The Pythian Games are set to make a grand comeback as India prepares to host the inaugural Pythian Games Festival in 2023. This marks a spectacular revival, promising a dazzling celebration of athletic and cultural excellence. Following a hiatus lasting 1630 years, the ancient Pythian Games are poised to make a spectacular return in the contemporary world.
The International Pythian Council takes pride in declaring the revival of this historic event, rebranded as the Modern Pythian Games, set to unfold in the dynamic city of New Delhi from December 19-21. The Games will be conducted under the thematic umbrella of the "First Pythian Games Festival 2023," presenting a distinctive fusion of arts, culture, traditional games, and sports.
Mrs. Meenakshi Lekhi, the Hon’ble Union Minister of State for External and Cultural Affairs, Government of India, will preside over the inaugural ceremony of the first Pythian Games Festival 2023. Doordarshan has diligently organized live telecast coverage of the opening ceremony for viewers to witness the grand event.
New Delhi is set to host a gathering of over 5,000 artists and players from across the globe who will engage in a diverse array of events. These include music, dance, painting, poetry, photography, comedy, martial arts such as taekwondo, karate, Muaythai, Bagatur, and Shastrang. Additionally, traditional games like Mallkhambh, Indiaca, fientball, yoga sports, musical chair, tug of war, throwball, and the Pythian Pan Hellenic Marathon covering 3000 meters will be featured in this grand spectacle.
Mr. Bijender Goel, the Founder of Modern Pythian Games, Managing Trustee - Delphic India Trust, Founding Secretary General - International Pythian Council, expressed his excitement, stating, "The upcoming Pythian Games Festival 2023 is a historic moment and the world's first physical event of its kind. The concept of Modern Pythian Games, introduced last year at the Delphi Economic Forum in Greece, will materialize at this event, similar to how the Olympics took shape after 1894. It will serve as a global online and physical platform for artists and players to compete and showcase their talents. We are eagerly anticipating the establishment of global Pythian Peace and Cultural Awards in the future, inspired by the 2600 years Delphi Peace Accord."
He added, "Reviving a tradition dating back centuries is a testament to our commitment to uniting nations through arts, cultures, and traditional games."
Mr. BH Anil Kumar, IAS, President of the Pythian Council of India, highlighted the growing global support for Pythian Games, stating, "It is not only a celebration of talent but also a platform for fostering international cooperation and understanding."
He also quoted the recent statement of the Minister Counsellor, Embassy of Greece in India, praising the significance of Modern Pythian Games and India's rich tapestry of art, culture, and sports. "India has the inherent ability to champion unity, peace, harmony, and co-existence on the world stage under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi."
Mr. Vishnu Kumar Sharma, IPS, President - Pythian Council of Delhi, described the festival as "a unique blend of tradition and modernity, bringing together diverse categories from Musical Arts to Virtual Arts. It's an opportunity for Delhi to showcase its rich cultural heritage on the global stage and appeals to the youth of Delhi for more support and increased participation."