List of Countries and Their National Games: Complete Guide to Popular Sports Worldwide

Sports are more than just competition - they are symbols of heritage, culture, and national pride. Every country has a sport that resonates deeply with its people, either legally recognised as a national game or widely followed as a cultural favourite. From cricket in Australia to sumo wrestling in Japan, these games reflect the traditions, values, and passions of nations worldwide.

National Sports Day in India : Honouring Legends

India observes National Sports Day on 29th August every year to honour hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. While India doesn’t have an official national game, hockey has long been associated with the country due to its dominance in the Olympics, with eight gold medals. Kabaddi and cricket are also immensely popular, but none hold the official title of “national game.”

Why Do Countries Have National Games ?

National sports are often chosen because of their cultural significance, historical influence, or massive popularity. Some are legally designated, while others gain recognition because they unite citizens and showcase national spirit. For example:

Baseball in the USA symbolises American identity.
Kabaddi in Bangladesh reflects traditional rural roots.
Sumo wrestling in Japan represents centuries-old rituals.

List of Countries and Their National Games

Here’s a comprehensive list of countries and their recognised or culturally dominant sports:

S. No. Country National Game(s) / Culturally Dominant Sport

1	Afghanistan	Buzkashi
2	Antigua and Barbuda	Cricket
3	Argentina	Pato
4	Australia	Cricket & Australian Rules Football (AFL)
5	Bangladesh	Kabaddi
6	Barbados	Cricket
7	Bermuda	Cricket
8	Bhutan	Archery
9	Brazil	Football (Most Popular, not official)
10	Bulgaria	Weightlifting
11	Canada	Ice Hockey (Winter) & Lacrosse (Summer)
12	Chile	Chilean Rodeo
13	China	Table Tennis (Cultural Dominance)
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
28	Malaysia	Sepak Takraw
29	Mongolia	Wrestling, Archery & Horse Riding
30	Mauritius	Football
31	Mexico	Charrería
32	Nepal	Volleyball (Official since 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
39	Russia	Bandy (National Winter Sport)
40	Scotland	Golf (Culturally Dominant)
41	Serbia	Basketball, Water Polo, Volleyball & Football
42	Slovenia	Skiing
43	South Korea	Taekwondo
44	Sri Lanka	Volleyball
45	Switzerland	Shooting & Gymnastics
46	Tajikistan	Gushtigiri
47	Turkey	Oil Wrestling
48	USA	Baseball (Widely Regarded)
49	Venezuela	Baseball

Sports as a Reflection of Culture and Identity

These national games reveal the deep link between sports, culture, and national identity. They embody traditions, showcase strength, and create a sense of unity. For instance:

• Mongolia celebrates its nomadic heritage with horse riding and wrestling.
• Canada proudly highlights both winter and summer sports to suit its climate.
• Football dominatesEurope and Latin America, symbolising global connection.

Exploring the national games of countries helps us understand how deeply sports influence culture, unity, and national pride. Whether officially recognised or culturally adopted, these sports bring communities together and continue to define the global sporting spirit.