Ankara: The organization has announced plans for "Ethnosports 2027," aiming to establish the event as the Olympics of traditional sports. World Ethnosport Union President Bilal Erdogan highlighted the significance of using sports to transmit culture across generations, emphasizing that while modernity and popular culture pose challenges, there remains a strong yearning for tradition.

According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan, speaking at the Anadolu Sports Desk, underscored the importance of instilling traditional sports in today's youth as a means to connect them with their cultural heritage. He expressed that the goal is not merely to revive traditional sports but to embed a sense of cultural identity and continuity in young people. He also drew attention to the situation of children in Gaza, highlighting the need to remember those who cannot enjoy sports due to adverse circumstances.

Erdogan shared insights from research conducted in Trkiye, revealing that half of the young population is not actively participating in sports. He suggested that traditional sports could serve as a gateway to re-engage those who have lost interest in sports or never participated in them.

In addition to discussing traditional sports, Erdogan commented on Fenerbahce, his favorite football team. He noted the team's strong performance, placing second, and the narrow margin by which they missed the championship. Erdogan stressed the need to address factors affecting player morale, as a single match could impact the outcome of a championship. He called for a peaceful environment within the club, emphasizing the collective tension among fans, management, and players.

Erdogan also mentioned the upcoming 8th edition of the Ethnosport Culture Festival, scheduled to take place at Istanbul Atatrk Airport from May 21-24. He described it as an opportunity for countries striving to preserve their cultural identities through sports.