreement to discuss the matter in detail in another meeting.
Mr. Hari and Mr. Shammi Rana briefed Terrance John Cox and Mr. Joe Aguirre about the collaboration of Council of Ministers of Central America (CECC/SICA) with the Advisory Committee on Traditional Sports and Games (TSG).
Terrance John Cox, an MBA graduate, and a successful businessman started his journey for the United States House of Representatives back in 2006. His triumph was not before the 2018 elections, where he became a sound member of the Democratic Party in California’s 21st congressional district.
It was further added in the meeting by the members of the Advisory Committee of TSG, that the Mexican and Canadian government along with their ministers and representatives are keen to join hands with TSG.
UNESCO works as an implementation agency of the United Nation (UN) and is responsible for the growth of sports in the Pan-American region with possible support of the US government.
UNESCO is taking every possible measure to spur traditional sports and games on a global level while Mr. Shammi Rana along with other members of UNESCO, demonstrate exceptional profile-raising skills in order to attract presidents and ministers for the common cause of promoting UNESCO objectives.
Shammi Rana has said that the world is slowly but steadily rising from the virus that has crippled it for nearly two years now. In the wake of the virus, we are organizing an International Traditional Sports Day 2021 for the first time virtually. This is a worldwide event celebrating the diversity and the culture of the locals helping them secure their traditions. The games also would help boost tourism, local traditions, and culture of the host country.
The International Council of Traditional Sports and Games, or ICTSG, is the official umbrella organization for all traditional sports and indigenous games, as well as organizers of traditional sports games and sport-related international associations. It also facilitates the understanding of TSG in terms of cultural identity and diversity. It gives exposure to opportunities that mainstream sports can’t provide.
UNESCO is backing traditional sports and games to expand intercultural awareness, making geographically distant cultures more reachable, enable youth development and advance ethical sports practices. This fits into UNESCO’s goal of building peace, eradicating poverty, and promoting sustainable development alongside giving a flavor of the different cultures across the globe.
The International Council of Traditional Sports and Games was established at the 4th Collective Consultation Meeting on Traditional Sports and Games, UNESCO, on Aug. 14, 2018 at Istanbul Turkey, which was attended by more than 80 participants from 40 countries including sports ministers, government officials, representatives of UNESCO permanent delegations and international organizations. The International Council of Traditional Sports and Games acts as an international organization aiming to serve as an international platform for the preservation, promotion, and development of traditional sport and games at the global level, and play an integral part in socio-economic development, cultural heritage promotion, environmental sustainability, a healthy lifestyle, and a peace-building process.
The International Council of Traditional Sports and Games better promotes International Traditional Sports Day. In fact, it makes it more meaningful through its diverse actions in favor of TSG. For example, ICTSG organizes TSG events. This puts more emphasis on TSG. One of the main projects of the ICTG that will promote TSG and the International Traditional Sports Day is the World Traditional Sports and Games. Such an event will draw more interest to TSG, contribute to the gathering of people under important values as solidarity, fair play, and cultural awareness while giving a boost to tourism.
The International Council of Traditional Sports and Games is being led by Khalil Ahmed Khan, who was appointed as president in 2018. Alongside him, Shammi Rana was appointed as secretary-general. Previously he was appointed as rapporteur of the UNESCO Traditional Sports and Games Ad Hoc Advisory Committee in 2017 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization.
In his UNESCO role, Rana promotes the mission of Traditional Sports and Games. In the wake of the pandemic, the events are being organized online and the world is the stage to showcase the skills and culture of the community. The International Day of Traditional Sports and Games will be celebrated on Aug. 14, 2021 virtually. To catch all the action and keep up to date with the recent development, one can follow TSG’s official social handles.
