Meerut: The Chaudhary Charan Singh University (CCSU) in Meerut is set to introduce games like ‘gilli danda’, marbles and ‘stapoo’ (hopscotch) for students of Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education in the new academic session.
A new subject, ‘The Traditional Games of India’ will have these games under the BA (Physical Education) degree. The traditional games are being revived in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the university said.
Currently, the students of Physical Education are imparted training in up to 25 games like volleyball, wrestling, swimming, cricket and basketball.
Assistant Professor at the Physical Education Department at CCSU, KK Pandey said that it’s an attempt to give recognition to these games. “This will provide recognition to games that we all loved as children but which are now getting lost. With the new subject, our students and future physical training instructors (PTIs) will be equipped to train school children in such games,” Professor Pandey was quoted as saying by news agency IANS.
“One of the games that will be taught in the course is called ‘kai danda’ which is generally played in west Uttar Pradesh and is known as ‘aam dali’ in Madhya Pradesh. It prompts children to climb a mango tree while one player chases and catches them. This game not only strengthens muscles in a child but also helps them to concentrate. Marbles also enhance focus while making a child do squats. We hope that the introduction of these games in CCSU will go a long way in their revival and practical application,” he added.
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