Sports Legends Of India

India is a country in which a variety of sports disciplines are practiced. The origins of many sports, such as karate, wrestling, hockey, archery, fencing and even weight-lifting, can be traced back to India too. Sports personalities or legends are sports persons who underwent rigorous training in the past, to perform outstandingly at the national and international level. There are numerous such sports legends in India, who have left an indelible mark in their respective sports disciplines.

The discipline of cricket has seen many sporting legends till date. Some of them are:

• Ajit Laxman Wadekar: He was a left-handed batsman, and scored 4,288 runs from 73 matches, during his tenure of 17 years. 
• Kapil Dev: He was one of the best bowlers and hitters of his time. During his time, he achieved the  world record of taking the highest number of wickets in test matches: a giant 432 wickets. Kapil Dev also captained the Indian cricket team, to a memorable victory in the 1983 World Cup.

Athletics also has many sporting legends, who have brought national and international laurels for the country. Two sports legends from the athletics are:

• Milkha Singh: Known as the 'flying sikh', Milkha Singh set up unbeatable track and field records in the National Games and Asian Games. Singh still holds a record of 20.7 seconds for the 200 meters race.
• Charles Borromeo: This athlete entered the sports hall of fame with his outstanding performance in the 800 meters race at the 9th Asian games. He also won the Arjuna Award in 1982, and the Padma Shri in 1984. 

Yet another sports discipline that witnessed legendary sports performances is hockey. One of the leading hockey legends in India is Dhanraj Pillai, who played at the center-forward position, in over 250 international  hockey tournaments, during his tenure of nine years. Dhanraj Pillai has received national honours like the Shiv Chhatrapati Award in 1991, the Arjuna Award in 1995, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in 1999, and the Padma Shri in 2001.

Sporting legends are role models for aspiring players, and have been known to inspire them to perform to great levels. Some of the other sports legends who have performed brilliantly at international tournaments, and went on to inspire generations include:

• Vishwanathan Anand in chess
• Dhyanchand in hockey
• Geet Sethi in billiards
• Kartar Singh in Wrestling
• Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi in lawn tennis
• Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi and Bishen Singh Bedi in cricket
• PT Usha in athletics
• Baichung Bhutia and Peter Thangaraj in football
• Jaspal Rana and Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore in shooting. 

History Of Traditional Sports In India

The history of sports in India goes back to epic times. During those ages, physical fitness was given prime importance. The Hatha Yoga (of Vedic times) represented strength, stamina and ultimate control of body functions. The combination of meditation and physical movement was the core concept of every sport.

Many of the sports practiced today have their origins in ancient ndia. Wrestling in Vedic times was called Mall-Stambha, while weight-lifting was known as Bhrashram. Kalari Payattu is one of the oldest forms of martial arts in India. It was taken to China by a Shaolin Monk, and given the name of Wu-Shu, which was in turn changed to its present name of Karate in Japan.

During the era of the Rig-Veda (Ramayana and Mahabharata era), men were well-versed in chariot-racing, archery, military ploys, swimming, wrestling and hunting. Archery, the javelin (toran) and the discus (chakra) were frequently used during the Indus valley civilization (2500 - 1550 B.C). Swimming, sword-fighting (fencing, at present), wrestling and ball games were also immensely popular among the students of Nalanda and Taxila. The Pranayama or breathing control technique, which is an important feature of Taek-wan-do, Karate, Judo and Sumo wrestling, was one of the many techniques spread in the Far East by Buddhist pilgrims from India. In addition, Kabaddi is a traditional Indian sport that is more than 4000 years old.

Kirip is a form of wrestling, which is popular with the Nicobarese tribe. In this sport, wrestlers grip each other from behind, not loosening the grip till the end of the game. Dhopkhel is an ancient indigenous game of Assam. This game requires strong physical fitness-speed, stamina and acrobatic skills. It is played during the state's Spring Festival, known as Rangoli Bihu. Hiyang Tannaba (a boat racing sport) is the native game of Manipur, and is played during their vibrant festival of the Lai Haraoba. This seasonal game is played only by men.

Insuknawr or rod-pushing is an aboriginal game of Mizoram, which is played only by men. It has also been declared as the 'Mizo National Game' by the Mizoram State Sports Council (MSSC). This sport is a test of sheer strength and stamina. The Kang Shanaba is a native Manipuri game played on the day falling between Manipur's New Year Day and the Ratha Jatra festival. The kang literally means a round object, while the art of throwing or pushing it is called Kang Shanaba.