The International Traditional Sports Day 2021 is worth celebrating to increase positive attitudes much needed in the world. Some of these attitudes are cultural tolerance, inclusion, and peace, said Shammi Rana Secretary General International Council of Traditional Sports and Games
In the purest sense, they are traditional sports and games of our culture, from dancing to ball games to water sports. But they are much more than that. TSG is an important part of our history and helps us and our diverse cultures who we are today. TSG tells the story of our past, transcending gender, generational and individual differences, which is impossible for anything else. At its core, TSG is localized and regional and should be seen as the necessary counterpart to today’s globalized mass sports and culture, on par with language, music, literature, and architecture. TSG is an opportunity to enjoy diversity and community in an increasingly globalized world.
Traditional sports and competitions provide unique opportunities that conventional sports may not have. They are generally based on fun and participation rather than competition and connect more important things beyond sports and physical activities.
These two elements are very important in reaching people who may not participate in mainstream sports, especially in providing positive sports and physical activity experiences for children.
Why International Council of Traditional Sports and Games (ICTSG) hosted TSG on 14 August 2021?
The International Council of Traditional Sports and Games (ICTSG) is the official umbrella organization for all traditional sports and games and the organizer of traditional sports games and international sports-related associations. Hence, ICTSP declares 14, August as the international day of TSG.
The main objective is to help all relevant and interested governmental and non-governmental countries and regional and international organizations coordinate their efforts and capacities to provide guidance, advice, and sustain related initiatives and programs with tradition. Sports and games for policymakers, stakeholders, and other stakeholders.
The ICTSG’s initiative to organize TSG activities is part of the plan to protect and promote the TSG, which aims to ensure that traditional sports and games become an integral part of cultural development in a multi-level manner.
The mission of the ICTSG is to promote and develop TSG as a category distinct from modern sports and promote the understanding of TSG as a cultural identity and diversity.
Therefore, its main function is to prioritize promoting and raising awareness about the challenges and dilemmas that require decision-making, actions, and practical measures in different geographical, cultural, and educational contexts. In addition, it will help share TSG-related knowledge, knowledge, information, and data on different levels of incentives and regulatory needs or initiatives, thus helping to promote TSG development and promotion at the local, national, regional, and international levels.
The ICTSG is also committed to promoting and raising awareness of cultural diversity and respect for cultural identity in a globalized world where values, knowledge, skills and behaviors are constantly changing in the context of new problems and new challenges.
What are the aims of ICTSG by organizing TSG and declaring 14 August as the international day for celebrating TSG?
The Traditional Sports Games is one of the projects overseen by ICTSG. It is an initiative of the UNESCO Advisory Council and approved by UNESCO. These games will be the first of their kind while promoting tourism, local traditions, and the host country’s culture.
Anti-Doping in Traditional Sports
In today’s highly competitive sports environment, athletes and athlete support personnel are under increasing pressure to win at all costs. The ICTSG and the UNESCO Convention against Doping in Sport are committed to maintaining fair sports and protecting young people who participate in traditional sports from illegal drugs.
“International Traditional Sports Day” One of the most important events of the International Council of Traditional Sports and Games held in the month of August virtually. It was attended by more than 600 participants from 90 countries including Sports Ministers, government officials, representatives of UNESCO, Intergovernmental Committee for Physical Education and Sport (CIGEPS), Permanent Delegations, ILO, The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), Researcher, International Organizations, and Indigenous Groups around the world.
ICTSG and its Member States through their respective ministries after having Consultation Meetings agreed to enhance the diffusion of TSG knowledge and declared 14th August as “INTERNATIONAL TRADITIONAL SPORTS DAY”. In this regard, events held in every country under the umbrella of the Council to highlight and promote their local traditional sports and games and historical culture which was portrayed globally through the platform of ICTSG virtually due to Covid19 restrictions
ICTSG hosts the General Conference on Traditional Sports in virtually four sessions.
