India is a large country. Several cultures, several beliefs. Several things that divide us; make us stand apart. Many things where our views clash, our emotions do not match. Amidst all that, is something that binds us together. The country’s love for sports has a different intensity to it altogether. The unity seen in the people during a match of any popular sport is unbelievable. People forget religious, cultural and economic differences and cheer for the one ultimate identity they all possess: being Indian.
This piece is dedicated to some of the major and most popular sports known in India and the ones India is known for. We give you a chance to bask in the pride that shared by more than 1.2 billion Indians. The games or sports mentioned are in no particular order.
1. Field Hockey: The National Sport of India
The popular team sport is being played in india since 1885-86, has risen to the position of the National Sport, India being the most successful Field Hockey team in the world, winning 8 gold, 1 silver, and 2 bronze medals in Olympics. The game was initially established in Calcutta (now Kolkata) and gained popularity in Bombay (now Mumbai) and Punjab. The men’s national team and the women’s national team for field hockey are the major groups representing the nation today. The accomplishments of the two teams have been seen in the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games among several others. The sport also played by several state level teams across the country.
Noted Players: Dhyan Chand, who was probably the greatest hockey player of all time, was followed by players like Leslie Claudius, Udham Singh, Dhanraj Pillay and others.
Governing Body: Hockey India
2. Cricket: A Major Religion
If any sport could be followed as a religion in India, it would have to be Cricket. In fact, it already is. Brought into the country through the British rule, somewhere in the 1700’s, the country over the years started loving and adapting to the game, and today it is has so many achievements in the sport. In India, the forms of cricket played include international as well as domestic. All the matches played by India are watched by millions on television, heard on radios and witnessed live.
Noted Players: The national team for cricket in India has seen several accomplished players from Mohinder Sunil Gavaskar, Mohinder Amarnath, Kapil Dev, rahul Dravid and the living legend Sachin Tendulkar.
Governing Body: BCCI (The Board of Control for Cricket in India)
3. Football: World’s craze for the sport also present in India
Another sport that can rival Cricket in fan following and match-time enthusiasm is Football. Though more popular in the states of West Bengal, Goa, Kerala and the North-eastern states, the football fever can be seen across the country during an international match. The Indian National Team for Football has been a two-time Asian champion. The interest with which the rest of the world watches Football world cup matches is shared equally well by Indian fans as well. The top domestic league in India, the I League is one of the best sports leagues in India. The names of East Bengal F.C. and Mohun Bagan in one sentence can stir up storms in fan’s hearts!
Noted Players: Sailen Manna, one of the best defenders India has ever produced, Mohammed Salim and Baichung Bhutia, one of the most popular international footballers from India.
Governing Body: AIFF (All India Football Federation)
4. Lawn Tennis: The urban game
Lawn Tennis is another game that grabbed the attention of the country in the 1990’s with the first Grand Slam title in mixed doubles. The fan following for Tennis among Indians has led to the establishment of several tennis academies across the country. The sport is played in various age groups on the professional front. The country has seen many noted Tennis players in the last decade in all four Grand Slams and other international tournaments. The excitement of fans can be seen during the grand slams in full flow.
Noted Players: Mahesh Bhupati, Leander Paes, Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna are some names known in the international arena
Governing Body: AITA (All India Tennis Association)
5. Chess: The Mind Game
Featuring last in this list, but not the last, Chess is an indoor game that has seen Indian achievers on the international circuit. Actually, an Indian version of the game has been played in the country since ancient times. The country is anyway known for the high IQ individuals, to which Indian chess players have made a mark too. Chess is a game that required lots of concentration, intellectual drive, alertness and abilities to plan complex moves. Players have to dedicate long hours into exercising their minds for challenges. India has shown its abilities at Chess through a win in the World Chess Championship.
Noted Players: Viswanathan Anand is the current World Chess Champion while Koneru Humpy is the ranked 3 worldwide in the women’s category.
Governing Body: AICF (All India Chess Federation)