Despite reaching successes in the Asian, Olympic and Commonwealth Games, India does not have a declared national sport. Field hockey was formerly viewed as the country’s main sport due to the repeated wins it had in the Olympics; however, The Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs has recently announced that there is no such thing. De jure and de facto games are two separate concepts; de jure are established by law while de facto are more ad-hoc. Those preparing for competitive exams will find these categories listed below for clarity.
Countries and their National Sport
Sports are an integral part of human life, with the United Nations designating April 6th as International Sports Day for Development and Peace. India celebrates its National Sports Day every year on August 29, which began in 2012 on the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand. Numerous countries have a national sport; here is a list of all the significant ones that could be asked about in competitive exams dealing with general knowledge or awareness.
National Games of countries are easy to recall, and knowing them could give an edge in competitive exams. Here, we have compiled a list of important countries and their respective national sports. This article is important for general awareness in any exam, be it a government or competitive test. It is ascertained that the national sport of a country is based either on its long history with the state, or its popularity in the region. Therefore, examiners looking to do well in tests would do well to memorise this list of nations and their corresponding main games. Additionally, they will also get details of essential sports popularised by each nation.
Country | National Sports/ Games |
Bahamas | Cricket |
Argentina | Pato |
Bhutan | Archery |
Bangladesh | Kabaddi |
Canada | Lacrosse (summer) Ice hockey (winter) |
Brazil | Capoeira |
Colombia | Tejo |
Chile | Rodeo |
Iran | Varzesh-e Bastani, Wrestling, Polo |
China | Table Tennis |
Namibia | Football, Netball, Rugby |
Mexico | Charrería |
Philippines | Arnis |
Nepal | Volleyball |
The List of National Sports that are not Official
Country | National Games/ Sports |
Anguilla | Boat racing |
Afghanistan | Buzkashi |
Austria | Alpine skiing |
Antigua and Barbuda | Cricket |
Bermuda | Cricket |
Australia | Cricket |
Barbados | Cricket |
Basque Country | Basque pelota |
Denmark | Darts |
Cuba | Baseball |
England | Cricket, Association football, Rugby football, tennis |
Dominican Republic | Baseball |
Finland | Pesäpallo |
Estonia | Basketball (summer), Ice hockey (winter) |
Grenada | Cricket |
Georgia | Rugby union |
Haiti | Association football |
Guyana | Cricket |
India | Field Hockey (Undeclared) |
Indonesia | Pencak Silat |
Israel | Association football |
Ireland | Gaelic games |
Italy | Palio, Pallone, Tamburello, Bocce |
Jamaica | Cricket |
Japan | Sumo |
Latvia | Ice hockey |
Lithuania | Basketball |
Madagascar | Rugby union |
Malaysia | Sepak takraw |
Mauritius | Association football |
Mongolia | Archery, Mongolian wrestling, Horse racing |
New Zealand | Rugby union |
Norway | Cross-country skiing |
Pakistan | Field hockey |
Papua New Guinea | Rugby league |
Peru | Paleta Frontón |
Philippines | Sipa |
Romania | Oina |
Russia | Bandy |
Scotland | Golf |
Serbia | Basketball |
Slovenia | Alpine skiing |
South Africa | Rugby union |
Spain | Football |
Sri Lanka | Volleyball |
Tajikistan | Gushtigiri |
Taiwan | Baseball |
Turkey | Oil wrestling & Cirit |
Turks and Caicos Islands | Cricket |
United States | Baseball |
Venezuela | Baseball |
Wales | Rugby union |
FAQ – Frequently Ask Questions
Cricket is the national game of Australia, England, Bahamas
Japan’s national sport is sumo wrestling.
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