Dhopkhel
Dhopkhel, also transliterated dhop khel and dhoop khel (Assamese: ঢোপখেল), is a traditional ball game played in the Indian state of Assam. The game is played between two teams of 11 on a 125 m × 80 m field bounded by four flags. The players take turns throwing the ball at the opponent to knock them out of the game, while seeking to catch the ball and evade other players. It is a test of speed, stamina, and acrobatic skills.[1]
Matches of the game were traditionally made to observe the spring and New Year festival of Bihu.[2] The game was once played to amuse Ahom royalty as a spectator sport. It is no longer widely played in Assam, though efforts are being made to revive it.[3]
References
- ^ "Traditional Sports in India". Retrieved 28 February 2013.
- ^ "Rare dhop khel organized at Jamugurihat". Assam Tribune. 25 April 2008.
- ^ Das, Gaurav (20 April 2012). "Kids, adults now game for traditional Assamese sports". The Times of India. Retrieved 28 February 2013.