Sports in India
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Unlike other countries, India is not a major sporting power. The lackadaisical attitude of the government results in just a medal or two in the Olympics and no trophies to boast of in sports other than cricket. Here are the status of sports in India. The mystery of the missing medals (http://www.sportstaronnet.com/tss2738/stories/20040918005300800.htm) -- India's performance in Olympics: an in-depth study published in The Sportstar.
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Cricket
Cricket is by far India's most popular sport. It outstrips all other sports played in India combined, in terms of viewership, media coverage and money involved. The rise in cricket's fortunes started in the early 90's after sponsorship of top players. By the turn of the century, it has become a billion dollar industry making it the country's unofficial passtime. Although the Indian cricket team has won a sole Cricket World Cup, cricket is like a religion in the country. Victories over arch rivals Pakistan and World Champions Australia in their home have propelled India to #2. But recently the team has been going through tough times. It lost to Australia at home(India). Cricket is played throughout India except in the North East states.
Football
Main article: Football in India
Football (soccer) is a very popular sport in India. Although the Indian football team is ranked 139 in the FIFA rankings, the team had better days reaching the semifinals in the Olympics way back in the 1940's & 1950's. Most Indians keenly follow local clubs as well as South American and European club matches. The sport is most popular in Goa, West Bengal and Kerala.
Field Hockey
Although India's national sport, Hockey has fallen into decline due to Cricket. From being an invincible team upto the 80's, the team has fallen on hard times. Recent victories haven't changed that perspective much, although it remains to be seen if India can reproduce its past magic and win trophies again.
Lawn Tennis
Tennis is popular among Indians. Many people do watch the Grand Slams. However India's fortunes in the Grand Slams are nil. The best result in Tennis for India has been placed 2nd in the Davis Cup (default as they refused to play against apartheid South Africa). However India have won quite a few doubles and mixed doubles Grand Slam trophies along with a bronze Olympic medal in 1996.
Chess
The board game of Chess originated in India in thousands of years ago. India's first Grandmaster, Viswanathan Anand helped popularise the sport en masse. After him there have been a further 10 more GM's from India. Chess today is a very popular sport all over India. The top ten Indian Players are - ( Source FIDE April 2005 Elo list)
Name Elo Rating 1 Anand, Viswanathan 2785 2 Harikrishna, P. 2646 3 Sasikiran, Krishnan 2642 4 Ganguly, Surya Shekhar 2583 5 Kunte, Abhijit 2561 6 Sandipan, Chanda 2558 7 Koneru, Humpy 2508 8 Sundararajan, Kidambi 2491 9 Thipsay, Praveen M 2488 10 Barua, Dibyendu 2475
Kabaddi
Kabaddi originated from Punjab and requires strength, stamina, agility and most importantly hand eye cordination. This sport is played by a person called a "raider" goes to one side where 4 teamates will be holding hands in a semi-circle. The raider has to try to touch on of the teamates and run back to his line. But the teamates holding hands can grab the raider and knock him down, which will earn his team a point. These are just the simple rules, there are more complexed rules.
F1
The Formula One motor racing sports is catching up all over urban India. It is one of the fastest growing sports as far as viewship is involved. Beginning in 2005 - the current F1 season - has Narain karthikeyan driving for team Jordan. Though no F1 circuits are in India at present, a F3 circuit is being planned.
Badminton
Badminton is supposed to have originated in India. Although India is not among the top teams, it does produce players of high international ranking. Badminton is a popular recreation sport all over India.
Boxing
Boxing is one of the lesser profiled sports in India. Boxing does have school and national championship matches. However India is yet to produce a heavyweight champion.
Basketball
Basketball is primaraly a school sport in India. The game is popular in most urban schools. However at higher levels, the sport has a very poor profile.
Rugby
The British introduced Rugby to India. However it is not very popular in the country. It is mostly played in schools. Rugby is club based and national championships (South Asia) are held every year at the Bombay Gymkhana, Bombay in August.
Golf
Golf is a sport that is becoming popular in India. There are numerous golf courses all over India. However, the sport is expensive and mostly corporates and the rich play the sport.
Billiards and Snooker
Billiards and Snooker are popular club sports in India. India has produced players of international ranking, Geet Sethi and Michael Ferreira to name some.
Volleyball
Volleyball is a sport played all over India, both in rural as well as urban India. It is a popular recreation sport but India does not have a world class team as yet.
Table Tennis
A popular indoor club sport, Table Tennis is a popular recreation sport all over the country.
Squash
Squash is an 'elite' recreation sport, played in clubs in urban areas.
Swimming
Another summer sport.
Pool
Anoter summer sport.
Bowling
A popular recreation sport, often played with bowling balls and pins.
Polo
Supposed to have originated in India. Popular in the Indian army as well as in northern India
Horse Racing
Horse racing derbies are held in many cities in the winter season.
Sailing
Popular among navy sailors and those attached to sailing clubs.
Gymnastics
Almost non existent after school level
Throwball
A woman's sport played mostly at school level.
Baseball & Softball
These sports have recently started to show up. Softball is played at school level especially in Kerala.
Ice Hockey
Though still in a primitive stage, the first national championship was held in Jammu & Kashmir in 2003.
Snow Sports
Except for sking, snow sports are non existent, mainly due to the lack of snow except in the extreme north.
Others
Koozahngal<b>
This is a game played in South Part of India.
<b>Kho-Kho<b>
This is an old game of speed and cunning involving many individuals.
American Football is non existent in India both in terms of viewership and profile.
Links
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (http://yas.nic.in/)
Budget for Sports in India (http://indiabudget.nic.in/ub2005-06/bag/bag4-2.pdf)