National Sports of Major Countries
Delhi Police Exams - GK Static Section
Introduction
Every country has a sport that reflects its culture, tradition, and national identity. While some are officially declared national sports, others are traditionally popular as the nation’s pride.
Memory Trick: National Sports = Nation’s Identity through Play.
National Sports of Major Countries
| Country | National Sport | Quick Note / Remark |
|---|---|---|
| India | Hockey | Not officially declared, but historically national game (8 Olympic Golds) |
| USA | Baseball | National pastime; Major League Baseball globally famous |
| Canada | Ice Hockey | Winter sport (with Lacrosse in Summer) |
| Japan | Sumo Wrestling | Ancient martial art; official national sport |
| China | Table Tennis | Global dominance; top champions produced |
| Brazil | Football (Soccer) | Pelé, Neymar; 5-time FIFA World Cup champ |
| Australia | Cricket | National passion; 5-time Cricket World Cup winner |
Mnemonic: IUCJ CBA – India, USA, Canada, Japan, China, Brazil, Australia. “In USA, Canadians Jump Cheerfully Before Australia.”
Dual or Shared National Sports
| Country | National Sport(s) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | Ice Hockey (Winter), Lacrosse (Summer) | Both declared official in 1994 |
| Philippines | Arnis | National martial art since 2009 |
| Mexico | Charrería | Traditional equestrian sport |
| Bangladesh | Kabaddi | Reflection of rural tradition |
| Nepal | Volleyball | Declared national sport in 2017 |
| Sri Lanka | Volleyball | Official; not cricket |
| Pakistan | Field Hockey | 3 Olympic & 4 World Cup titles |
| New Zealand | Rugby Union | All Blacks team, global reputation |
Trick: P–B–N–S–P–N–C–J for country mnemonics.
Importance in Exams
- National sport of a country
- Association of famous players with their sport
- Key tournaments linked to national sports
| Country | Sport | Famous Player |
|---|---|---|
| India | Hockey | Major Dhyan Chand |
| USA | Baseball | Babe Ruth |
| Canada | Ice Hockey | Wayne Gretzky |
| Japan | Sumo Wrestling | Hakuho Sho |
| China | Table Tennis | Ma Long |
| Brazil | Football | Pelé, Neymar |
| Australia | Cricket | Ricky Ponting |
Trick: Revise the “Country–Sport–Star Player” links before any GK exam.
PYQs (Delhi Police, SSC & State Exams)
Which is the national sport of India?
A) Cricket B) Hockey C) Kabaddi D) Football
Show Answer
B) Hockey
Baseball is the national sport of —
A) USA B) Brazil C) Australia D) Canada
Show Answer
A) USA
Which of the following countries has Ice Hockey as its national game?
A) Russia B) Canada C) Norway D) Australia
Show Answer
B) Canada
Sumo wrestling is the national sport of —
A) China B) Japan C) Thailand D) South Korea
Show Answer
B) Japan
Table Tennis is the national sport of —
A) Japan B) China C) Singapore D) Korea
Show Answer
B) China
Which is the national sport of Brazil?
A) Volleyball B) Hockey C) Football D) Cricket
Show Answer
C) Football
Cricket is the national sport of —
A) South Africa B) Australia C) India D) England
Show Answer
B) Australia
Which country recognizes “Kabaddi” as its national sport?
A) India B) Bangladesh C) Nepal D) Bhutan
Show Answer
B) Bangladesh
“Charrería” is the national sport of —
A) Spain B) Mexico C) Argentina D) Portugal
Show Answer
B) Mexico
The national sport of Sri Lanka is —
A) Cricket B) Football C) Volleyball D) Tennis
Show Answer
C) Volleyball
Summary Table – National Sports (Quick Revision)
| Country | National Sport |
|---|---|
| India | Hockey |
| USA | Baseball |
| Canada | Ice Hockey |
| Japan | Sumo Wrestling |
| China | Table Tennis |
| Brazil | Football |
| Australia | Cricket |
| Bangladesh | Kabaddi |
| Sri Lanka | Volleyball |
| Nepal | Volleyball |
| Pakistan | Hockey |
| New Zealand | Rugby |
| Philippines | Arnis |
| Mexico | Charrería |
Super Shortcut Mnemonic: IUC JCB A BSPN PM – India, USA, Canada, Japan, China, Brazil, Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, Philippines, Mexico.
Final Concept Recap
- Hockey → India & Pakistan
- Baseball → USA
- Ice Hockey → Canada
- Sumo → Japan
- Table Tennis → China
- Football → Brazil
- Cricket → Australia
- Kabaddi → Bangladesh
- Volleyball → Sri Lanka & Nepal
One-Line Memory: Every nation plays with passion — their sport is their identity.
Master Global & National Sports GK!
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