All of the above-mentioned games are ancient games of India, and reflect the importance of given to sports in India, since early times.

India Commonwealth Games – Accommodation and Tickets

The most important multi sport event of this year is the India Commonwealth Games, for which accommodation and tickets are in great demand. The Commonwealth Games is a sports event, in which countries that were once a part of the former British Empire take part.

The first Games were held in 1930 in Hamilton, Canada and were known as the British Empire Games. It saw the participation of 11 countries in six sports and 59 sporting events. Since then, the Commonwealth Games have been conducted every four years, except for 1942 and 1946 during the Second World War. During the Commonwealth Games, accommodation and tickets are in great demand. Later, the Games came to be known by various other names, until the 1978 Games in Edmonton, where this international multi-sports event was renamed as the Commonwealth Games.


Management of India Commonwealth Games

The Commonwealth Games is managed by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF). Originally having only single competition sports, the Commonwealth Games saw a significant change when team sports such as cricket, hockey, netball and rugby were introduced at the 1998 Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

In 2000, the CGF took on the additional responsibility of organizing the Commonwealth Youth Games, for sportspersons hailing from Commonwealth countries who were 18 years and younger. The Third Edition of the Commonwealth Youth Games was held in Pune, India in 2008. It ended with India leading the medals tally with 33 Golds of the total of 76 Medals won. Lots of accommodation and tickets were sold for these Games.

The Commonwealth Games also broke new barriers, when a number of full medal events for elite athletes with a disability (EAD) were introduced at the 2002 Games in Manchester. This was the first time ever that events for people with disabilities were introduced at an international multi-sport event.


Accommodation and Tickets for the Commonwealth Games, India

In 2010, the India Commonwealth Games will be held in Delhi for the first time. India is the third developing country to host the event after Jamaica in 1966 and Malaysia in 1998. Accommodation and tickets for the India Commonwealth Games will soon be made available. The Games are scheduled to be held in New Delhi between the 3rd and 14th of October, 2010 inclusive of opening and closing ceremonies.

The India Commonwealth Games 2010 will include 17 sports - Archery, Aquatics, Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Cycling, Gymnastics, Hockey, Lawn Bowls, Netball, Rugby 7s, Shooting, Squash, Table Tennis, Tennis, Weightlifting and Wrestling. Elite Athletes with Disabilities (EAD) will compete in 15 events across 4 sports, namely, Athletics, Swimming, Powerlifting and Table Tennis.

The government is currently renovating existing facilities and constructing new infrastructure for these sports. New accommodation in the form of hotels and bed and breakfasts for tourists are being constructed and tickets for sports events will be later sold online.

Sports Events India

Sports events India tournaments are organized at various levels to support and encourage talented sportspersons from all over the country. Every sporting discipline has tournaments both at the local level and university level as well as the State level and the National Level. Sportspersons who excel at events in the National arena are given a chance by the authorities to participate in International Sporting Events.

Local level sports events India games are held to encourage physical fitness levels and a love for sporting activities in the hearts of Indian citizens. University level tournaments help bring out the competitive spirit of the youth from different colleges while State level championships prepare promising individuals and teams to compete at the National level.

Sports events India tournaments at the National level showcase mature talent available from different States of the country. Players who display exceptional skills at these events are selected to represent the country at International Events.

Here is some more information on various sporting events India organized or followed by the population, at different levels –

• International Level
• National Level
• State and Local Level

Indigenous Games in India - Rural Sports

There are many indigenous games in India that are played in villages across the country. These rural sports have different variations and are known by other names depending on the region they are played in. Popular with schoolchildren, these traditional games help build stamina, sharpen the mind and create a spirit of sportsmanship needed to excel in professional sports and other fields of life.

Here are details about a few well known indigenous games in India-

1. Gilli Danda – Known as Witi Dandu in Marathi, this game is similar to the English ‘Bat Trap and Ball' or 'Tipcat'. It is played with two sticks – one short and one long. First, the small stick is positioned with one end sticking out over a hole in the ground. Next, a chosen player hits it smartly with the longer stick. As the small stick jumps in the air, the other players attempt to catch it. If any of them succeeds, he has the next innings and the former striker takes the field.

2. Lonpat – This indigenous game of India is a kind of ‘Tom Tiddler's Ground’ or ‘Prisoner's Base’, and it is usually played by moonlight. Lonpat is played between two teams – the defending party and the opposing party. First, the ground is marked out in squares. One person from the defending party is posted to each square. Their opponents then try to pass through these squares and back again without being touched. If they succeed, they are declared winners.

