5 Fun Facts About Indian Sports

By Rohit Ghosh

Fun Facts

India National Tennis — India has a rich history with sports. From chess to cricket to field hockey to now basketball and american football, Indians have participated in them all. Here are some fun facts about Indian sports you may not have known. Which one is your favorite?

5. Chess

Viswanathan Anand India Chess

5. Chess

Viswanathan Anand India Chess — Chess was invented in India. In its early days, the game was referred to as Chaturanga and/or Chaturangam.

4. Martial Arts in India

Mary Kom India Boxer

4. Martial Arts in India

Mary Kom India Boxer — Martial Arts - specifically the art of self defense - actually originated first in India. Buddhist monks and missionaries then helped spread it across Asia.

3. Olympics

Saina Nehwal India Badminton

3. Olympics

Saina Nehwal India Badminton — India first participated in the Olympics in 1900. Norman Pritchard, representing India that year, won two medals for the country's inaugural Olympic Games.

2. Polo Origins

India stadiums Football

2. Polo Origins

India stadiums Football — Polo and sports that are based off of Polo also originated in India and was later adopted and modigied by other countries.

1. National Sport

Field hockey India World Cup

1. National Sport

Field hockey India World Cup — It was once thought that field hockey was India's national sport. Think again. In 2012, the Government of India confirmed that not only was hockey not the official game of India, but that the country technically had no official game. Cricket, however, would probably be a better choice if one had to be chosen.

Share On Facebook

Share