Countries and Their National Games 2025, List of Countries and Their National Sports
For a long time, games have been effective means of promoting national unity, improving physical fitness, and providing entertainment for the general public. For many years, this timeless idea has solidified their place as a beloved customs in many nations. Some sports hold significant “de facto” national prominence due to their widespread popularity, while others reflect cultural values and historical significance through official designation as national games.
National Games of Different Countries
National games are a source of unity and it promotes a sense of brotherhood among a country’s citizens. Sporting events offer a common focus, shared goals, and a unifying interest that goes beyond social, economic, and cultural barriers. They bring people of all kinds irrespective of their differences together to support their country’s teams and players, creating pride and achievement in belonging to the same nation.
National games provide a stage for a nation to show its talent on the global level. Athletes represent their country by competing against the world’s best. This participation not only builds a sense of identity and patriotism but also places a country on the world map and reveals its standing in the sports arena.
While some games have gained widespread popularity and recognition, others remain mainly within their country of origin. Football (soccer), for instance, is a popular national game in many countries. Cricket holds a special place in the hearts of Indians, and baseball is a cultural symbol in Japan. These games highlight the variety of national interests and contribute to the vibrant mosaic of global sporting culture.
Countries and their National Games: List
Certain games are national sports in practice.Lawmakers have not officially defined cricket in Australia and football in France. On the other hand, some countries recognize their national sports by law. For example, South Korea has officially established taekwondo as its national sport.
To help candidates prepare for the general awareness sections of various competitive exams, we have created a detailed list of countries and their national sports. This list is divided into those recognized in practice and those recognized by law, along with their respective establishment years. The list is available in PDF format for easy reference.
| List of Countries and their National Games | ||
| Name of Countries | National Games in the World | Establishment Year (DeJure) |
| Afghanistan | Buzkashi (Also called Kopar, Kupari and Ulak Tartysh) (DeFacto) | – |
| Antigua and Barbuda | Cricket (DeFacto) | – |
| Argentina | Pato (DeJure) | 1953 |
| Australia | Cricket (DeFacto) | – |
| Bangladesh | Kabaddi (DeJure) | 1972 |
| Barbados | Cricket (DeFacto) | – |
| Bermuda | Cricket (DeFacto) | – |
| Bhutan | Archery (DeJure) | 1971 |
| Brazil | Capoeira (DeJure) | 1972 |
| Bulgaria | Weightlifting (DeFacto) | – |
| Canada | Ice hockey (In Winter) & Lacrosse (In Summer) (DeJure) | 1994 |
| Chile | Chilean rodeo (DeJure) | 1962 |
| China | Ping Pong (Table Tennis) (DeFacto) | – |
| Cuba | Baseball (DeFacto) | – |
| Columbia | Tejo (DeJure) | 2000 |
| Czech Republic | Ice Hockey (DeFacto) | – |
| Dominican Republic | Baseball (DeFacto) | – |
| England | Cricket (DeFacto) | – |
| France | Football (Defacto) | – |
| Haiti | Soccer (DeFacto) | – |
| Hungary | Water Polo (DeFacto) | – |
| India | Field Hockey (DeFacto) (Otherwise Undeclared) | – |
| Israel | Football (DeFacto) | – |
| Italy | Football (DeFacto) | – |
| Indonesia | Badminton (DeFacto) | – |
| Lithuania | Basketball (DeFacto) | – |
| Iran | Wrestling (DeFacto) | – |
| Jamaica | Cricket (DeFacto) | – |
| Japan | Sumo Wrestling (DeFacto) | – |
| Malaysia | Sepak Takraw – similar to Volleyball or Badminton(DeFacto). Players cannot use their hands to play | – |
| Mongolia | Mongolian wrestling, archery and horse riding (De Facto) | – |
| Mauritius | Football (DeFacto) | – |
| Mexico | Charreria- similar to Rodeo (DeJure) | 1933 |
| Nepal | Dandi Biyo – similar to Indian Gilli Danda (Till 2017) Volleyball (DeJure ) | 2017 |
| New Zealand | Rugby (DeFacto) | – |
| Norway | Cross-country skiing (DeFacto) | – |
| Namibia | Rugby (DeJure) | 2018 |
| Pakistan | Field Hockey (DeFacto) | – |
| Philippines | Arnis – Type of Fighting Art (DeJure) | 2009 |
| Poland | Football (DeFacto) | – |
| Peru | Paleta Frontón – type of Tennis (DeFacto) | – |
| Puerto Rico (USA) | Paso Fino (DeJure ) | 1966 |
| Russia | Bandy- a type of Ice Hockey (DeFacto) | – |
| Scotland | Golf (DeFacto) | – |
| Serbia | Football, basketball, volleyball and water polo (DeFacto) | – |
| Slovenia | Alpine Skiing (DeFacto) | – |
| South Korea | Tae-kwon-do (DeJure) | 2018 |
| Sri Lanka | Volleyball (DeFacto) | – |
| Switzerland | Shooting and Gymnastics (DeFacto) | – |
| Tajikistan | Gushtigiri- type of wrestling (DeFacto) | – |
| Turkey | Oil wrestling (DeFacto) | – |
| USA | Baseball (DeFacto) | – |
| Uruguay | Destrezas Criollas (DeJure) | 2006 |
| Venezuela | Baseball (DeFacto) | – |
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Different Countries and Their National Games
Different countries have their own national games or sports that have cultural and historical importance. Here are some examples of national games from various countries:
- India: People often regard field hockey as India’s national game, though the government has not granted it official status. Cricket is the most popular and widely played sport in India.
