Indigenous Sports of India

Traditional sports of India can be traced back to Vedic times, when indigenous sports such as archery, chariot racing, wrestling, yoga and swimming were popular with royalty. After Independence, Team India garnered laurels at various international sports events in disciplines such as hockey, cricket, shooting, wrestling and tennis. Today, sports such as basketball, football, cricket, athletics and martial arts are gaining in popularity with the youth.


India has very young citizens, with people between 15 – 35 years of age comprising more that 40 per cent of the population. As a country of young people, India has high potential to excel in the field of sports, games and other youth activities. The growth and development of this active section of society is needed to ensure India performs well at the international level. One way is to promote the indigenous sports of India at the local level, in schools and colleges.

Currently, the responsibility for promoting the traditional or indigenous sports of India lies with the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs. This ministry works as a facilitator to optimally tap the constructive and creative energies of the youth through the organization of various personality building and nation building initiatives. This blog provides details about traditional Indian sports, sporting events, schemes, awards and training available to all Indians.

India has a strong tradition of traditional sports and games that are played all over the country. Some games like Kabaddi and Kho Kho are popular nationwide, while other indigenous sports of India are specific to a certain State or region. The National Sports Policy, 2001 aims to promote traditional sports through various schemes related to rural sports. According to this policy, high priority will be accorded to the development of sports in rural areas to harness local talent available there. Here is a list of some indigenous sports of India –

1. Chess
2. Kabaddi
3. Kho Kho
4. Atya Patya
5. Archery
6. Boat Racing
7. Carrom
8. Polo
9. Kalari Payattu
10. Other games like Gilli Danda, Lonpat, Ardah Purdah, Chausar, Kushti, Deshri Kasrat and animal racing sports