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The national games of countries play a vital role in defining their cultural identity by promoting pride in the country and its emotions. Many countries have distinctive national games or sports that either started there or are highly popular. Whether traditional or relatively new, these games are considerably more than just entertainment. The national games of different countries are extremely important for several reasons. Beyond being just entertainment or sports, these games represent significant cultural and historical events, patriotism, and, in certain cases, bettering relations between nations. These games symbolize the historical and cultural identities of each country. Let’s look into some of the national games of various countries.
To commemorate and promote their distinct cultures, customs, and heritage, nations hold national sports competitions. Over time, people have developed national sports to become an integral aspect of a nation’s identity, frequently steeping them into the nation’s history. These games frequently have a national or regional association and may use customary tools or follow national regulations. Nations try to instil a sense of pride and solidarity in their citizens by identifying and supporting national sports.
Through sporting events and activities, national games can also be used to boost tourism and make money. In addition, national games can foster the growth of grassroots sports and contribute to the establishment of a national sports and physical activity culture. All things considered, national sports are crucial for honouring a nation’s distinct cultural legacy and fostering unity among its citizens.
Football is the National Sport of many Countries. People across the globe are huge fans of this game. England has a rich cultural legacy and a long history. England also considers itself the founder of modern football. The craze of football deeply impacted Brazil after it won the World Cup. Football has a long history of success and passionate fans, and in countries like Argentina and Spain, it plays a significant role in culture and society. More than just a game, football is revered in all of these countries as a vital part of their cultural legacy.
Chess is the National Game of Russia. Russia has given many well-known chess players to the world like Anatoly Karpov, and Garry Kasparov. Chess has a rich history in Russia. The government of Russia actively promotes the game in the world. Many clubs in the country support including chess in the curriculum. Now, not only Russia but other countries like India, the USA, UK have many well-known players in the battle of chess. Chess plays a very crucial role in Russian culture and athletic identity, as it symbolizes intelligence and strategic thinking. The world’s perception of chess impacts its popularity in Russia.
The National Sport of New Zealand is Rugby. Rugby plays a significant role in the culture and identity of the country. The game is very popular among the people of New Zealand, and they actively participate in the sport at various levels. The National Team of Rugby (All Blacks) is one of the most famous and successful teams in the world. The International matches of Rugby force the audience to gather at large crowds, which shows the craze about this game. The importance of this sport goes beyond entertainment, it is an important component of the history of the country and a unifying force.
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The National Sport of the United States of America is Baseball. Baseball is a sport that is loved by many natives and played in neighborhoods, and parks. Baseball dates back to the 19th century. It is not just a game but it is also a symbol of competition, community, and national pride. People of every age group and background are united from little league games to major league games. From Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier to Babe Ruth’s legendary home run, this sport reflects the struggles and the values of the nation. Generations adore baseball as it is not just a game but a part of America.
People all around the world play basketball. Basketball holds a special place in the hearts of many countries. Below are the countries that consider basketball as their national sport.
So, whether you’re shooting hoops on a neighbourhood court or cheering for your favourite team in a packed arena, remember that basketball transcends borders; it’s a universal language of passion and teamwork.
Fun fact: Basketball was invented in the United States by Dr. James Naismith in 1891. Unlike most popular sports, its origin is concise and American. It’s the only major sport strictly rooted in the U.S
The national game of Australia is Australian Rules Football, often referred to simply as “footy” or “AFL.” This unique sport combines elements of rugby, soccer, and Gaelic football, played with an oval-shaped ball on a large oval field. Australian people rule over Football. Across the country, football is incredibly popular, with professional leagues, clubs, and ardent fans supporting their preferred teams. It’s an exciting and dynamic sport that perfectly captures the spirit of friendship and athleticism in Australia.
