World Ethnosport Union announces 2027 'Olympics' of traditional sports

World Ethnosport Union President Bilal Erdogan unveiled on Saturday ambitious plans for "Ethnosports 2027" — an event envisioned as the Olympics of traditional sports — during a live broadcast of Anadolu Agency's Sports Desk in Istanbul, emphasizing the initiative represents a strategic expansion of the organization's global goals.

Bridging tradition and modernity

Erdogan stated that athletics serve as a vital mechanism for transmitting culture across generations, arguing that contemporary society retains a deep yearning for traditional values despite modernity's relentless pressures. "The point isn't to revive our traditional sports to their former glory," he said, adding that the goal is to plant seeds connecting historical spirit with present capabilities while fostering identity among youth. He also urged festival attendees to remember children in Gaza who cannot play peacefully with their families amid ongoing conflict.

Reaching disconnected youth

Research conducted by the union indicates that half of young people in Türkiye do not engage in sports activities. Erdogan believes traditional athletics can bridge this gap by attracting those disconnected from mainstream offerings through culturally resonant alternatives. The organization will showcase these efforts during the 8th Ethnosport Culture Festival, scheduled to run from May 21–24 at Istanbul Atatürk Airport — an event he described as crucial for nations struggling to preserve their distinctive cultural heritage against globalization's homogenizing effects.

Football commentary

While identifying mounted archery as his favorite spectator sport, Erdogan admitted he would choose football if playing himself, identifying publicly as a dedicated supporter of Fenerbahce. He noted the Istanbul club currently sits in second place and has accumulated substantial points throughout the season, yet remains narrowly excluded from championship contention due to morale issues visibly affecting player performance. "Ultimately, a footballer can lose the championship because of their morale in a single match," he said, stressing that persistent tension among fans, management, and players demands immediate resolution to restore peace within the club.