In the late 80s/early 90s when I was kite-battling, it was common to use these glass coated strings. I haven't played in decades, but it does seem quite dangerous now that I think about it as an adult. I'm glad the practice is banned.

We live in a different age today in terms of safety awareness. I vividly remember playing with powerful fireworks during Diwali celebrations. We'd light them in our hands and hurl them skyward moments before they burst. Today the mere thought of this makes me shudder, and I can't even imagine my children playing this way.

Wow, didn't realize this innocent sport could be so cut-throat.

they ought to have neck protection for sports like this

It's not really a sport where you meet on a field so it's kinda tough to enforce. Everyone is out on their roofs flying kites (according to what little of it I've seen in Rishi and Jen's segments on TLC's 90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way)