Madrid: A video has gone viral on social media over the past two days claiming that a traditional game called Billarda is being played in Spain through an organized tournament. However, the moment one of the participants placed his wooden stick on the ground, it became obvious that the game closely resembles India’s ancient Gilli Danda, a sport that generations of Indians have enjoyed during their childhood.
गिल्ली डंडा हमारा पारंपरिक खेल है,लेकिन कोई नहीं खेलता है…उधर स्पेन में स्टेडियम में प्रतियोगिता शुरू हो चुकी है… pic.twitter.com/MDxWh6OQcx
— yogeshh sharma.. (@yogeshsh2135) July 9, 2026
Last month, when the Liga Galega de Billarda championship began in Spain, it received widespread attention on X and other social media platforms. Many posts created the impression that Billarda was a traditional Spanish game. The sport is also played in Germany and several other European countries. Some foreign users even commented that India has a similar game called Gilli Danda. In fact, India has had a Gilli Danda International organization for many years.
History, Rules and Benefits of Gilli Danda
Indian sports enthusiasts were quick to point out that Gilli Danda actually originated in India and later became popular in Spain under the name Billarda. It is believed that the game has been played in India for nearly 2,500 years, dating back to the Mauryan Empire.
The game is usually played with a stick measuring 18 to 24 inches and a small wooden gilli measuring 3 to 6 inches. It is commonly played in open grounds or streets. The gilli is placed on a small pit or a stone, and the player strikes one end of it with the stick, sending it into the air. Before it lands, the player hits it again as hard as possible to send it the maximum distance.
The distance covered by the gilli is then measured using the same stick, and the points are awarded accordingly. A player is declared out if they fail to hit the gilli or if an opponent catches it. The game demands excellent hand-eye coordination and helps children remain physically active.
From Gilli Danda to Cricket Stumps
Some social media users even suggested that Gilli Danda (Billarda) should have its own league tournament, similar to the IPL in T20 cricket.
Also Read:South Africa World Cup Midfielder Jayden Adams Dies Aged 25, Sports Minister Confirms
It would not be an exaggeration to say that games such as cricket, baseball and softball share their basic concept with Gilli Danda. Unfortunately, the traditional game is now rarely played in India. One could even say that today, Gilli Danda survives only in the form of the two bails resting on cricket’s three stumps, a reminder of a glorious sporting tradition that has gradually faded away.