When we think of national symbols, we often imagine flags, anthems, and emblems. However, in addition to these, there are also national games. This is a sport that presents the cultural and historical values of the nation. India, being a country of glorious and diverse heritage, has one such game which is considered as its national game. So, in view of all these superlatives, what is the national game of India? Let’s go through the details and try to clear the air around this blatant misconception in this history.
Historical Background of National Games
- Early Sports in India
Games had been a part of Indian heritage. Since time immemorial, the Indian subcontinent bred an uncountable variety of games. Chariot racing, wrestling, archery was a craze during the Vedic age that emphasized muscle power and skills.
- Evolution of Popular Sports
The spectrum of sports in India has taken a new turn over the centuries. There have been various dynasties and colonial rule that brought in new sports activities into the Indian subcontinent and changed the existing games. This all has consequently lead to a diversified cult in sporting activities that we are viewing among people today.
Popularity of Hockey In India
- Blossom of Hockey
Fast, accurate, and team work demanding, field hockey has become much popular in India during these days and is of course being enacted here since the early 20th century. The first pioneer of hockey in India were the Britishers. Very simple and basic equipment for the game made it possible for people coming from any lifestyle to play field hockey.
It has been widely accepted that India’s glory, when it comes to its sports history, is largely attached to its hockey team. In the Olympiad Games, which ran from 1928 to 1956, India bagged six consecutive gold medals in hockey. It was a power city for the game of hockey. It produced legends like Dhyan Chand, who became a national hero, and the stories of their valor on the ground are still told with pride.
Is Hockey the National Game of India?
- Misconceptions
Most Indians grow up with the belief that hockey is indeed the national game of India. This belief is so widespread that many take it for a fact. But truth be told, it’s a little more complicated.
- Official Status
Contrary to popular belief, hockey is not officially the national game of India. No matter how much the game has been of great value historically and in terms of popularity, there hasn’t been any official declaration or document that states whether hockey or any other sport is the national game of India. In mid-20th century, when India was dominant in the game, people might have been influenced by such feats.
The Role of Cricket in India
- Cricket’s Popularity on the High
It has been argued that cricket in recent decades has probably emerged as the most popular sport among people in India. Developed and encouraged by the British in the 18th century, cricket has grown manifold in scale and is almost like a religion in India. The Indian Premier League popularly known as the IPL to the Indian cricket enthusiasts, international matches, and other local cricket tournaments keep millions of people involved in them all over India.
- Impact on Indian Society
Cricket is not just played on the grounds; the Craze of cricket unifies people from different regions, cultures, and languages, and more often than not, even ordinary matches become reasons for people to celebrate national pride together.
Other Common Sports in India
- Kabaddi
A traditional game but now has an international sport status, Kabaddi is a game that requires strategy, strength, and agility. The Pro Kabaddi League has hugely popularized the sport, giving it’s joining audience and sponsorships.
- Badminton
Badminton has been on a rise with the success of players like P.V. Sindhu and Saina Nehwal, who, with their international results, have genuinely motivated a massive chunk of young players to take up a sport.
- Football
Though not as popular as cricket, this has seen a considerable cult following. Indian Super League has already infused great interest as well as made sizeable investments in the sport to raise people’s interest in it and the stature of the infrastructure.
Government’s Effort to Promote Sports
Several schemes and policies have been launched by the Government of India to provide for means to promote sports at the national level. Right from the National Sports Policy to initiatives such as the ‘Khelo India,’ it has been purposed to pick and polish the young talent by allocating the necessary means and resource support to them.
Investment by the Government in Sports Infrastructure
The country has made huge investments in making the sports infrastructure better. The provision of state-of-the-art facilities like modern stadiums, training facilities, and academies has kept at the forefront of such investment.
The Influence of the Media on the Popularity of Sports
- Broadcasting of Sports
Bay providing comprehensive coverage through live telecast of matches, expert analyzation, and coverage, televised sports on different channels has greatly facilitated in reaching out to the fans.
Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook are all an integral part of the sports ecosystem. It helps a fan keep up alongside his favored sports performer, stay trendy, and join the dialogue.
Sports Education and Training in India
- Sports Academies
There are many sports academies throughout India that train individuals from a very young age. The academies offer domain-specific coaches, diet plans for the athletes, and psychology support, to pull the athlete’s maximum potential.
Grassroots programs seek to spot talent and assist in nurturing it from an early age. These programs are so aimed at providing rudimentary training and familiarization to various fields of sports that have a continual pipeline for future champions.
India’s Performance in International Sports
- Olympic Games
Gradually, Indian sportspersons performed better in the Olympic Games. Nevertheless, a lot of improvement is due; however due to newly found glory in sports like wrestling, boxing, badminton, etc., the country is showing a soft corner of hope and pride towards them.
- Asian
Asian Games have also been the playing grounds where Indian sportspersons have showcased their talent. The number of medals the country has won in the Asian Games is the testimony to its developing talent in the vivid sports.
Problems Indian Sportspersons Face
- Infrastructure Deficiency
Of course, the most important problem is the lack of proper sports infrastructure. The number of sports fans and amateur sportsmen is huge, and most of the athletes do not manage to find sufficient training facilities, good equipment, and professionally skilled coaching opportunities.
- Financial Restraints
High price, involving training and traveling, coupled with expensive equipment, becomes one of the major obstacles to the advancement of a talented athlete, especially for those hailing from economically weaker classes.
Future of Sports in India
- Emerging Trends
Sports in India are growing to offer new trends and disciplines with a lot of popularity. Attracting a lot of positive energy from the new generations are adventure sports, e-sports, and various other fitness activities which raise the promise of a dynamic sports culture in the near future.
- Government initiatives
The government still administers new projects to uplift the sports sector. Initiating sports education programs aimed at talent identification and international collaborations may build the sporting capacity in India.
The cultural impact of sports in India
- Unity Through Sports
- Cross-Cultural Platform
It is only sports that can amalgamate two people transcending amidst regional, linguistic, and cultural barriers. Higher sporting activities see the entire nation being brought into one focus and along with that a feeling of common pride.
Festivals and Sports in India
Sports and festivals in India go hand in hand. Events like the IPL coincide with traditional festivals, creating a festive atmosphere blending sports with cultural celebrations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, although hockey is considered the national game in India because of its historical significance and large popularity, no excellence or official status is given to any sport as being the national game. Cricket, kabaddi, badminton, and football equally engage in the sports culture of the country.
The future for sports in India is bright, with so many initiatives at nurturing talents and infrastructure provision. Sports still remains a powerful force that can bring bonding and motivation to the nation.
