The long lost games of childhood

There was a time when we as children came running home after the bell goes off at school, in the evening. As soon as we reach we fill our tummy with tea and snack which is already ready. So after a shower and tea comes our playtime at the playground.

The very next moment after having tea we along with other friends ran towards the playground. A ground surrounded with lush green grass and sand mud in the centre. So while playing even if you fall you are on the safe side. You can see a cluster of children over there after school hours. The few things that we used to carry with us for playing are skipping rope, rings made of hard rubber, then kites for flying in air, gilli danda, goli (colourful round marbles). Kho kho was also an interesting sport.

To recollect these memories let me elaborate a little about this one time famous games.

Kho-kho - It is told that this game has been originated from India. So let me take the credibility to explain the game. This game was quite common in my school days but rarely to been seen now.

There are 2 teams with equal number of players to play on either side, probably within 10 players. One team will kneel and sit in a line, with alternate players facing the opposite side. They will sit with a gap say 10cm. each. Just one of the player will stand to start the game ie., to chase the defender.

Now from the other team, one person will come forward to play as defender. Once the whistle is blown, the person standing will chasethe defender. The defender is allowed to run inbetween the gaps but the chaser should take only the full round but if he want, he just can pat on one of them sitting saying "kho" and should sit to replace the chaser. Now its the turn of other person to chase the defender.

Not sure how much you understood, the fun of this game is understood only when playing.

Kite flying game - A favourite past time was kite flying irrespective of age. We play this mostly during vacation. We make our own kite with the help of paper, stick, a bundle of thread etc Now I see this being played in beaches by children. In our time it was not a paid one as of now. We used to take the initiative to make one for ourself. It was such fun. Care should be taken to use only threads rather than metallic wires due to electricity line running from one corner to another.

Skipping rope- It is a long rope also called as rope jumping by children and adults, probably 2 mts. in length, with two wooden handles on either side of the rope. Skipping helps to burn calories and medically it has proven to benefit peoples suffering from cardiovascular disease. It has also proven to boost energy for people suffering from depression and anxiety.

At present it is considered more active as an exercise stuff, in the field of sports, where most participants involved in field tracks make use of it.

During my schooling, this was listed as one of the main sport for sports competition. Now also people perform this sport but with less intensity.

Rings, also called as Tennikoit - It is in small circular shape made of rubber. But the rubber is so hard. So it doesn't tear very fast. Minimum you need two of them to exchange the rings and play. Usually played by girls during physical education period in our school. If either of them drops then you are out of the game. The energy you get while playing this game is unbeatable. You get more stamina and positive energy. Such games are far better than anyother activity to boost yourself.

Gilli Danda - A popular game during my time in 80's and 90's. It is played with two sticks, usually they prefer bamboo sticks so that it doesn't break. One is a long striaght stick about 8 to 10 cm. And another a short stick probably oval shaped around 3 cm.

How do you play with this should be your question. It is the same way you play cricket but here one person has to perform this act. Keeping the small stick right infront of him and then kicking it with the big stick to the maximum distance. Each of them take turns and whosoever hits it afar, he is the winner. These are usually played by boys. Passersby are careful while walking or cycling when the game is played away from grounds. Now such games are no where to be seen.

Goli - (round glass marbles in the shape of balls) The size of it is hardly one to two centimeter. So that you just can catch it within your Thumb and Index finger. It ia available in different attractive colours. The smalls kids might mistake it for candies.

How do you play - With the help of one marble you target other marbles. You hit with the help of your thumb nail. If the target is achieved you win. Infact this types of games improves your patience and concentration. As these are popularly played by village kids, they went unnoticed as these kids can be sharp shooters for shooting events in sports.

These are remarkable sports that creates history and can never be erased. Detailsi and pictures of all these games are available in Wikipedia for your referral.