A peteca no contexto universitário: benefícios e desafios da modalidade esportiva na UFU

Abstract

University sports have been practiced in Brazil since the early 19th century and currently occur in two formats: the official format, organized by established and representative entities, and another promoted by autonomous organizations developed and managed by the students themselves. Among the practiced sports, indiaca stands out as a traditional game that combines elements of skill, motor coordination, and competition. However, its popularity remains limited compared to more conventional sports. The objective of this study is to analyze how indiaca is perceived by the academic community of the Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU) in terms of attractiveness, physical and social benefits, with reference to the preparation for and participation in the 2024 University Olympics. An online questionnaire was applied to students from different academic areas who participated in the sport. Among the respondents, 75% had already played indiaca before entering university. All participants stated that the sport is effective in relieving stress and promoting well-being, and they believe it should be more widely practiced and is underestimated compared to other sports. Additionally, 91.67% of the participants reported having a coach or trainer for the sport. The results indicate that indiaca has great potential for recognition and growth in the academic environment, although it still faces challenges related to infrastructure and institutional visibility.