3. Ardah Purdah – This rural game may be compared to the English ‘Blind Man's Buff’, or maybe to ‘Forfeits’. The main article used in Ardah Purdah is a purdah or curtain. The players form two teams of equal number of players and the curtain is held up between them. One person then hides close behind the curtain, while the rival team is asked to guess his name. If they are correct, then the person hiding behind the curtain is blindfolded and sent off to do some task. The main enjoyment of the game comes from watching him stumble and overcome the many obstacles placed in his path.

4. Other Sports - Chausar, a kind of draughts, popular in ancient times is still played in villages. Other pastimes of the local people include a range of marbles and card games. Deshi Kasrat, an Indian form of ‘Swedish exercise' has also been initiated in local schools to help students maintain fitness levels. Also, local wrestling or kushti matches are held on certain occasions such as the festival of Nag-Panchami with great fervour.

5. Animal Sports – Of the other indigenous games in India, animal sports are really popular. They are usually held on festival days and other such junctures. Cock fighting and ram fighting are popular among some communities in certain States such as Maharashtra. Among the Gaolis, he-buffalo fighting on Diwali is a common pursuit. Races of trotting bullocks are held on Til-Sankranti. Camel racing is a regular sports event in Rajasthan.

Read about other indigenous sports in India -

• Kabaddi
• Chess
• Kho Kho
• Atya Patya
• Archery
• Snake Boat Racing
• Carrom
• Horse Polo
• Kalari Payattu

Kalari Payattu - Martial Arts of India

Kalari Payattu is the oldest living martial arts form in the world and the most famous martial art of India. This indigenous self defence technique originated around 1,500 years ago in the State of Kerala in India. The Indian Buddhist monk, Bodhidharma, was responsible for taking this form of unarmed combat to China, from where martial arts like Karate, Kung Fu and Tae-kwon-do soon developed.

Kalari payattu is derived from the words ‘Kalari’ meaning school or arena and ‘payattu’ meaning skill training and exercise. It literally means, ‘acquired skill of art’. This form of martial arts incorporates 10 stages of comprehensive training. The training consists of special exercises designed to build up sharp reflexes for hand-to-hand combat.

Kalari Payattu training also includes techniques of fighting with the use of weapons such as the mace, spears, daggers, sword and shield. It may take up to 3-5 years to master each stage depending upon the skill and ability of the learner.

Kalari Payattu, the top martial art form of India, is not only a form of martial arts, but also a form of meditation, massage, ayurveda and healing. Over the years, the system of Kalarippayattu has seen many changes that have lead to the development of different styles and schools, such as the Arappa Kai, Vatteen Tiruppu and Pilla Tangi.

The Indian government has taken up initiatives to popularise Kalari Payattu at various levels. New kalaripayattu schools have been started and kalaripayattu videos have been released on CD and can be also downloaded from the internet. Here are some more details about Kalari Payattu, the number one martial art form of India.

• Kalaripayattu Training and Practice
• Kalaripayattu Training Schools

Read about other indigenous sports of India -

• Kabaddi
• Chess
• Kho Kho
• Atya Patya
• Archery
• Snake Boat Racing
• Carrom
• Horse Polo
• Kalari Payattu
• Gilli Danda, Lonpat, Ardah Purdah, Chausar, Desi Kasrat, Kushti and Animal Sports.

History of Polo in India

Polo is an ancient game which was made popular in Asia by the Chinese and Persians hundreds of years ago. The history of polo in India began centuries ago, when the game was first played in the areas of Gilgit, Chitral and Manipur. The sport was regularly played by Moghul Emperors, and it was Emperor Akbar who brought about the first set of rules for this game. During this era, Polo was known as ‘Chaugan’.

Polo is played on horseback between two teams of four players each. The main aim of this traditional sport is to score goals against the opposing team, while mounted on a pony or horse. Goals are scored by hitting a small white plastic or wooden ball using a long handled hammer or polo mallet. The grass field on which polo is played is usually up to 300 yards in length.

According to the history of polo in India, the modern form of polo was introduced by a British Cavalry Regiment posted in the country during the late 19th century. The Indian Polo Association was formed in 1892, with teams from Alwar, Bhopal, Bikaner, Jaipur, Hyderabad and Patiala joining in as members. The Cavalry regiments of the British and the Indian Army also fielded teams for polo matches.

