National Game of India- What is the National Sport of India

You must have faced the question of “what is the National Game of India?” once in your lifetime. There is a common misconception that Hockey is the national sport in India, which is factually incorrect. Then have you wondered about what is the national sport in India. In this article, we will learn about the national game of India.

National Game Of India

The National game of any country represents the ethos and culture of that particular country. The Indian government has selected various elements as symbols representing the country’s identity, history, and culture. The tiger, peacock, and lotus are the national symbols of India. This is widely known information that the majority of Indians can easily connect with.

Likewise, if someone were to inquire about India’s national sport, the most likely response would be hockey, considering the remarkable achievements and recognition the sport has brought to the country. But its is not true, because, India does not have a national sport, i.e., there is no national game of India.

National Sport in India

There is a common misconception that hockey is India’s national sport. Actually, there is no officially recognized national sport in the country. National sports promote physical activity and underscore the significance and value of sports to the population. Having a unique national sport can impact how citizens perceive and engage in it.

The Indian government has not yet announced the official national sport of India. However, hockey is unofficially recognized as India’s national sport. National sports highlight the relevance and significance of sports to citizens while encouraging individuals to be physically active. A nation’s population understands and participates in sports differently when that nation has a designated national sport.

India’s National Sport

A national game is a sport that is closely associated with a specific country’s culture and is formally acknowledged by the government. When considering a sumo wrestler, your mind immediately connects it with Japan as an example. Likewise, Brazil is recognized for its martial arts such as jiu-jitsu and capoeira. The games mentioned are also the official sports of their respective nations. Likewise, Indians believe that Hockey is their national game.

However, India does not consider hockey as its national game. Yes, you understood correctly. India does not consider hockey as its national game. India does not have a formally acknowledged national game or sport. Hockey, with its significant historical importance, was widely believed to be India’s national sport for a considerable period, except by the authorities.

Why Hockey is Considered National Game Of India

Just like any national language, there is no national game of India. But Hockey is widely considered the unofficial national game due to the immense success India has gained in the field of Hockey. India has won 13 Olympic medals (8 gold, 1 silver and 4 bronze). The golden era in Indian sports history occurred between 1928 and 1956, when India won six straight gold medals at the Olympic games.

History of the Unofficial National Game of India

In 1925, the Indian Hockey Federation was founded. In New Zealand, where they played 21 matches and won 18, drew 2, and lost 1 of them, the Indians made their debut in international hockey. Despite the fact that hockey is not India’s national sport, this triumph helped India’s hockey team stand out among other countries.

Many Indians took up hockey as a result of this victory over New Zealand. The sport of hockey enjoyed considerable popularity from 1928 to 1956. Despite the fact that hockey is not India’s national sport, the hockey team there did incredibly well. The majority of Indians now perceive hockey to be their national sport as a result of these outstanding accomplishments.

What Prevents India From Having a National Sport?

A teacher from a school in the Maharashtra region of Dhule asked the government in 2020 to certify whether hockey was formally recognized as the national sport of India. The Ministry of Youth Sports responded, “The government has not designated any sport or game as a national sport, as the government’s goal is to promote all popular sports.” The Government wants to promote all sports equally, hence, it is not declaring any particular sport a national game.

Should There be a National Game of India

India is the residence of one billion individuals and is possibly the most culturally varied nation globally. India also lacks a national language. Although the issue of implementing one language for an entire nation is debated, there is no such divide in the realm of sports.

Sports have a reputation for bringing people together, as shown by the national cricket and hockey teams. Players from every part of the nation join in with the same enthusiasm. Therefore, the question is raised: ought India to announce an official national sport?

India is one of many countries without an officially recognized sport. China lacks an official national sport, but table tennis serves as the de facto one. Given the increasing interest in sports and India’s abundant cultural heritage, it is necessary to have a national game in India.

National Game of India- Importance

Though India doesn’t have any national sport, the national sport holds much importance; they are:

• A nation’s national sport encourages physical activity. It emphasizes the importance and worth of sports to the general public.
• The country’s national sport has an impact on how its people perceive and engage in it.
• Above all, it strengthens the nation’s identity, just like every other national symbol.

Contenders of National Game of India

If India were to select a national sport, field hockey would be the top choice. There are numerous factors supporting the designation of hockey as India’s national sport.

India dominated in hockey and achieved the highest number of Olympic gold medals from 1928 to 1956. During the 1936 Berlin Olympics, India allowed just one goal throughout the tournament and showed complete superiority over competitors like France, the USA, and Germany in the finals, which were held in Hitler’s home country. Following a short downturn, team India has recently been on the upswing again and secured their initial Olympic field hockey medal since 1980 at the 2020 Olympics.

Kabaddi is a sport that is rapidly gaining popularity. The folk sport was popular in India and became an official event at the Asian Games in 1990. The authorities want to also have it included in the 2024 Olympics.

Alternatively, cricket is the most favored sport in India. Individuals typically choose to go on vacation during significant cricket games. Nowadays, thanks to their many sponsors and fans’ adoration, cricketers have risen to celebrity status.

National Game of India- Achievements of the Indian Hockey Team

At the Olympics India has given the world some of the greatest field hockey players, including the illustrious Dhyan Chand, Balbir Singh Senior, and Dhanraj Pillai. Let us look at some of the achievements of the Indian Hockey Team below:

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