National Sport of India, Is Hockey the National Game of India?

There is a widespread misconception that hockey is the national game of India. However, it is crucial to note that India has not officially designated any sport as its national game. Understanding the significance of a national sport can shed light on the importance of sports in promoting physical activity and national pride.

National Sport of India

Every country typically has a national sport that is held in high regard and represents national pride both domestically and internationally. While many assume cricket or hockey to be India’s national sport, the reality is that India has not designated any official national sport.

Field hockey has been informally considered the national game of India, a belief stemming from the country’s exceptional performance in the sport, particularly in the early to mid-20th century. India’s prowess in hockey is highlighted by:

• Winning eight Olympic gold medals.
• Producing legendary players like Dhyan Chand, Balbir Singh Sr., and Dhanraj Pillai.
• Securing six consecutive Olympic gold medals from 1928 to 1956.

Despite these accomplishments, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has confirmed that no sport has been officially recognized as India’s national sport.

Which is the National Sport of India?

Contrary to popular belief, India does not have an officially designated national game. While many assume hockey holds this title due to its historical significance and successes, this is not the case.

India’s Hockey Legacy

The Indian hockey team is the most successful in Olympic history, with a record of eight gold, one silver, and three bronze medals. From 1928 to 1956, India experienced its golden years in hockey, winning six consecutive Olympic golds. The nation has produced legendary players like Dhyan Chand, Balbir Singh Sr., and Dhanraj Pillai. Under Balbir Singh’s leadership, India secured its fifth Olympic gold at the 1952 Helsinki Games.

Common Misconceptions

Despite hockey’s glorious past, it is not officially recognized as India’s national game. Kabaddi, another sport where India has dominated globally, also holds no official status as the national game. Similarly, cricket, despite its immense popularity, is not the national sport.

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National Game of India

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 an RTI to 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.

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Why is There No National Game in India?

In 2020, a school teacher from Maharashtra filed an RTI query to learn when hockey was declared the national game. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports clarified that no sport or game has been declared the national game of India. The government’s focus is to promote and encourage all popular sports disciplines equally.

Calls for Official Recognition

After India’s impressive performance at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where the men’s hockey team won a bronze medal (their first in 41 years) and the women’s team narrowly missed a medal, there were growing calls to officially declare hockey as the national game. A public interest litigation (PIL) was even filed to this effect, urging the Supreme Court to direct the government to grant hockey this status. However, the petition was dismissed, and until the government makes an official declaration, India remains without an official national game.

National Sports Day of India

National Sports Day in India is celebrated on August 29th, honoring the birth anniversary of legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand. Established in 2012, the day emphasizes the importance of sports and physical fitness. Major Dhyan Chand’s exceptional contributions to hockey, including three Olympic gold medals, inspire this annual celebration. The day features various sporting events and activities, highlighting the significance of maintaining an active lifestyle and promoting sportsmanship throughout the nation.

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:

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.

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National Game of India Important Facts

• 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.
• No Official National Game: India does not have an officially declared national game.
• Hockey’s Legacy:
  • Often considered the de facto national sport.
  • India won 8 Olympic gold medals in hockey (1928-1980).
  • The golden era (1928-1956) saw six consecutive Olympic golds.
• Prominent Players: Dhyan Chand is a legendary figure in Indian hockey.
• Clarification: In 2012, the Indian government confirmed that there is no official national sport.
• Popular Sports:
  • Cricket: Most popular sport in India.
  • Kabaddi: Gained international recognition.
  • Badminton & Wrestling: Indian athletes excel in these sports.
• Sports Promotion:
  • Khelo India: Government initiative to promote grassroots sports.
  • Infrastructure: Investments in sports facilities to nurture talent.
• Recent Achievements:
  • The Indian men’s hockey team won a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics 2020, their first Olympic medal in over 40 years.

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