After the end of the First World War the history of polo in India changed. New international rules were framed for polo. Polo events in India include the Indian Polo Championship, The President’s Cup and various local matches. Today, there are more than 30 polo clubs registered with the Indian Polo Association, which are active on the polo circuit.

Polo ponies have to be specially trained to play polo games and polo players should have exceptionally good riding skills. Today, different types of polo have emerged such as snow polo, desert polo, mountain polo, camel polo and elephant polo.

Carrom India

The history of carrom India is long and vivid. The game of Carrom is said to have originated in the country. Ever since the 18th century, it was known to be played by the Maharajas and other royalty in their palaces. The existence of a Carrom Board with a glass surface in one of the palaces of Patiala, established the privileged nature the sport was accorded in that era. Later on, Carrom games became a popular indoor sport played by families in their homes, all over India.

Carrom is a table top game that is played on a wooden board with wooden carrom disks of black and white colour. A finger is used to strike or flick a comparatively heavier disk called the Carrom ‘Striker’, so that it pushes lighter disks called ‘carrom-men’ into one of four corner pockets. The winner is the player who manages to put in all the ‘carrom-men’ of the colour assigned to him, first.

Carrom players need to have a thorough understanding of angles, deftness of touch, keen sight and superlative control of nerves to excel in this game. Besides this, they also require skill, deep concentration, mental strength and physical fitness. As carrom board games do not require much space to play, carrom india is popularly played in most small houses or offices in the country.

Today, Carrom is played competitively in an organized style. State level carrom India competitions were held as early as the 1930s. A well developed body of Carrom Rules India have been formed. The game of Carrom is managed by the All India Carrom Federation, with closely connected State level associations looking after the control, management and organization of the game at the local level. Carrom is also played in around 50 countries globally and controlled by the International Carrom Federation and respective continental Federations.

Carrom Indian players have won major International Carrom Competitions including the World Cup with unbeatable performances. Anthony Maria Irudayam and Nagsen Etambe are the best known players of this indoor game.

Other articles that will interest you:

• Youth Affairs and Sports
• Traditional Sports in India
• Indigenous Games in India
• Chess Was Invented in India
• Kalari Payattu - Indian Martial Art

Adventure Tourism Activities in India

If you are looking for adventure, then India has everything you need to make your holiday special. Right from the snow-clad Himalayan heights to the deserted tropical islands in the Bay of Bengal, India has something for everyone. Some of the popular adventure tourism activities in India are aero sports, winter sports, water sports, desert safaris, motor sports, trekking, rock climbing and mountaineering.

The Himayalan ranges in the north are perfect for winter sports such as skiing, mountaineering, rock climbing and trekking. The meandering Himalayan rivers offer opportunities for water sports like white water rafting, angling and kayaking. After an exciting day of adventure tourism activities in India, you can set up camp in the alpine forests and lush meadows of the region for some well-deserved rest.

For travellers who prefer a beach vacation,  the entire western and eastern coast plus the islands in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal have a range of aqua adventure tourism activities in India. While the beaches of Goa and Kerala offer adventure sports such as water skiing, wind surfing and sailing, the islands of Lakshadweep, Andaman and Nicobar provide facilities for snorkelling and SCUBA diving.

Aerosports services like hot air ballooning, hang gliding and para gliding are available at locations in Kangra, Dasauli, Dharamasala, Shimla, Pune, Mhow, Indore, Mysore, Udhagamandalam and Shillong. The cities of Jaisalmer and Bikaner in Rajasthan provide desert safaris through which tourists can explore the unending sand dunes on camel back, horse back or by jeep.

Whether you like living life on the edge, or you just want to enjoy the occasional thrill of the unknown, there are a range of adventure tourism activities in India, which you can choose from. For more information about adventure sports available in India, click here.


Courses on Adventure Tourism Activities in India

Here are some organizations that offer programmes and courses for various adventure sports related activities in the country.

• National Institute of Watersports, Goa
• Youth Hostels Association of India
• Indian Mountaineering Foundation
• Nehru Institute of Mountaineering
• Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam
• Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India
• Aero Club of India
• Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports
• Dive Destinations


Other than these, the tourism departments of different States and private companies also organize adventure tourism activities in India along with other related competitions and events.

Snake Boat Racing in India

Boat Racing is another indigenous sport of India, popular in States such as Kerala and Assam. In Kuttanadu, Kerala, snake boat racing is a cult sport where snake boats are the pride of every village. With its charming backwaters and canals, Kerala is known as the Venice of the East. Each snake boat is around 30 metres in length and can seat about a hundred people. The months of August and September are the best for snake boat racing in India. During these months, we witness a festival like atmosphere, with nearly 20 minor and major regattas being held in the State.

The Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race, which is held on the Punnamda Lake, near Alappuzha, is the most popular of the regattas. It is the number one snake boat racing in India event. This race is held on the second Saturday of August every year and is watched live by an estimated two lakh spectators. Other boat races in Kerala are the Uthrithathi boat race on the Pampa River, Champakulam Moolam Vallamkali Race, Neerettupuram Boat Race, Rajiv Gandhi Boat Race and Pulimkunnu Karuvatta Boat Race.

In Assam, the local people look forward to their annual boat racing festivals just as much as in Kerala. Boat races are often organized by local units during festive occasions at places like Hajo, Saulkuchi, Barpeta, Guwahati and so on. People taking part in these boat races need lengthy training, stamina and an inherent aptitude. The captain of the boat racing team, who is responsible for steering the boat, needs systematic knowledge of water currents, keen observation power and expertise about other aspects of boat racing.

If you are interested in snake boat racing in India, make sure you fly down to the state of Kerala in the monsoon months of August and September when the rivers are full. You'll be in for a real treat!!

Archery India - History and Techniques

Archery is a sport, prevalent in India since ancient times. In those days, traditional archery India was vital for survival and combat. It was also used in competition, to bring out the best players. During the period of the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, archery assumed great importance. Various archery tournaments and festivals were organized.

There was a wide variety of archery India equipment such as different bows and arrows, in diverse shooting styles. Most countries, especially in Asia and Europe, have a rich history of archery. Later, the sport evolved into a competitive sport in Europe, America and Asia. In 1900, Archery became the official sport of the Olympic Games.


Modern Archery India Rules

Modern Archery is a target sport which involves sharp technique and concentration power as well as immense strength and stamina. There are two main kinds of bow used by sportspersons in modern archery - recurve and compound. The main aim of the game is to use the bow and arrow to shoot a target. This target is marked with 10 concentric rings. Points with a score range of 1 – 10 are awarded for accuracy. The nearer the arrow lands to the centre of the target, the higher the shooter scores. Many archery India sportspersons have won medals at international tournaments.

Today, the sport of archery India is managed by the Archery Association of India. This body is responsible for holding tournaments, encouraging talent and promoting the sport around the country. Archery is also a popular pursuit in tribal areas and villages.

Here is some more information on Archery India –

• Techniques of Traditional Archery
• Archery Equipment

Atya Patya - Traditional Indian Game

This thrilling game is a major sport that originated in ancient India. Popular in rural areas, the rules of Atya Patya have been improvised from region to region. It is known by different names in these regions, such as Sur-pati, Darya-Bandh, Saragari, Saramani, Tilli, Uppinat, Uppupatti, Choupat Pati, Panchwati, Chikka and so on. The exact Atya Patya history is difficult to trace, but it is known to have been played since the days of the Mahabharata.

The first move to systematize the rules of Atya Patya was made by Dekkan Gymkhana, Pune. Later, the Akhil Maharashtra Sharirik Shikshan Mandai helped develop the game by conducting divisional tournaments in which teams from Marathi speaking States such as Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Karnataka took part.

In 1982, Atya Patya got National recognition when the Atya Patya Federation of India was established. Today, the game is played in all major States of the country. Here are some more details about the sport–

• The Playfield
• Rules and Regulations
• Faults

In 1996, the International Atya Patya Federation and the Asian Atya Patya Association was formed in Japan.

Read about other indigenous sports in India -

• Kabaddi
• Chess
• Kho Kho
• Atya Patya
• Archery
• Snake Boat Racing
• Carrom
• Horse Polo
• Kalari Payattu
• Gilli Danda, Lonpat, Ardah Purdah, Chausar, Desi Kasrat, Kushti and Animal Sports.

History of the Kho Kho Game and Rules

The Kho Kho game is an Indian sport commonly played in schools and colleges around the country. When it comes to Kho Kho history, every Indian knows that the game was known to be played since the earliest of times. It is played on a rectangular court, between two teams of twelve players each, of which 9 take the field and 3 are reserves.

Kho Kho is a great test of the participants` physical fitness, strength, speed and stamina and dodging ability. No one has exact knowledge on Kho Kho history or when the first game was played, though many historians say that it is actually a modified form of `Run Chase`. In the ancient era, a version of the Kho-Kho game was played on `raths` or chariots in Maharashtra. This was known as Rathera.