- United States: People often call baseball America’s national pastime, and American football is another popular sport in the United States.
- China: People in China widely play and follow table tennis, or ping pong, and often regard it as the national sport.
- Russia: People consider bandy, a team sport similar to ice hockey, to be one of Russia’s national sports.
- South Korea: Taekwondo is a Korean martial art and the national sport of South Korea.
- Japan: Sumo Wrestling is Japan’s national sport, deeply connected to its history and culture.
- Australia: Many people consider Australian Rules Football (AFL) to be Australia’s national sport, and they also widely follow cricket.
- Canada: Lacrosse is Canada’s national summer sport, while ice hockey is known as the national winter sport.
- England: Cricket is often regarded as England’s national sport, while Football (soccer) is hugely popular and widely played.
- Brazil: Football (soccer) is a national passion in Brazil and is commonly referred to as its national sport.
- New Zealand: Rugby Union is New Zealand’s national sport, with the national rugby team, the All Blacks, being very successful and renowned worldwide.
- Mexico: Charrería, a Mexican rodeo, is considered the national sport of Mexico.
- Ireland: Gaelic Games, which include Gaelic football, hurling, and camogie, hold a special place in Irish sports culture.
- Nepal: Volleyball is seen as one of Nepal’s national sports and is widely played across the country.
- Pakistan: Field Hockey is a sport of historical importance in Pakistan and has been its national sport for many years.
National Game of India
People have the belief that the national game of India is hockey, but it is not. In fact, neither kabaddi nor hockey is the national game of India. India actually does not have a declared national game. While field hockey has a very deep historical presence in India and has been hugely popular, the Indian government has not officially declared any sport to be the national game.
India originally conceived hockey as the sport of the nation, especially during its golden period from 1928 to 1956, when it won six consecutive Olympic Games gold medals. The Ministry of Sports Affairs indicated, however, that it has never designated any sport as the national sport of the country. In spite of this technicality, field hockey remains firmly in an emotional position with Indians and remains held in esteem and veneration across the country.
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Significances of National Games for their countries
Reflects National Identity: National games reflect a nation’s values, its culture, and spirit and are more than just athletic events.
- For example:- Popularity of cricket in India are a reflection of both its colonial past and its post-independence comeback.
- Sumo wrestling has been a part of Japanese culture for centuries and has its roots in Shinto ceremonies.
Preservation of Traditional Practices: Indigenous or traditional games frequently serve as symbols of long-standing traditions and aid in their preservation.
- In addition to providing entertainment, sports like kabaddi in India, sepak takraw in Southeast Asia, and taekwondo in Korea also preserve cultural traditions.
Symbol of National Pride and Unity: A symbol of unity and pride in the country, national sports unite people, particularly when they compete internationally.
- Wins in these competitions are frequently viewed as a collective national accomplishment that boosts morale and strengthens patriotism.
- For instance, the All Blacks rugby team in New Zealand is a great source of pride and, through their traditional haka dance, represents Maori warrior culture.
Representation on the Global Stage: Through sports, nations give the world a glimpse of who they are.
- Countries can display their talent and culture at sporting events like the Olympics and World Cups.
- Similar to Brazilian music and dance, football has become a global symbol of passion, inventiveness, and rhythm.
Influence on National Festivals and Celebrations: A lot of nations incorporate their national games into important public gatherings and festivals.
- Archery contests in Bhutan, which combine sport with dance, music, and a sense of community, are a major component of social events and festivities.