Master Bhupendra Kumar Bharat Elected President; International Leadership Team Unanimously Chosen to Strengthen Traditional Sports and Games...
Master Bhupendra Kumar Bharat Elected President; International Leadership Team Unanimously Chosen to Strengthen Traditional Sports and Games Worldwide
Chandigarh, India | 25 October 2026
The Asian Traditional Sports and Games Association (ATSGA) successfully organized its General Assembly and Election on 25 October 2026, coinciding with United Nations Day. The assembly, conducted in virtual mode in association with the proceedings listed at the Directorate of Sports, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India, culminated in the unanimous election of a new Executive Council for the 2026–2030 term.
The newly elected leadership brings together distinguished sports administrators, federation leaders, academics, and advocates of indigenous and traditional sports from India, Iran, the Philippines, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. The new council is expected to strengthen international cooperation, preserve cultural sporting heritage, and promote traditional sports and games as instruments of peace, inclusion, cultural exchange, and sustainable development.
Master Bhupendra Kumar Bharat Elected President
Master Bhupendra Kumar Bharat, President of the Mallyuddha India Federation and the International Federation of Mallyuddha, India, has been unanimously elected as President of ATSGA for the 2026–2030 term.
His election marks an important opportunity to advance the association's international engagement and build stronger partnerships among national federations, traditional sports organizations, and stakeholders committed to safeguarding indigenous sporting traditions.
Newly Elected ATSGA Executive Council 2026–2030
The following office-bearers and council members were unanimously elected as per the official nominations:
- President: Master Bhupendra Kumar Bharat — India
- Vice President: Dr. Gholamreza Jafari — Iran
- Vice President: GM Hari Osias Catolos Banang — Philippines
- Secretary General: Mr. Tariq Javed Ali — Pakistan
- Joint Secretary: Mr. Faiz Ahmed — Bangladesh
- Treasurer: Mrs. Soni Bharat — India
- Council Member: Master Mir Nazir — India
- Council Member: Dr. Rakesh Malik — India
- Council Member: Mr. Amith Bandara — Sri Lanka
The election proceedings were overseen by Mr. Neeraj Kumar Mehra, Council Member of the International Traditional Sports and Games Association (ITSGA), who served as Election Officer.
A New Chapter for Traditional Sports Diplomacy
The formation of the new Executive Council represents a renewed commitment to promoting traditional sports and games across Asia and strengthening collaboration with international organizations.
Under the new leadership, ATSGA aims to encourage the development of national and regional federations, facilitate international festivals and competitions, support knowledge-sharing among traditional sports practitioners, and raise awareness of the cultural and educational value of indigenous games.
Traditional sports are living expressions of community identity, history, discipline, and shared cultural values. By bringing countries and sporting communities together, ATSGA seeks to create greater opportunities for intercultural dialogue, youth participation, international friendship, and the preservation of traditional sporting heritage for future generations.
The association's work also aligns with the broader spirit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those relating to quality education, good health and well-being, reduced inequalities, and partnerships for sustainable development.
Commitment to International Cooperation
The unanimous election of the Executive Council reflects a collective commitment among the nominated leaders to work together for the growth and recognition of traditional sports and games.
The new leadership will focus on strengthening institutional cooperation, expanding international participation, supporting member organizations, and creating meaningful opportunities for traditional sports to receive greater recognition at national, continental, and global levels.
With representation from several Asian countries, the Executive Council for 2026–2030 is positioned to foster stronger cross-border partnerships and promote traditional sports as a bridge between cultures and generations.
Looking Ahead: ATSGA 2026–2030
The next four years will be an important period for the association as it works to expand its reach, support traditional sports organizations, and promote the exchange of sporting knowledge and cultural traditions.
The newly elected council is expected to build on the association's mission of protecting, developing, and promoting traditional sports and games while strengthening their contribution to international friendship and cultural understanding.
The Asian Traditional Sports and Games Association congratulates all newly elected office-bearers and Executive Council members and looks forward to a successful, inclusive, and impactful term from 2026 to 2030.
Official Website: www.atsga.org
Email: info.atsga@gmail.com
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