Ethnosports 2027 has been introduced as a new international multi-sport organisation, with a focus on traditional sports and the cultures they come from. The organisation was formally announced at the 8th Ethnosport Forum, held in Antalya from 3 to 5 April 2026.

The centrepiece of the initiative is a rotating global event that brings athletes from different nations together to compete in traditional disciplines. The host country changes with each edition, which distributes the event across different regions and gives a wider range of nations a direct role in running it.

At the Forum in Antalya, organisers presented the plan in full for the first time. The framework outlines how the competition will be structured, how nations can participate, and how the organisation intends to build international recognition for traditional sports through regular, hosted competition.

A new global cycle for traditional sports

Designed to operate on a four-year cycle, Ethnosports 2027 will be hosted by a different country each time, ensuring global participation and cultural diversity at its core. This structure reflects a commitment to inclusivity and continuity, creating a sustainable international calendar dedicated exclusively to traditional sports.

The initiative aims to elevate traditional sports beyond local boundaries, transforming them into a globally recognised and respected field. By creating a unified platform, Ethnosports 2027 will strengthen the visibility of cultural heritage while fostering meaningful connections between nations.

“Ethnosports 2027 represents a historic turning point. It will carry traditional sports beyond their local contexts and establish them as a respected global movement with shared values and standards,” said Necmeddin Bilal Erdoğan, President for World Ethnosport Confederation. “This initiative marks the beginning of a concrete and coordinated international effort. We must urgently move from dialogue to action.”

Global participation signals strong momentum

The 8th Ethnosport Forum in Antalya brought together participants from 60 countries, including 14 sports ministers, alongside international sports leaders, government representatives and cultural heritage ambassadors. While the Forum itself served as a platform for dialogue, its most lasting impact lies in the introduction of Ethnosports 2027 as a unifying global project.

This broad international participation reflects growing recognition of traditional sports as a powerful vehicle for cultural preservation and global cooperation. Ethnosports 2027 builds on this momentum by offering a structured and recurring platform where these values can be realised at scale.

Erdoğan underscored the deeper mission behind the initiative: “Traditional sports are not only physical activities. They are living expressions of identity, history and shared human values. Through Ethnosports 2027, we are creating a space where these values can thrive together on a global level. It will soon become a global brand in traditional sports.”

A shared global story for the future

Ethnosports 2027 is positioned as more than a sporting event, it is a collaborative global journey. By bringing together diverse cultures under a common vision, the initiative aims to strengthen dialogue, mutual understanding and long-term partnerships across regions.

As preparations begin for its first edition, the call for international cooperation continues to grow stronger. Countries, institutions and communities are invited to contribute to shaping a shared future rooted in cultural heritage and collective progress.