I)Ministerial Session
II) Ambassadors/NATCOM Session
III) Gender Equality and Women empowerment through TSG
IV)Revival & Development of TSG at the National level
Many prominent figures attended the meeting of the 4th Collective Consultation Meeting of TSG, Traditional Games and Sports (TSG) including UNESCO international experts, Marceline Dally, secretary of the International Convention against Doping in Sport, Khalil Khan President ICTSG, Shammi Rana Secretary-General ICTSG, Philipp Muller-Wirth Executive Officer for Sport and Youth Section Sector for Social and Human Sciences UNESCO, Rosa Rakotozafy, Chairperson Intergovernmental Committee for Physical Education and Sport (CIGEPS), Joel Bouzou, Ambassador-at-Large ICTSG, President and Founder of Peace and Sport, Valerio De Divitiis, Coordinator, Global Sports Programme of the United Nations of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), Viktoria Racheva Slavkova, Director of European Programs, Projects and International Cooperation, Ministry of Youth and Sports of Bulgaria, Mr. Giovanni Di Cola, Special Adviser Member Executive Board, PCTSG DDG/FOP of International Labor Organization (ILO), Mohammed Hamimaz, Sports Director of the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports of Morocco, Jamshidbek Khasanov, Head of Department, Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Uzbekistan, Destar Zeogar Wilson, Minister of Youth and Sports of Liberia, Richo Padhi Vice President Indian Olympic Association, Sarjit Singh Sekhon, Raj Rathore, Mr. Aman Kumar Sharma, Member Advisory Committee ICTSG, Prof Ravi Sahu, Harpal Singh, Parveen Garg, Tarsem Sharma.
My warmest greetings to the International Council of Traditional Sports and Games (ICTSG) celebrates International Traditional Sports and Games Day. This event is a testament to the noble advocacy of ICTSG and the whole of UNESCO to foster peace, openness, and unity among nations. Through the revival of traditional sports and games, we recognize the world’s unique and rich cultures while appreciating one’s own heritage. May this occasion inspire our people to embrace diversity and ignite a sense of pride in their culture. Through sportsmanship and camaraderie, we can develop an intercultural understanding that will further lead us towards greater harmony and progress. Let us also take this opportunity to promote gender equality and empowerment as well as inclusivity. I am hopeful that our unrelenting pursuit for world peace will lead to genuine and lasting progress within societies and nations. I wish you a meaningful the event said, ‘Rodrigo Roa Duterte the President of the Philippines’
Michael Wood, Minister of Transport, Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety, Deputy Leader of the House, New Zealand said,” I wanted to take this opportunity to say congratulations to the organizers of the International Traditional Sports and Games Day for putting together such a tremendous celebration of culture and sport. To see so many countries participate, you wouldn’t believe it is possible in times like these. This event offers a platform to audiences and stakeholders around the world who wish to participate in the day either physically or virtually. My best wishes for a wonderful day to the organizers and participants.”
I am happy to know that August 14th has been declared as the International traditional Sports and Games Day. This will provide an opportunity for all TSG stakeholders to organize physical and virtual activities,” said Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister, Government of India
The International Council of Traditional Sports and Games, or ICTSG, is the official umbrella organization for all traditional sports and indigenous games and organizers of traditional sports games and sport-related international associations. It also facilitates the understanding of TSG in terms of cultural identity and diversity. It gives exposure to opportunities that mainstream sports can’t provide, said “Shammi Rana Secretary General International Council of Traditional Sports and Games”
Shammi Rana with Terrance John Cox Representative for California’s 21st Congressional District(File Photo)
Shammi Rana, Secretary-General of the International Council of Traditional Sports and Games, has been honored with the President’s Achievement Award 2020, for his dedication and hard work in safeguarding and promoting Traditional Sports and Games (TSG) as sports practices and intangible cultural heritage.
His work is so revered that in 2017, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization appointed him Rapporteur of the UNESCO Traditional Sports and Games Ad Hoc Advisory Committee to promote the 2017 Traditional Sports and Games, UNESCO.
