Tribal Village Football in Jharkhand Marries FIFA Rules to Ho Tradition

Sixty-four villages competed in Tirilbasa, Jharkhand, July 14–17 under FIFA rules with state-certified referees. Winners received cash and castrated male goats — a prize rooted in Ho community traditions of sacrificial feasting. An 18-year-old helped organize this fifth edition, timed to the World Cup. Champions planned a communal "khassi picnic" to celebrate.