Dhopkhel

Dhopkhel is played by both men and women mostly by Assamians.

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 eleven member teams 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

1. "Traditional Sports in India". Retrieved February 28, 2013.
2. "Rare dhop khel organized at Jamugurihat". Assam Tribune. April 25, 2008.
3. Das, Gaurav (Apr 20, 2012). "Kids, adults now game for traditional Assamese sports". Times of India. Retrieved February 28, 2013.