Traditional & Folk sports
Folk and regional games still played today, from Kho Kho to Calcio Storico.
1914 (RULES) · SOUTH ASIA · TAG & CHASE
Kho Kho
A chase game from Maharashtra, India: nine chasers sit in a line facing alternate ways, and only one may run at a time. The chase passes with a tap on the back and the call "kho!".
ANCIENT (FOLK) · SOUTH ASIA · TAG & CHASE
Kabaddi
A raider crosses into the opponents' half, tags as many defenders as possible and returns — while the defenders try to hold them down. No ball, no equipment: just breath, speed and grip.
CENTURIES OLD · SOUTHEAST ASIA · BALL
Sepak Takraw
Volleyball played with feet, knees, chest and head over a badminton-height net. Three per side, a woven ball, and no hands allowed.
How we date these: earliest physical or written evidence, not legend. Each page lists its sources.