8th Ethnosport Forum to gather traditional sports leaders in Antalya

2026-03-24 - 22:00

The World Ethnosport Union will host its 8th Ethnosport Forum in Türkiye's Mediterranean city of Antalya from April 3 to 5, bringing together experts and officials from 29 countries to discuss strategies for preserving traditional sports and enhancing global cooperation. Strategic focus The forum will address key issues surrounding the sustainability of ethnosports, with the organization seeking to strengthen international collaboration grounded in tradition, respect, solidarity and peace. Academics, federation representatives and researchers will evaluate topics including international cooperation opportunities, financial sustainability and media strategies. Proposals for expanding access to traditional sports and games awards will also be on the agenda. Ethnosports 2027 preparations A central theme of the forum will be planning for "Ethnosports 2027," an internationally planned multi-sport event. Experts will assess the vision, organizational structure, international participation strategies, sponsorship models and media planning for the upcoming gathering. The forum aims to serve as a launching point for the 2027 process. Wide participation The event is expected to draw representatives from 50 institutional members across 29 countries affiliated with the World Ethnosport Union, alongside government officials, federation representatives, academics and researchers. World Ethnosport Union President Necmeddin Bilal Erdoğan will deliver the opening address, followed by a ministerial panel with senior government officials. Over two days of sessions and panels, the forum is planned to illuminate the future of traditional sports.