Complete List of National Sports and Games by Country

National Sports and Games by Country: Sports play a vital role in human culture and international unity. To promote this, the United Nations celebrates the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace every April 6. In India, National Sports Day is observed annually on August 29 to commemorate the birth anniversary of the legendary Major Dhyan Chand. Most nations maintain a unique national sport as a symbol of their heritage.

Countries and their National Sports/ Games

Despite achieving remarkable success in the Asian Games, Olympics, and Commonwealth Games, there is often confusion regarding India's National Sport. While many associate Field Hockey with India due to its storied Olympic history, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has clarified that India does not have a designated national game.

National sports are typically categorized as 'de jure' when established by law, or 'de facto' when recognized through tradition and popularity. To assist students preparing for competitive examinations, we have organized these sports into clear, separate tables for quick reference.

Countries and National Sports (De Jure National Sports)

De jure national sports are officially recognized and mandated by national legislation. A comprehensive list of these legally established national sports is provided in the table below:

Country	National Sports/ Games
Argentina	Pato
Bahamas	Cricket
Bangladesh	Kabaddi
Bhutan	Archery
Brazil	Capoeira
Canada	Lacrosse (summer) Ice hockey (winter)
Chile	Rodeo
Colombia	Tejo
China	Table Tennis
Iran	Varzesh-e Bastani, Wrestling, Polo
Mexico	Charrería
Namibia	Football, Netball, Rugby
Nepal	Volleyball
Philippines	Arnis

Countries and National Sports (De facto National Sports)

De facto national sports are those that hold significant cultural or historical importance but lack a formal legal declaration. You can find these sports categorized in the following table:

Country	National Games/ Sports
Afghanistan	Buzkashi
Anguilla	Boat racing
Antigua and Barbuda	Cricket
Austria	Alpine skiing
Australia	Cricket
Bermuda	Cricket
Basque Country	Basque pelota
Barbados	Cricket
Cuba	Baseball
Denmark	Darts
Dominican Republic	Baseball
England	Cricket, Association football, Rugby football, tennis
Estonia	Basketball (summer), Ice hockey (winter)
Finland	Pesäpallo
Georgia	Rugby union
Grenada	Cricket
Guyana	Cricket
Haiti	Association football
India	Field Hockey (Undeclared)
Indonesia	Pencak Silat
Israel	Association football
Ireland	Gaelic games
Italy	Palio, Pallone, Tamburello, Bocce
Jamaica	Cricket
Japan	Sumo
Latvia	Ice hockey
Lithuania	Basketball
Madagascar	Rugby union
Malaysia	Sepak takraw
Mauritius	Association football
Mongolia	Archery, Mongolian wrestling, Horse racing
New Zealand	Rugby union
Norway	Cross-country skiing
Pakistan	Field hockey
Papua New Guinea	Rugby league
Peru	Paleta Frontón
Philippines	Sipa
Romania	Oina
Russia	Bandy
Scotland	Golf
Serbia	Basketball
Slovenia	Alpine skiing
South Africa	Rugby union
Spain	Football
Sri Lanka	Volleyball
Tajikistan	Gushtigiri
Taiwan	Baseball
Turkey	Oil wrestling & Cirit
Turks and Caicos Islands	Cricket
United States	Baseball
Venezuela	Baseball
Wales	Rugby union

The list above highlights key national sports across the globe, serving as an essential study resource for Bank, SSC, and Railway competitive exams. Questions regarding the national game of India and other countries frequently appear in the General knowledge or General Awareness sections. Mastering this information is a simple way to boost your score. Review our frequently asked questions below for further insights.