Introduction
Sports have always been an integral part of Indian culture. India has a rich history of games and sports, with some of them dating back to ancient times. Sports are not just a source of entertainment but also help in maintaining physical and mental health. With the passage of time, sports have evolved and new games have been introduced. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 sports games in India.
1. Cricket
Cricket is considered the most popular sport in India. It is a bat-and-ball game played between two teams of 11 players each. The objective of the game is to score as many runs as possible. The Indian cricket team has won several major championships including the World Cup and the Champions Trophy. The Indian Premier League (IPL), a professional Twenty20 cricket league in India, is also very popular.
2. Hockey
Hockey is the national sport of India. It is a team sport played on a field with a ball and sticks. The objective of the game is to score goals by hitting the ball into the opponent's goalpost. The Indian men's hockey team has won several Olympic gold medals and the women's team has also achieved significant success in international tournaments.
3. Badminton
Badminton is a racquet sport played between two or four players. The objective of the game is to hit the shuttlecock over the net and ensure that it lands on the opponent's side of the court. India has produced several world-class badminton players like Saina Nehwal, PV Sindhu, and Kidambi Srikanth.
4. Football
Football is a team sport played between two teams of 11 players each. The objective of the game is to score goals by kicking the ball into the opponent's goalpost. Although cricket and hockey are more popular in India, football has a significant following, especially in certain regions like West Bengal, Kerala, and Goa.
5. Kabaddi
Kabaddi is a contact sport played between two teams of seven players each. The objective of the game is to tag as many players from the opposing team as possible without getting caught. The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), a professional kabaddi league in India, has gained immense popularity in recent years.
6. Wrestling
Wrestling is a combat sport involving grappling techniques. India has a rich tradition of wrestling, with several wrestlers winning medals at international tournaments. The sport has gained more popularity in recent years due to the success of wrestlers like Sushil Kumar and Bajrang Punia.
7. Tennis
Tennis is a racquet sport played between two or four players. The objective of the game is to hit the ball over the net and ensure that it lands within the opponent's court. India has produced several world-class tennis players like Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, and Sania Mirza.
8. Athletics
Athletics is a collection of sports events that involve running, jumping, and throwing. India has produced several world-class athletes like PT Usha, Milkha Singh, and Anju Bobby George. The sport has gained more popularity in recent years due to the success of athletes like Hima Das and Neeraj Chopra.
9. Table Tennis
Table tennis is a racquet sport played between two or four players. The objective of the game is to hit the ball over the net and ensure that it lands within the opponent's court. India has produced several world-class table tennis players like Achanta Sharath Kamal and Manika Batra.
10. Boxing
Boxing is a combat sport involving punches. India has produced several world-class boxers like Mary Kom and Vijender Singh. The sport has gained more popularity in recent years due to the success of boxers like Amit Panghal and Shiva Thapa.
Conclusion
India has a rich tradition of games and sports. The top 10 sports games in India are cricket, hockey, badminton, football, kabaddi, wrestling, tennis, athletics, table tennis, and boxing. These sports not only provide entertainment but also help in maintaining physical and mental health. With the growing popularity of sports and the success of Indian athletes, it is safe to say that India has a bright future in the world of sports.
