Traditional and indigenous sports in India, such as Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, and tribal archery, are integral to the nation’s cultural heritage, reflecting centuries of community practices and identity. As globalization and commercialization reshape these sports, intellectual property rights (IPR)— including patents, copyrights, trademarks, and geographical indications—offer potential tools to protect them from exploitation and misappropriation. This paper examines the applicability of IPR to India’s traditional sports, analyzing legal frameworks, cultural dynamics, and case examples. It highlights the tension between Western IPR models and India’s collective traditions, proposing a hybridapproachthatintegratessuigenerisprotectionsandcommunity-ledinitiatives.The findings  emphasize the need for tailored strategies to preserve these sports while ensuring equitable benefits for indigenous and rural communities.