Shammi Rana does a huge amount of work to promote the UNESCO Mandate on Traditional Sports and Games throughout the world, having over two decades of experience under his belt as a promoter of sports, sports organizations, and sports diplomacy.
with Hon’ble Mtolea Abdallahally Member Parliament Tanzania
Recently, he made a visit to Sierra Leone to meet with officials at the Ministry of Sport, Africa TSG Union, and Sierra Leone TSG Association members to discuss with the government the proposed setup of an administrative and research secretariat in Sierra Leone. In his dialog with the Deputy Sports Minister, Kai Lawrence Mbayo, Mr. Rana explained the sports and ICTSG’s move to spread traditional sports across Africa. He also promised that they would give full support to Sierra Leone if the country remained committed to housing the Secretariat.
With Hon’ble Kai Lawrence Mbayo Deputy Sports Minister of Sierra Leone
Mr. Rana works closely with Mr. Scott Wendel, and Central American Educational and Cultural Coordination (CECC / SICA) in a bid to create the Pan American Council of Traditional Sports and Games, the organization whose function will be to safeguard, develop and promote traditional sports and culture in America.
In the purest sense, they are traditional sports and games of our culture, from dancing to ball games to water sports. But they are much more than that. TSG is an important part of our history and helps us and our diverse cultures who we are today. TSG tells the story of our past, transcending gender, generational and individual differences, which is impossible for anything else. At its core, TSG is localized and regional and should be seen as the necessary counterpart to today’s globalized mass sports and culture, on par with language, music, literature, and architecture. TSG is an opportunity to enjoy diversity and community in an increasingly globalized world.
Traditional sports and competitions provide unique opportunities that conventional sports may not have. They are generally based on fun and participation rather than competition and connect more important things beyond sports and physical activities.
These two elements are very important in reaching people who may not participate in mainstream sports, especially in providing positive sports and physical activity experiences for children.
Why International Council of Traditional Sports and Games (ICTSG) hosted TSG on 14 August 2021?
The International Council of Traditional Sports and Games (ICTSG) is the official umbrella organization for all traditional sports and games and the organizer of traditional sports games and international sports-related associations. Hence, ICTSP declares 14, August as the international day of TSG.
The main objective is to help all relevant and interested governmental and non-governmental countries and regional and international organizations coordinate their efforts and capacities to provide guidance, advice, and sustain related initiatives and programs with tradition. Sports and games for policymakers, stakeholders, and other stakeholders.
The ICTSG’s initiative to organize TSG activities is part of the plan to protect and promote the TSG, which aims to ensure that traditional sports and games become an integral part of cultural development in a multi-level manner.
The mission of the ICTSG is to promote and develop TSG as a category distinct from modern sports and promote the understanding of TSG as a cultural identity and diversity.
Therefore, its main function is to prioritize promoting and raising awareness about the challenges and dilemmas that require decision-making, actions, and practical measures in different geographical, cultural, and educational contexts. In addition, it will help share TSG-related knowledge, knowledge, information, and data on different levels of incentives and regulatory needs or initiatives, thus helping to promote TSG development and promotion at the local, national, regional, and international levels.
The ICTSG is also committed to promoting and raising awareness of cultural diversity and respect for cultural identity in a globalized world where values, knowledge, skills and behaviors are constantly changing in the context of new problems and new challenges.
What are the aims of ICTSG by organizing TSG and declaring 14 August as the international day for celebrating TSG?
The Traditional Sports Games is one of the projects overseen by ICTSG. It is an initiative of the UNESCO Advisory Council and approved by UNESCO. These games will be the first of their kind while promoting tourism, local traditions, and the host country’s culture.
Anti-Doping in Traditional Sports
In today’s highly competitive sports environment, athletes and athlete support personnel are under increasing pressure to win at all costs. The ICTSG and the UNESCO Convention against Doping in Sport are committed to maintaining fair sports and protecting young people who participate in traditional sports from illegal drugs.
“International Traditional Sports Day” One of the most important events of the International Council of Traditional Sports and Games held in the month of August virtually. It was attended by more than 600 participants from 90 countries including Sports Ministers, government officials, representatives of UNESCO, Intergovernmental Committee for Physical Education and Sport (CIGEPS), Permanent Delegations, ILO, The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), Researcher, International Organizations, and Indigenous Groups around the world.
