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Countries And Their National Games:  Every year on August 29th, India celebrates its National Sports Day. The day marks the birth anniversary of the legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand. The day is also dedicated to all other sportspersons of India, whose successes and achievements brought national pride to the country of billions. Additionally, the National Sports Day also serve as a national symbol of the country's rich history, tradition, and common identity, which is celebrated through sports on an International level.

In most countries, these National sports were established by law or commonly adopted by the country because of nationwide participation and enthusiasm in the particular sport. From Baseball, regarded as the USA's national sport, to Australian cricket to Japanese sumo wrestling, each country has its own national sport, which reflects not only sporting preferences but also showcases values and narratives that define a nation. Now, let’s take a closer look at each country, along with its national games and popular Games.

What Is India's National Game?

It is worth noting that India does not have an official national game. However, due to India’s successful history of hockey, especially 8 Olympic gold medals, many people regard this game as the national sport of India.

Also Read: National Sports Day 2025: Theme, History and Significance

Same with Kabaddi, the game has also earned multiple trophies for the nation of billions, but has not been titled as the national game of India. Cricket is probably one of the most popular and loved games in India, and fans follow the sport like a religion, but it is also not the national game of India.

List Of Countries And Their National Games:

S. No. Name of Country National Game(s)
1 Afghanistan Buzkashi 
2 Antigua and Barbuda   Cricket 
3 Argentina Pato 
4 Australia Cricket and Australian Rules Football (AFL) 
5 Bangladesh Kabaddi 
6 Barbados Cricket 
7 Bermuda Cricket 
8 Bhutan Archery 
9 Brazil No national sport. However, Football is the most Popular here 
10 Bulgaria Weightlifting 
11 Canada Ice hockey (Winter) & Lacrosse (Summer) 
12 Chile Chilean rodeo 
13 China Table Tennis (Culturally Dominant)
14 Cuba Baseball 
15 Czech Republic Ice Hockey 
16 Dominican Republic Baseball 
17 England Cricket (Culturally Dominant)
18 France Football (Culturally Dominant)
19 Haiti Football 
20 Hungary Water polo 
21 Israel Football 
22 Italy Football (Culturally Dominant)
23 Indonesia Badminton 
24 Lithuania Basketball (Culturally Dominant)
25 Iran Wrestling 
26 Jamaica Cricket 
27 Japan Sumo Wrestling (widely regarded)
28 Malaysia Sepak Takraw 
29 Mongolia Mongolian wrestling, archery, and horse riding 
30 Mauritius Football 
31 Mexico Charreria 
32 Nepal Volleyball (2017) 
33 New Zealand Rugby union (Culturally Dominant)
34 Norway Skiing (Culturally Dominant)
35 Pakistan Field Hockey 
36 Philippines Arnis 
37 Poland Football 
38 Peru Paleta Frontón (flagship sport)
39 Russia Bandy (regarded national winter sport)
40 Scotland Golf (Culturally Dominant)
41 Serbia Basketball, water polo, volleyball, and Football 
42 Slovenia Skiing 
43 South Korea Tae-kwon-do 
44 Sri Lanka Volleyball 
45 Switzerland Shooting, Gymnastics (widely regarded)
46 Tajikistan Gushtigiri (widely regarded)
47 Turkey Oil wrestling (widely regarded)
48 USA Baseball (Widely Regarded) 
49 Venezuela Baseball 

Also Read: National Sports Day 2025: 50+ Quotes To Celebrate Games And Fitness

The above-mentioned list highlights the historical and cultural impact on countries, and the way it reflects on their national symbols of animal, dance form, music, sports and other ways of expression. Knowledge of a country's national sports not only reflects the diversity of the world but also promotes respect for special traditions and modes of expression. These national games bring people together, fill hearts with pride, and are the ultimate source of admiration. Knowing about the national sports of each country helps us understand the complex relationship between sport, culture, and nations across the globe.