Psychological Dimensions of Indian Traditional Game Players: A Conceptual Review

Abstract

Indian traditional games constitute an important component of the nation’s cultural and physical heritage. Beyond physical fitness, these games contribute significantly to the psychological development of players by fostering motivation, confidence, emotional stability, self-control, resilience, and social harmony. Indigenous games such as Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Mallakhamb, Kushti, Langdi, and various regional folk games evolved within community settings and were designed to promote holistic development rather than mere competitive success. The present paper adopts a subjective and conceptual approach to analyze the psychological characteristics commonly observed among Indian traditional game players. It examines how participation in traditional games influences achievement motivation, self-confidence, emotional regulation, aggression control, mental toughness, and social adjustment. The paper also discusses the cultural foundations of these psychological traits and highlights the relevance of indigenous games in contemporary physical education and mental health promotion. It concludes that Indian traditional games offer a culturally rooted, inclusive, and psychologically enriching medium for holistic development and deserve systematic integration into educational and sports programmes.