National Game of India: Is Hockey National Game?

The Indian hockey team is the most successful in Olympic history, with eight gold, one silver, and four bronze medals. From 1928 to 1956, they won six consecutive golds. India has produced legendary players like Dhyan Chand, Balbir Singh Sr, and Dhanraj Pillai. Despite its success, hockey is not India’s national game. Similarly, kabaddi, although dominant on the world stage with multiple World Cup wins and 11 golds at the Asian Games, is also not the national game. In fact, India does not have an official national game.

National Game of India

Originating during the British colonial period, hockey quickly gained widespread popularity, captivating the imagination of millions across the nation. India’s remarkable success in international competitions, particularly its unprecedented streak of six consecutive Olympic gold medals during the mid-20th century, solidified its reputation as a dominant force in the sport.

Renowned figures like Dhyan Chand emerged as icons of skill and determination, leaving an indelible mark on the legacy of Indian hockey. Despite encountering various challenges and undergoing transformations over time, hockey continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Indians, signifying resilience, teamwork, and the enduring spirit of the nation.

What is the National Game of India?

India doesn’t officially have a national game. Although hockey and cricket are extremely popular and have a significant following in the country, hockey is often called the national sport because of its historical importance and past success. Here’s a quick overview of the situation:

History and Popularity:
Hockey has a rich history in India. The Indian Hockey Federation officially recognized the sport in 1925. From 1928 to 1956, the Indian hockey team enjoyed a golden era, winning six consecutive Olympic gold medals. This period of unparalleled success has often led to hockey being referred to as the national sport of India.

Government’s Stance:
The Indian government does not officially recognize any sport as the national game. Instead, it focuses on promoting and developing all sports equally across the country. This approach helps support a wide range of sports without favoring one over others.

Public Opinion:
There have been discussions about officially naming hockey as the national game, especially after strong performances in recent international tournaments. However, no formal decision has been made yet.

Is Hockey an Indian National Game?

In 2020, a teacher from Maharashtra filed an RTI to find out when hockey was declared India’s national game. The government replied that no sport has been officially declared the national game, as it aims to promote all popular sports.

After India’s strong performance at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where the men’s hockey team won bronze (the first in 41 years) and the women’s team nearly secured a medal, there were calls to declare hockey the national game. A lawyer even filed a petition in the Supreme Court, but it was dismissed. Until the government officially designates a national game, India has none.

Why hockey is the National Game of India?

India has no official national sport, as the government aims to promote all popular sports rather than single out any one sport. However, hockey is often regarded as the national sport due to its historical success and popularity. Hockey was introduced by the British and the first hockey club was founded in Calcutta (now Kolkata) in 1855. Hockey quickly became popular among children and young adults, thanks to large playing fields and simple equipment.

National Sports of India

India’s National Sports Day is celebrated every year on 29 August as a timely reminder of the importance of sports and physical activities in daily life. The National Sports Day continues the tradition of honoring the birthday of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand, whose contribution to Indian sports has inspired generations to come. The national sport of India has not been declared by the Government of India as of now. But hockey is considered an unofficial national sport of India.

Indian Hockey Team’s Achievements in the Olympics

Some of the world’s greatest field hockey players, such as Dhyan Chand, Dhanraj Pillai, and Balbir Singh Sr., are Indian. Here are some of the achievements of the Indian Hockey Team:

National Games of India 2022

There wasn’t a National Game of India in 2022. However, the 36th edition, also known as Gujarat 2022, did take place between September 29th and October 12th, 2022, in the state of Gujarat.

• Held across six cities: Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot, and Bhavnagar hosted various events.
• Record-breaking participation: Almost 7,000 athletes from 28 states, 8 Union Territories, and Services competed.
• Diverse sports program: 36 different sports were played, including Olympic disciplines like athletics, swimming, and hockey, as well as indigenous games like kabaddi, kho-kho, and mallakhamb.
• Grand opening: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Games at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
• Services emerged victorious: The Services Sports Control Board topped the medal tally with 147 golds, followed by Haryana (60) and Maharashtra (57).

National Games 2023

The 37th National Games of India were held in Goa from October 26 to November 9, 2023. This Olympic-style event featured 43 sports, including both Olympic and indigenous sports, at various venues across Goa. The opening ceremony, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, took place on October 25, 2023, at the GMC Athletic Stadium in Bambolim.

National Games 2024

Uttarakhand will host the 2025 National Games, announced the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). IOA president PT Usha expressed excitement, praising the state’s enthusiasm and commitment to hosting the event.

The National Games is an Olympic-style multi-sport competition where athletes from various states and Union Territories compete. The 2025 edition will be the 38th National Games. The last games were held in Goa in 2023, where Maharashtra topped the medal tally with 228 medals, including 80 golds. In 2022, Gujarat hosted the games, marking their return after a gap since 2015, with Services emerging as the winners.

The 2025 games will feature over 10,000 athletes, officials, and coaches competing in 38 sports. Uttarakhand has also shown interest in hosting the National Winter Games next year.

National Games of India: History

• the Indian Olympic Games were held in Feb 1924 in Delhi to select Indian competitors for the Paris Olympics 2024
• The games were held every 2 years.
• These were named the National Games of India at the 9th Indian Olympic Games, 1940 Bombay.
• These games also take place after every 2 years.
• Till now 37 editions of the games have been completed.
• Indian Olympic Association gave the hosting rights to Uttarakhand during closing ceremony of the 37th National Games.

Future of National Game of India

The future of Indian sports is promising, with growing success across various disciplines. The idea of declaring a national game is debated some believe it could boost pride and identity, while others fear it might limit other sports. Currently, the government’s focus on promoting multiple sports seems effective, as India excels in fields like badminton, boxing, and wrestling. While hockey remains a cherished sport, as seen with its bronze medal at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, the rise of other sports highlights India’s expanding sporting potential.

National Game of India in Hindi

हॉकी को भारत सरकार ने आधिकारिक खेल घोषित नहीं किया  है। सरकार सभी खेलों को समान महत्यव देती हैं. हॉकी भारतीय खेलों के इतिहास और सांस्कृतिक परिप्रेक्ष्य में एक विशेष स्थान रखता है। हॉकी को 1928 में भारतीय हॉकी टीम की अद्वितीय सफलता के कारण भारत का राष्ट्रीय खेल के रूप में प्रसिद्ध हो गया था। हॉकी के जड़ें ब्रिटिश औपनिवेशिक काल से हैं जब खेल को भारतीय उपमहाद्वीप में पेश किया गया था। यह जनमानस में बहुत पसंद किया गया और शीघ्र ही राष्ट्रीय गर्व और एकता का प्रतीक बन गया।

Conclusion

While hockey has often been seen as India’s national game, no sport has been officially designated as such. The government’s focus on promoting all sports equally reflects its commitment to a diverse sporting culture. For students preparing for government exams, understanding this approach is important, as it shows India’s evolving sports policy and the value of inclusivity in national development.

Whether or not India ever has an official national game, the country’s spirit of sportsmanship and pursuit of excellence will continue to shape its athletic identity. As India hosts and competes in more international events, new sports icons will emerge, following in the footsteps of legends like Major Dhyan Chand.

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