A resident of K K Nagar, V Balambal, participated at the Nomad games festival held at Riyadh, from 9 to 19 March.
Boxing, wrestling, archery, horse race and intellectual games like Oware (Warri) and Toguzkumalak (Pallankuzhi) were part of the festival.
“I used to participate in traditional games worldwide and through friends circle, I was invited to Riyadh. All my expenses were met by the organisers of the festival in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said Balambal, retired History professor from University of Madras.
“We all (participants) went to the Nomad Universe created in the desert area with tents to play games in the afternoon. Participants from 60 countries took part in the competitions. I participated in two intellectual games and played many rounds winning and losing,” she said.
“I was given an opportunity to speak on Pallankuzhi. They all liked it. I showed my book on Folkgames of Tamilnadu. I learnt three new games played in the African and Russian countries. It was very challenging,” said Balambal, the only participant from India.
“Every day, there were many cultural programmes and we enjoyed traditional dances and music,” she said. At the end of the competitions, certificates were given to all the participants and awards to winners.
Balambal resides at No 159, 94th Street, 15th Sector, K K Nagar.
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