Second National Cultural Pythian Games Concludes in Bengaluru

Bengaluru recently hosted the vibrant Second National Cultural Pythian Games at the Bengaluru City University, organized by Push Sports. Over three lively days, the university campus transformed into a festival ground. Students were seen enjoying themselves around the stages, artists practiced their performances in the corners, while an excited crowd moved between various events. This year’s games witnessed over 2,000 participants from 10 states and union territories, all eager to showcase their unique dance, music, and cultural traditions.

The revival of the Pythian Games in India is spearheaded by Mr. Bijender Goel, the founder of the International Pythian Games. He aims to elevate art and sports on both national and global platforms. During the closing ceremony, he highlighted how the Bengaluru edition symbolizes a significant step in India’s cultural journey. According to Mr. Goel, “The Pythian movement is all about creating bridges, not boundaries.” He also shared exciting plans for the upcoming Youth Pythian Games scheduled for 2026 in collaboration with Russia, along with India hosting its first International Pythian Games in 2027.

One of the most delightful parts of this year’s event was the introduction of a national-level Pittu (Seven Stones) competition. This childhood game triggered a wave of nostalgia among the audience, as many recognized it instantly. The atmosphere shifted dramatically as spectators joined in the cheers, creating a sense of familiarity and joy. In the boys’ category, Madhya Pradesh emerged victorious with a Gold medal, while they also secured the Silver. Odisha claimed the Bronze. In the girls’ category, Madhya Pradesh again took home Gold, followed by Odisha with Silver and Rajasthan with Bronze.

At one moment, even Mr. Bijender Goel, along with Mrs. Lalitha Goel and Shri B. H. Anil Kumar (the Chairperson), joined in the fun, trying their hands at striking the stone pile. Their attempt drew laughter and applause from the audience, reinforcing the idea that cultural memories thrive not just in grand performances but also in simple, joyous games played during childhood.

The final day was filled with remarkable performances and awards across several categories. In the Sub-Junior Dance Solo category, Delhi’s Pavika Kumar clinched Gold, marking her impressive third consecutive victory at the National Pythian Games. She was followed closely by Maya Krishna from Karnataka, who won Silver, while the Bronze was shared between Nikitha S and Tashya B.K., both from Karnataka.

In the Junior Group Dance competition, the Laya Dhwani Academy from Karnataka took home Gold, while Silver went to the Sheffield Stars from Uttarakhand. The Harshit Naik Group from Karnataka was awarded Bronze. The stage was alive with a diverse mix of traditional dance forms, including Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and folk dances from Uttarakhand—each performance resonating with the unique rhythms and styles of their respective regions.

Sambo wrestling also featured prominently during the games. In the boys (18-20 years) 71 kg category, B Sri Kali Saran from Tamil Nadu won Gold, while A M Omkar from Karnataka took Silver. In the boys (under 24) 58 kg category, R Balaji Naik from Andhra Pradesh won Gold, and Kishore Kumar from Tamil Nadu secured Silver. In the girls (14-16 years) 44 kg category, P Sri Dharanisha from Tamil Nadu bagged Gold, and S. Sana from Andhra Pradesh earned Silver, while in the girls (8-9 years) 34 kg category, S Nithila and A Riya Sri from Tamil Nadu won Gold and Silver, respectively.

Mr. B.H. Anil Kumar, a retired IAS officer, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all participants, artists, and organizers during his speech at the closing ceremony. He remarked, “As we conclude the Second National Cultural Pythian Games, we have witnessed India’s cultural brilliance in its purest form. May this spirit of creativity, unity, and excellence continue to inspire us long after the games are over.”

Mr. Gunaranjan Shetty, President of the Karnataka Wrestling Association, also attended the ceremony and congratulated all participants. He emphasized Karnataka’s rich tradition of nurturing both artistic and athletic talents, highlighting the state’s commitment to supporting diverse cultural expressions.

The festival was meticulously organized by a dedicated team led by Shri B. H. Anil Kumar (Chairperson), Mr. Shantanu Agrahari (IAS, President, PCI), Mrs. Sneha Venkataramani (Organizing Secretary), and Mr. S. Siva Kumar (Secretary General). Their hard work ensured the event ran smoothly and that both artists and visitors received ample support throughout.

As the National Cultural Pythian Games concluded, it added another vibrant chapter to Bengaluru’s identity—a city where traditional culture meets contemporary expressions. The Pythian Games left behind an important message: traditions thrive when they are actively shared, practiced, and passed on to the younger generations.

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Original Text – https://www.deccanchronicle.com/sports/motor-sports/the-national-cultural-pythian-games-2025-concluded-in-bengaluru-1916550