Indigenous and Traditional Sports of Singapore

Indigenous And Traditional Sports Of Singapore

Traditional games are a significant part of Singapore's cultural heritage. They reflect the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the forefathers in creating their own games by using inexpensive materials for their pastimes and recreation.

With modernisation, Singapore has lost some of her socio-cultural heritage. Economic, social and environmental changes such as the disappearance of close-knit kampongs and villages have led to the demise of some of her traditional games. Though simple, these games have cultural and social value. They encourage children to exercise their ingenuity and help develop their social skills, especially in fostering team spirit in school and in the neighbourhood.

Most indigenous games of Singapore are also played in the Southeast Asian region. Games like "congkak", "capteh", "gasing", sepak raga/takraw and others are played in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines, although the versions may vary. Games such as "Main Lereng" and "Bola Tin" are two other popular games invented by local children in the post-war era. Some of these indigenous games are still played in some households, today.