Rural Olympics: History, Format, Events

The Qila Raipur festival has played its part in keeping the sports fervour running in Punjab and is held in February every year.

The Rural Olympics is held every year at Qila Raipur in February [Credits: @IndianDiplomacy/Twitter]
By Mario Fernandes | Aug 31, 2022 | 2 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

The Qila Raipur festival has played its part in keeping the sports fervour running in Punjab and has become one of the most renowned state festivals in India. Since its inception, the competition has grown considerably and has a huge number of participants every year.

The Qila Raipur sports festival completes with loud Punjabi music and zestful crowds. Qila Raipur sports festival celebrated its 86th edition in February 2022 with pride. The Rural Olympics is the indigenous sport of India.

Rural Olympics: History

The rural Olympics or Qila Raipur Festival was invented by Inderjeet Singh Grewal. It began in 1933 with the idea of improving the quality of sport in the village and nearby areas. The venue for the festival is often a local sports stadium in the village of Qila Raipur. The event is mostly held in February and has developed tremendously in the last few decades.

Rural Olympics: Events

The events include 100m, 200m, 400m, shot put, kabaddi and hockey. However, there are other unconventional sports that also are part of the Olympics. Examples of these can be mule races, tug of war, horse races and several others. There is also a competition for national sport hockey for women and children in various age categories. Some of the other events include:

Bullock cart racing

Bullock cart racing was banned in 2014 when the Supreme Court declared it as abnormal for the animals. However, the sport existed for decades before with a huge livestock population in the Ludhiana district in Punjab, India.

Plough holding with teeth

The sport includes balancing a plough while holding it in one’s mouth and standing on one foot. Bad injuries are possible and it is a very challenging and dangerous sport, which is undertaken by very few people.

Tirinjen

Tirinjen is mostly a competition for singing. The competitors are expected to spin a wheel and sing songs based on the emotion that is given to them. The best response is declared the winner.

Rasha Kashi

Tug of War or Rasha Kashi is a very challenging sport, which pushes competitors to the limit. The sport includes massive strength and endurance, while also participating in a group environment. The competition is very fierce and is decided by the finest of margins.