
These games used to be a leisure activity and were a way of socialization in Balochi society. Children, youths, middle aged men and seniors had their own games to sit together and wear off the day’s tiredness by healthy socialization in Makran and Turbat regions.
Nogadagi was the game of middle-aged men and senior citizens. It is a test of intelligence and strategic planning. It requires 9 stones to play and resembles Shatranj or the game of Chess.
Nogadagi

Gabdi, a very energetic Balochi local game, played with one foot, is also at the risk of extinction. It used to be played by both boys and girls. A very healthy and enjoyable game, Gabdi is fast heading towards an end and today youth knows little about it.

Talking to Pak Voices Sheran Roshan, a retired Army officer from Oman and a resident of Turbat district said, “Until these traditional Balochi games existed, we had a liberal and healthy society in entire Makran region, where every individual of the society was loved and respected. As soon as these games declined, our society became intolerant and people got confined to their homes
Cherbohi

The traditional games have never been promoted by local, provincial or central governments. It would have been different if these games were recognized and promoted as our traditional heritage games.
Yousuf Haibathan, a farmer aged 60, talking to Pak Voices, said, “When I was small I would play Gabdi with other children of my village. When I grew up I used to play Choki. When I turned 40 plus I started playing Nogadagi along with my other friends and relatives. By playing such kind of games, we not only shared a friendly bond but also had a healthy society.”
He added, “Whereas children of today are not healthy because they tend to sit most of their precious time in front of the TV and smartphones. They have simply stopped playing healthy games.”
Many local people have demanded that these games be promoted and encouraged at schools and colleges. Competitions and contests at the Tehsil and district levels can bring these games back into society and engage the youth in healthy activities.