A nation can name any sport or game as its national sport based on historical ties or popularity. Let us look at the national games of different countries in the table below.
| Name Of Countries | National Games in the World | Other Important Games |
| Afghanistan | Buzkashi (Also called Kopar, Kupari and Ulak Tartysh) (DeFacto) | Cricket, football, boxing & basketball |
| Bangladesh | Kabaddi (DeJure – 1972) or Ha-Du-Du | Cricket & football |
| Bhutan | Archery (DeJure – 1971) | Basketball, football, and futsal |
| China | Ping Pong (Table Tennis) (DeFacto) | Volleyball, Martial Arts, Shooting, and Badminton |
| India | Field Hockey (DeFacto) (no official national sport) | Cricket, badminton, kabaddi |
| Indonesia | Badminton (DeFacto) | – |
| Iran | Soccer | Polo, football |
| Israel | Football (DeFacto) | Basketball, Swimming, canoeing |
| Japan | Sumo Wrestling (DeFacto) | Ju-Jitsu (Martial Arts), football, and baseball. |
| Malaysia | Sepak Takraw – similar to volleyball or badminton (DeFacto). Players cannot use their hands to play | Badminton and Football |
| Mongolia | Archery, Mongolian wrestling, and horseback riding (De Facto | Football, Basketball |
| Nepal | Dandi Biyo – similar to Indian Gilli Danda (Till 2017) and volleyball (DeJure – 2017) | Cricket, football, Kabaddi, swimming, weightlifting, basketball, shooting, archery, golf, and badminton |
| Pakistan | Field Hockey (DeFacto) | Cricket, Kabaddi, Squash, and Snooker |
| Philippines | Arnis – Type of Fighting Art (DeJure-2009) | Basketball, Tennis, Badminton, Boxing, Taekwondo, and Billiards |
| Russia | Bandy – a type of Ice Hockey (DeFacto) | Chess, football, Basketball, and gymnastics |
| Sri Lanka | Volleyball (DeFacto) | Cricket, badminton, and watersports |
| Tajikistan | Gushtigiri- type of wrestling (DeFacto) | Buzkashi |
| Turkey | Oil wrestling (DeFacto) | Soccer, Basketball, and Volleyball |
| Name Of Countries | National Games in the World | Other Important Games |
| Mauritius | Association Football (DeFacto) | Athletics, Basketball, and Badminton |
| Namibia | Rugby (DeJure – 2018) | Football, Golf and Rugby |
| Name Of Countries | National Games in the World | Other Important Games |
| Antigua and Barbuda | Cricket (DeFacto) | Football |
| Barbados | Cricket (DeFacto) | Football, Golf, and Tennis |
| Bermuda | Cricket (DeFacto) | Football, Rugby and Tennis |
| Canada | Ice hockey (In Winter) & Lacrosse (In Summer) (DeJure-1994) | Football, Golf, basketball and baseball |
| Cuba | Baseball (DeFacto) | Boxing, Volleyball, and basketball |
| Dominican Republic | Baseball (DeFacto) | Football and Boxing |
| Haiti | Soccer (DeFacto) | – |
| Mexico | Charreria- similar to Rodeo (DeJure – 1933) | Association football and Boxing |
| Puerto Rico (United States) | Paso Fino (DeJure – 1966) | – |
| USA | Baseball (DeFacto) | Ice Hockey, Football, Tennis, and golf |
| Name Of Countries | National Games in the World | Other Important Games |
| Argentina | Jeugo del Pato or Pato (DeJure – 1953) | Association football, Basketball, and Rugby union |
| Brazil | Capoeira (DeJure) | Volleyball and Basketball |
| Chile | Chilean Rodeo (DeJure – 1962) | Tennis and Football |
| Colombia | Tejo (DeJure – 2000) | Baseball, Soccer |
| Peru | Paleta Frontón – a type of Tennis (DeFacto) | – |
| Uruguay | Soccer | Football, Rugby, and Basketball |
| Venezuela | Baseball (DeFacto) | Rugby, Motorsports, Athletics, Football, Boxing, Cycling and Water sports |
| Name Of Countries | National Games in the World | Other Important Games |
| Bulgaria | Weightlifting (DeFacto) | Gymnastics, Rowing, Biathlon and Cricket |
| Czech Republic | Soccer | Football |
| England | Cricket (DeFacto) | Football, Rugby and Basketball |
| France | Football (Defacto) | Rugby, Cycling, Motor Sports and Tennis |
| Hungary | Water Polo (DeFacto) | – |
| Italy | Football (DeFacto) | – |