In ancient Kho Kho history, there were no rigid rules and regulations for playing the game. The Kho Kho rules were first framed in the early 1900's. A committee was formed at Gymkhana Poona in 1914 for framing the Kho Kho rules and the first ever book of Kho-Kho rules was published from Gymkhana Baroda, in 1924.

According to the Kho-Kho game rules, each of the participating teams consists of twelve players, though only nine players take the field for a contest. After the toss, one team sits in a row down the middle of the court, with alternate members facing opposite directions. They are the chasers. The opposing team sends a player in the court as a dodger.

A chaser may only run in one direction and cannot cut across the central line. If a chaser needs to catch a dodger who is on the other side of the line, he/she needs to pass the chasing job to another team-mate. This is done by touching the back of a sitter facing the other way and shouting ‘Kho’.

The main aim of the chasing team is to tag all dodgers of the opposing team in the shortest time possible. This sport is managed by the Kho-Kho Federation of India, which was created in 1956-57 at Cuttack, Orissa to popularize the Kho Kho game among the masses.

Read about other indigenous sports in India -

• Kabaddi
• Chess
• Kho Kho
• Atya Patya
• Archery
• Snake Boat Racing
• Carrom
• Horse Polo
• Kalari Payattu
• Gilli Danda, Lonpat, Ardah Purdah, Chausar, Desi Kasrat, Kushti and Animal Sports.

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
    

Chess Invented in India

This game of mental warfare, played on a black and white chequered board is India’s unique gift to the world. Chess has its origins in ancient India, when the game was known as Chaturanga. All Indians should be proud that chess invented in India.

The main pieces used in Chess symbolize the four units or divisions of the historic armies that comprise elephants, horses, chariots and soldiers on foot. The game then spread to Persia (Iran) where Chaturanga began to be known as Shatranj. It later became popular in Arab countries and Europe and gained its present universal name, Chess. This is the origin of Chess invented in India.


Development of Chess Globally

Gradually, the game developed along scientific lines in Western countries. Today, chess is a keenly contested competitive sport with major international championships being organized at different levels.

Chess has been a favourite pastime of Indians since ancient times when chess invented in India. Initially, the game received support only from the princes of the erstwhile princely states and a few benevolent wealthy patrons.

The British introduced modern rules of the game in the 19th century. The creation of the All India Chess Federation in 1953 saw the game growing in terms of popularity. Today, chess is played in big cities, towns and villages by both the rich and the poor alike. Many top ranked International Master Chess players have been Indians, but very few Indians know that chess invented in India.

Kabaddi Game History

Kabaddi is a sport which has its origins in South Asia. It is known as Hu-tu-tu in Western India. The main qualities needed to excel in this sport are agility, good lung capacity, muscular coordination and quick reflexes. The kabaddi game history is long and colorful.

The game is played with two teams of 12 players each, which alternate between defence and offence. Of the twelve players, seven are on-court and five are reserves. The game comprises of two halves of 20 minutes each. Players score points by raiding the opponent’s court individually and touching as many members of the opposing team as possible without getting caught.

Holding your breath is part of the kabaddi game history. While, the player is in the opposing team’s court, he/she must constantly say ‘kabaddi-kabaddi’ while holding their breath. This player has to continue holding their breath until they return to their home court. Meanwhile, the opposing team has to try their best to prevent this player from returning to his/her home court.

The kabaddi game history is pre-historic. It was started mainly to develop the physical strength and speed in young men and develop self-defense skills. In the Mahabharata, there is an analogy of the game, where the warrior Arjuna's son Abhimanyu faces a rough time, when he is trapped in the 'Chakravyuha' set by his enemies during a war. According to Buddhist literature, Gautam Buddha played kabaddi for recreational purposes, which helped him showoff to the ladies.

The All India Kabaddi Federation that was formed in 1950, was responsible for compiling standard rules for this sport. The Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) was founded in 1973 and is responsible for the promotion of this sport and kabaddi game history.

Kabaddi made its debut at the Beijing Asian Games in 1990. India won the gold medal here and followed it up with successes in consecutive Asian Games held at Hiroshima in 1994, Bangkok in 1998, Busan in 2002 and Doha in 2006. The rich kabaddi game history in south Asian countries is a reason why sports officials are pushing for its inclusion in the Olympic Games, also.

Other articles that will interest you:

• Youth Affairs and Sports
• Traditional Sports in India
• Indigenous Games in India
• Chess Was Invented in India
• Kalari Payattu - Indian Martial Art