Antalya to host Ethnosport Forum with focus on traditional sports

The World Ethnosport Union is set to host its 8th Ethnosport Forum in Antalya, Türkiye’s Mediterranean coastal city, from April 3 to 5. The three-day gathering will draw participants from 29 countries and focus on shaping the future of traditional sports while strengthening international cooperation. With just five days remaining until the event, organizers have emphasized that sustainability in ethnosports and the promotion of values such as tradition, solidarity, respect, and peace will be central themes.

Building on a global mission

Since its establishment, the World Ethnosport Union has worked to preserve traditional sports and games while fostering intercultural dialogue and raising awareness in the field. The forum will bring together academics, federation representatives, and researchers to discuss short-, medium-, and long-term strategies for advancing these goals. Panel sessions will cover international cooperation, financial sustainability, and media strategies, alongside proposals to make traditional sports awards more accessible to broader audiences.

Planning for Ethnosports 2027

A significant portion of the forum will be dedicated to the planned Ethnosports 2027 event. Experts will evaluate its vision, organizational framework, international participation strategies, sponsorship models, and media planning. Representatives from 50 institutional members across 29 countries affiliated with the union are expected to attend, along with government officials, federation representatives, and researchers.

Opening remarks and ministerial panel

World Ethnosport Union President Necmeddin Bilal Erdoğan will deliver the opening address, followed by a ministerial panel featuring senior government officials. Organizers have stated that the forum’s sessions will help shape the future of traditional sports and serve as a foundational step in preparations for Ethnosports 2027.