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National Sport of India
The National Game of any nation is highly symbolic. Every country has a national sport that is held in high regard and pride both within and around the world. It is frequently stated that cricket was invented in India. It has long been debated whether India is better at hockey or Kabaddi. However, India does not have an official national sport.
Field hockey was considered the national game of India until the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports confirmed that no sport or game had been designated as national. Hockey is an Olympic sport in which India has excelled, winning eight gold medals and producing stars such as Dhyan Chand, Balbir Singh Sr., and Dhanraj Pillai. It is not, however, India’s national sport. From 1928 to 1956, Indian hockey players won six consecutive gold medals at the Olympics. Read this article to clear your confusion about whether Is Hockey the National Game of India.
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What is the National Sport of India?
As was said above,hockeyis informally regarded as India’s national sport due to all of the team’s accomplishments. In addition tohockey, theIndian Kabadditeam has been dominating the sport internationally and has taken home seven gold medals from World Cup competitions and theAsian Games. As a result, it is frequently mistaken for India’s national sport.
Some people consider cricket to be India’s National Game. Once more, it is untrue. India may have won numerous medals, trophies, and other honours in each sport mentioned above, but it still lacks an official game.
India’s National Game
Hockey is regarded as the national sport of India because it is one of the oldest sports. The Indian Hockey Federation approved it in 1925. The Indians’ first international hockey tour was against New Zealand, and they won 18 of the 21 games.
The government of India wants to promote all sports. In 2020, a teacher from the Dhule district of Maharashtra submitted anRTIto the government asking whether hockey was recognised as India’s official national sport. The Ministry of Youth Affairs responds that the government aims to foster and promote all popular sports disciplines. Hence, no sport is officially recognised as India’s national sport.
Check out the linked article on the UPSC CSE Prelims Syllabus 2024 Here!
National Sports Day of India
On August 29th, India observes National Sports Day to commemorate the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. The day also honours the nation’s sports heroes and champions, recognising their contributions and dedication to bringing honour to the country.
Father of Indian Hockey
The three-time Olympic gold medalist and legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand is regarded as the founding father of Indian hockey, and his birthday ie 29 August is observed as National Sports Day in India. Hockey has come to be regarded as India’s unofficial national sport as a result of his and other players’ successes in it.
Indian Hockey Team’s Achievements in Olympics
Indians like Dhyan Chand, Dhanraj Pillai, and Balbir Singh Sr. are among the world’s top hockey players. Let’s examine a few of the Indian hockey team’s accomplishments:
| Venue/Olympics Name | Year | Achievements |
| Amsterdam Olympics | 1928 | Gold Medal |
| Los Angeles Olympics | 1932 | Gold Medal |
| Berlin Olympics | 1936 | Gold Medal |
| London Olympics | 1948 | Gold Medal |
| Helsinki Olympics | 1952 | Gold Medal |
| Melbourne Olympics | 1956 | Gold Medal |
| Rome Olympics | 1960 | Silver Medal |
| Tokyo Olympics | 1964 | Gold Medal |
| Mexico City Olympics | 1968 | Bronze Medal |
| Munich Olympics | 1972 | Bronze Medal |
| Montreal Olympics | 1976 | 7th Position |
| Moscow Olympics | 1980 | Gold Medal |
| Los Angeles Olympics | 1984 | 5th Position |
| Seoul Olympics | 1988 | 5th Position |
| Barcelona Olympics | 1992 | 6th Position |
| Atlanta Olympics | 1996 | 8th Position |
| Sydney Olympics | 2000 | 7th Position |
| Athens Olympics | 2004 | 7th Position |
| Beijing Olympics | 2008 | Did Not Qualify |
| London Olympics | 2012 | 12th Position |
| Rio Olympics | 2016 | 8th position |
| Tokyo Olympics | 2021 | Bronze Medal |
The British introduced hockey to India. It surpassed many popular sports to become the country’s national sport. The Bengal Hockey Association was India’s first hockey association.
Hockey India, which is part of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, is the governing body in charge of planning and implementing all men’s and women’s hockey activities in India. It is based in New Delhi and is a member of the Indian Olympic Association.
Check out the linked article on the UPSC Mains Syllabus 2024 Here!
National Game of India UPSC
- The topic of national sports of India is relevant for the UPSC Exam as it reflects the country’s cultural heritage, sporting achievements, and the government’s initiatives to promote sports.
- India does not have an officially designated national sport.
- This is in contrast to many other countries that have formally recognized a particular sport as their national representation.
- Despite the absence of an official declaration, hockey is widely considered to be India’s national game.
- This recognition stems from the sport’s historical significance and the country’s exceptional performance in hockey.
- The Indian government has implemented various initiatives to promote sports, including hockey.
- These initiatives aim to Develop infrastructure, Support athletes, Promote sports at the grassroots level and many more.
