National Sports: The International Day of Sport was designated by the United Nations for Development and Peace on April 6 to make sports a regular part of people’s lives worldwide. On August 29, India celebrates National Sports Day. Major Dhyanchand’s birthday, which falls on August 29, was the inspiration for the first National Sports Day, which took place in 2012. In most countries, there is a national sport.
National sports/games of countries
Despite its success at the Asian, Olympic, and Commonwealth Games, India does not have a National Sport. Field hockey used to be considered India’s national sport because of the country’s string of Olympic victories; however, the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs has proclaimed that there are no national sports in India.
De jure and de facto refer to sports established by law, whereas de facto refers to sports not established by law. To benefit those preparing for competitive exams, we’ve divided the following list of de facto and de jure sports into two different tables.
Sports in Different Countries (De Jure National Sports)
Legally mandated national sports are known as de jure national sports. The following table provides a list of legally required national sports:
| Country | National Sports/ Games |
| Argentina | Pato |
| Bahamas | Cricket |
| Bangladesh | Kabaddi |
| Bhutan | Archery |
| Brazil | Capoeira |
| Canada | Lacrosse (summer) Ice hockey (winter) |
| Chile | Rodeo |
| Colombia | Tejo |
| China | Table Tennis |
| Iran | Varzesh-e Bastani, Wrestling, Polo |
| Mexico | Charrería |
| Namibia | Football, Netball, Rugby |
| Nepal | Volleyball |
| Philippines | Arnis |
National Sports in Different Countries (De facto National Sports)
Non-legislative sports are known as “de facto” national sports. The following table provides a list of the many national sports:
| Country | National Games/ Sports |
| Afghanistan | Buzkashi |
| Anguilla | Boat racing |
| Antigua and Barbuda | Cricket |
| Austria | Alpine skiing |
| Australia | Cricket |
| Bermuda | Cricket |
| Basque Country | Basque pelota |
| Barbados | Cricket |
| Cuba | Baseball |
| Denmark | Darts |
| Dominican Republic | Baseball |
| England | Cricket, Association football, Rugby football, tennis |
| Estonia | Basketball (summer), Ice hockey (winter) |
| Finland | Pesäpallo |
| Georgia | Rugby union |
| Grenada | Cricket |
| Guyana | Cricket |
| Haiti | Association football |
| 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 |
All of the most significant national sports in each country are included in the above list. Prepare for any competitive exam by consulting this list, whether for a bank exam, an SSC exam, or a railroad exam. General Knowledge or General Awareness sections of Competitive exams may include a question about the national game of India and other countries. It is easy to recall the national sports of nations, and one may quickly get a few extra points by answering these kinds of questions. To learn the names of several notable national sports, look through the list of frequently asked questions below.
FAQs: National Sports
What sport has the distinction of being the oldest in the world?
Wrestling is the world’s oldest team sport. The ancient Olympic games have included wrestling from 708 BC.
Which country’s national sport is football?
Football is France’s national sport.
Which country’s national sport is sumo wrestling?
The Japanese sport of sumo wrestling is considered a national treasure.
In India, we have a national sport. What is it?
Field hockey is widely regarded as India’s national sport, but no such designation has been made formally.
Which country’s national sport is cricket?
Australians, English, and others play cricket as a national sport.
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