National Sports of Countries | General Knowledge for Young Learners - Class 1 PDF Download

Sports have historically been crucial in fostering unity and encouraging a healthy lifestyle. Acknowledging this significance, the United Nations (UN) established April 6 as the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace. This day highlights the ability of sports to drive social change and enhance community well-being.

National Sports 

• National Sports or games are seen as a vital part of a country's cultural identity and heritage. In American English, the term "national pastime" is often used interchangeably with National Sport. These sports are widely played, followed, or celebrated across the country, with a long-standing tradition and historical popularity.
• In some countries, like Canada, a sport can be officially designated as a national sport through government legislation, such as lacrosse being named Canada’s national sport in 1995. In other cases, a sport becomes the de facto national game due to its enduring popularity, like sumo wrestling in Japan or baseball in the United States.

National Sports Objectives 

• Promotion of Sports Culture: The National Games aim to foster a sports culture across all segments of society, raising awareness about the importance of physical activity for a healthy lifestyle.
• Youth Engagement: By showcasing competitive sports, the National Games inspire the younger generation to participate in sporting activities, contributing to a fitter and more active youth.
• Development of Sports Ecosystem: The event benefits sports organizations, technical officials, athletes, and sports administrators by enhancing their skills, promoting excellence, and encouraging infrastructure development.
• Community and Organizational Participation: It encourages both government and non-government institutions to promote sports among their employees and communities, fostering a more active society.
• Talent Identification and International Exposure: The National Games serve as a platform to identify promising athletes and prepare teams for international competitions, thereby strengthening the country’s performance on the global stage.

Countries and Their National Sports

Sports are vital for fostering unity and fitness around the world. To emphasize this, the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace is celebrated every year on April 6. In India, National Sports Day is observed on August 29, honoring the birth anniversary of the hockey great Major Dhyan Chand. Interestingly, many countries embrace sports as part of their cultural fabric by designating a National Sport or game. These sports often mirror the nation’s heritage, passion, and collective values, forging a strong bond between the people and the game.

Countries and Their National Sports List 2025

Here is the list of countries and their national sports for your reference, particularly for competitive exams like UPSC in the general awareness or general knowledge section.

Fun Facts About National Sports

• Football (Soccer) is the most popular sport in the world, played and watched by billions of fans globally.
• Sumo Wrestling, Japan's national sport, involves two wrestlers competing to push each other out of a circular ring or to make any part of their body touch the ground, except for the soles of their feet. 
• The shuttlecock used in badminton weighs between 17 and 19 ounces. Due to its fragile construction, it usually lasts for only two games. Its speed is affected by environmental factors like temperature and altitude, flying faster in warmer conditions and at higher elevations.