Preserving Cultural Heritage through Indigenous Games: A Conceptual Review

Indigenous (or orally transmitted, community-based) forms of physical games are an unexplored part of the intangible cultural heritage, but play an essential role in preserving cultural continuity. This review synthesises existing literature on indigenous games as a cultural continuity medium from the perspective of game theory, the physical literacy framework and UNESCO intangible heritage approach, and empirical research from India and the world in three main areas: digital and gamified approaches to heritage preservation, and the pedagogical and policy integration of indigenous games in school physical education (with particular reference to the Indian Knowledge Systems Initiative). The review also examines the tension between conservation and adaptation, arguing that the process of conservation itself changes traditions. The review concluded by identifying gaps in the literature (in particular the lack of longitudinal, cross-regional and classroom implementation studies on how indigenous games are taught) and by proposing avenues for future research linking PE teaching, sport science and indigenous knowledge systems to inform curricula and future intervention studies in school PE.