| Lithuania | Basketball (DeFacto) | Football, Rugby, Athletics, Cycling, and Swimming |
| Norway | Cross-country skiing (DeFacto) | Wrestling, Cycling, and shooting |
| Poland | Football (DeFacto) | – |
| Scotland | Golf (DeFacto) | Tennis, Rugby |
| Serbia | Football, basketball, volleyball and water polo (DeFacto) | – |
| Slovenia | Alpine Skiing (DeFacto) | Ski Jumping, Athletics, Basketball and Boxing |
| Switzerland | Shooting and Gymnastics (DeFacto) | Skiing, Football and Ice Hockey |
| Name Of Countries | National Games in the World | Other Important Games |
| Australia | Gushtigiri- type of wrestling (DeFacto) | Buzkashi |
| New Zealand | Oil wrestling (DeFacto) | Soccer, Basketball, and Volleyball |
Let us look at the different countries and their national games below.
Apart from its culture, cuisine, and traditions, the sports community widely recognizes India for its sports. India considers hockey to be its national sport, and it is a very popular sport there. Despite this, many people mistake hockey and kabaddi for being the national games of the country.
India has a rich, centuries-old tradition of hockey that dates back in time. Hockey was first played in the 19th century during British rule and has become the national game of India.
Other popular sports played in India include chess, cricket, badminton, tennis, and kabaddi. These sports have gained popularity in India. The following are some significant events and accomplishments that have influenced Indian hockey:
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In the 1975 Hockey World Cup, held in Malaysia, India achieved its first and only World Cup Hockey championship victory. This signifies that people still recognize the tournament as a historic occasion. In the season finals, India defeated Pakistan 2-1, with Ashok Kumar, the son of hockey legend Dhyan Chand, scoring the game-winning goal.
Dhyan Chand, often known as “The Wizard” due to his outstanding skills and command of the game, is the biggest icon in Indian hockey. In 1932, 1928, and 1936, Chand took India to win three gold medals in the Olympics in a row. Every year on August 29, India observes his birthday as National Sports Day.
To sum up, the national game of a country is the spirit of the nation and its citizens. They help to unite people across different countries and highlight the distinctiveness and uniqueness of a country. They undoubtedly serve a vital role in society by promoting international ties, fostering national pride, and improving health. Acknowledging the importance of these national games for countries can encourage enjoyment.
The national game of England is cricket. Despite this, the most watched and popular sport in the United Kingdom is football or soccer.
Without a doubt, the world’s oldest competitive sport is wrestling. It’s interesting to note that there have occasionally been found cave drawings related to wrestling. These drawings from prehistory are from 3000 BC. Wrestling has been a part of the ancient Olympics since 708 BC.
India does not have an official game.
Since other nations have designated the same sports as their national sports, the status of the de facto or unofficial sport(s) as a national sport is deemed “incorrect.”
The national sport of the United States is basketball.
Tennis is the national sport of France.
India – Field Hockey
Brazil – Football (Soccer)
Japan – Sumo Wrestling
United States – American Football
Canada – Ice Hockey
Pakistan – Field Hockey
South Korea – Taekwondo
Authored by, Amay Mathur | Senior Editor
Amay Mathur is a business news reporter at Chegg.com. He previously worked for PCMag, Business Insider, The Messenger, and ZDNET as a reporter and copyeditor. His areas of coverage encompass tech, business, strategy, finance, and even space. He is a Columbia University graduate.
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