ICTSG and its Member States through their respective ministries after having Consultation Meetings agreed to enhance the diffusion of TSG knowledge and declared 14th August as “INTERNATIONAL TRADITIONAL SPORTS DAY”. In this regard, events held in every country under the umbrella of the Council to highlight and promote their local traditional sports and games and historical culture which was portrayed globally through the platform of ICTSG virtually due to Covid19 restrictions
ICTSG hosts the General Conference on Traditional Sports in virtually four sessions.
I)Ministerial Session
II) Ambassadors/NATCOM Session
III) Gender Equality and Women empowerment through TSG
IV)Revival & Development of TSG at the National level
Many prominent figures attended the meeting of the 4th Collective Consultation Meeting of TSG, Traditional Games and Sports (TSG) including UNESCO international experts, Marceline Dally, secretary of the International Convention against Doping in Sport, Khalil Khan President ICTSG, Shammi Rana Secretary-General ICTSG, Philipp Muller-Wirth Executive Officer for Sport and Youth Section Sector for Social and Human Sciences UNESCO, Rosa Rakotozafy, Chairperson Intergovernmental Committee for Physical Education and Sport (CIGEPS), Joel Bouzou, Ambassador-at-Large ICTSG, President and Founder of Peace and Sport, Valerio De Divitiis, Coordinator, Global Sports Programme of the United Nations of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), Viktoria Racheva Slavkova, Director of European Programs, Projects and International Cooperation, Ministry of Youth and Sports of Bulgaria, Mr. Giovanni Di Cola, Special Adviser Member Executive Board, PCTSG DDG/FOP of International Labor Organization (ILO), Mohammed Hamimaz, Sports Director of the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports of Morocco, Jamshidbek Khasanov, Head of Department, Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Uzbekistan, Destar Zeogar Wilson, Minister of Youth and Sports of Liberia, Richo Padhi Vice President Indian Olympic Association, Sarjit Singh Sekhon, Raj Rathore, Mr. Aman Kumar Sharma, Member Advisory Committee ICTSG, Prof Ravi Sahu, Harpal Singh, Parveen Garg, Tarsem Sharma.
My warmest greetings to the International Council of Traditional Sports and Games (ICTSG) celebrates International Traditional Sports and Games Day. This event is a testament to the noble advocacy of ICTSG and the whole of UNESCO to foster peace, openness, and unity among nations. Through the revival of traditional sports and games, we recognize the world’s unique and rich cultures while appreciating one’s own heritage. May this occasion inspire our people to embrace diversity and ignite a sense of pride in their culture. Through sportsmanship and camaraderie, we can develop an intercultural understanding that will further lead us towards greater harmony and progress. Let us also take this opportunity to promote gender equality and empowerment as well as inclusivity. I am hopeful that our unrelenting pursuit for world peace will lead to genuine and lasting progress within societies and nations. I wish you a meaningful the event said, ‘Rodrigo Roa Duterte the President of the Philippines’
Michael Wood, Minister of Transport, Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety, Deputy Leader of the House, New Zealand said,” I wanted to take this opportunity to say congratulations to the organizers of the International Traditional Sports and Games Day for putting together such a tremendous celebration of culture and sport. To see so many countries participate, you wouldn’t believe it is possible in times like these. This event offers a platform to audiences and stakeholders around the world who wish to participate in the day either physically or virtually. My best wishes for a wonderful day to the organizers and participants.”
I am happy to know that August 14th has been declared as the International traditional Sports and Games Day. This will provide an opportunity for all TSG stakeholders to organize physical and virtual activities,” said Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister, Government of India
The International Council of Traditional Sports and Games, or ICTSG, is the official umbrella organization for all traditional sports and indigenous games and organizers of traditional sports games and sport-related international associations. It also facilitates the understanding of TSG in terms of cultural identity and diversity. It gives exposure to opportunities that mainstream sports can’t provide, said “Shammi Rana Secretary General International Council of Traditional Sports and Games”
