Atya Patya is an ancient traditional sport of India, mainly practiced in rural areas. It is more popular in the state of Maharashtra. The game is also referred as a game of feints. Nine trenches constitute the playing area of Atya patya which emerges from either side of a central trench. Players of one team progress across the trenches while the other team tries to block it for which points are awarded. This game is also described as a game of militant chase. Just like other indigenous games of India such as Kho Kho, Viti-Dandu, Lagori and Kabaddi, the game of Atya Patya requires a relatively small area and is played devoid of any equipment. The game is played since ages but is recognized with varied names.

History of Atya Patya
The game of Atya Patya was first promoted and organized by Dekkan Gymkhana, Pune. The rules were laid and the matches were conducted by them. Subsequently the efforts were made by Hind Vijay Gymkhana, Baroda, which greatly transformed the rules of the game and further organized tournaments for the promotion of the game. However main efforts were made by Akhil Maharashtra Sharirik Shikshan Mandal for developing the game and conducting divisional tournaments which were greatly partaken by the states Karnataka, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Atya Patya Federation of India was formed in 1982 during the time of Asian Games after which the game was once again revived through the first Atya Patya National held at Nagpur in 1982.

Management of Atya Patya
The game of Atya Patya is nationally governed by Atya Patya Federation of India. The year 1982 marks the formation of this federation. It has been enlisted among the recognised federation for the year 2013 by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. The headquarters of the federation is located in Nagpur with H. B. Hallad as its president.

Tournaments of Atya Patya
In 2013, Atya Patya tournament was held at national level at Bhatkal in the Indian state Karnataka. 22 states and union territories were represented in the tournament which was jointly organized by Bhatkal Atya Patya Association and Karnataka Atya Patya Association Davangere. In June 2013 the first South Asian Atya patya championship was organized in Bhutan in which India marked its victory.

Rules of Atya Patya
As per the rules of Atya Patya, the game comprises four innings, each having the duration of 7 minutes. The game includes of two opponent teams with nine members in each. Each innings ends with an interval of 5 minutes. The best of three games decides the winner. The team of assailants is awarded one point after crossing each trench while the defenders try to block them.