The Chonnam Tribune features this section to share the voices of foreign students at Chonnam National University. For this issue, we interviewed three students about traditional games in their countries. This gives readers the opportunity to share the voices of and learn from those who have experienced things that most other readers have not. – Ed

What is the most popular traditional game in your country?

India is huge. There are many traditional games that are very popular, but I think kabaddi is the most popular. Kabaddi is mostly played in high schools, and they have competitions for students around 11 to 17 years old. In Kabaddi, an attacker needs to touch a defender and return to their area to win. It’s a very energetic and tough game that requires a whole field to play in.

Can you share a special memory of playing a traditional game in your country?

I have a memory about sagargote. Sagargote is one of the very old traditional games and is popular among girls and women. You play it with five stones or pebbles of the same size. When I was young, I used to visit my grandma’s house a lot. There, on some holidays, my grandma used to play it with me. She taught me how to play, but I could never beat her.

Do people still enjoy playing traditional games?

Yes, but not as much as in the past. Since I live in the city, I don’t have the right environment to play most of these games. Sagragote is mostly played indoors, yet I still don’t play as much as I used to. There’s also game called marbles — I don’t think anyone plays it in the city these days. It requires soft ground to make a small pit. So, people might still play these games in villages. 

By Kim Ye-Ji, Reporter