Effect of Indigenous Game on Selected Physical Psychological Variables of University Students

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the impact of indigenous games on selected physical and psychological variables among university students. Background: Indigenous games have long been woven into the cultural fabric of Indian society, functioning as tools for physical fitness, cultural expression, and social interaction. Despite their relevance, their potential influence on contemporary student development in higher education remains underexplored. Material and Methods: Twenty-eight postgraduate students (aged 22–27 years) from the Central University of Punjab were recruited using purposive random sampling. Participants were divided into an experimental group (n = 14) and a control group (n = 14). The experimental group engaged in an 8-week structured indigenous games program featuring Pithu, Gilli Danda, Stapoo, Dog and the Bone, Kancha, and Buroinjin, while the control group received no intervention. Pre- and post-test data were collected using standardized assessment tools. Data analysis employed the Shapiro–Wilk test, Levene’s test, and ANCOVA at a 0.05 significance level. Results: The experimental group showed significant improvements in agility, balance, eye–hand coordination, and attention compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Effect sizes ranged from 0.79 to 0.91, indicating large and practically meaningful effects. Conclusion: Participation in indigenous games led to substantial gains in both physical and psychological parameters among university students. These findings highlight the effectiveness of indigenous games as culturally relevant, cost-efficient, and engaging alternatives to conventional training approaches in higher education.