Editing Sport in India

{{short description|Overview of sports traditions in India}}

'''Sports in India''' refers to the large variety of games played in [[India]], ranging from tribal games to more mainstream sports such as [[field hockey]], [[kabaddi]], [[cricket]], [[badminton]] and [[Association football|football]]. India's diversity of culture, people, and tribes are reflected in the wide variety of sporting disciplines in the country.

[[Cricket]] has been the most popular sport in India, the country has hosted and won the [[Cricket World Cup]] on multiple occasions. [[Field hockey]] is the most successful sport for India at the [[Olympic Games]]; the [[India men's national field hockey team|Indian men's team]] have won thirteen [[Olympic medals]] including eight gold medals. Other popular sports in India are [[badminton]], [[association football|football]], [[shooting sports|shooting]], [[wrestling]], [[boxing]], [[tennis]], [[Squash (sport)|squash]], [[Olympic weightlifting|weightlifting]], [[gymnastics]], [[Sport of athletics|athletics]], [[table tennis]], [[basketball]], [[volleyball]], and [[cycle sport|cycling]]. Popular indigenous sports include [[chess]], [[Kho kho|kho-kho]], [[Fighter kite|kite-fighting]], [[leg cricket]], [[polo]], [[snooker]], and [[gillidanda]].

[[Kabaddi]] is an ancient sport and one of the fastest growing sports of India. India won many matches and seasons of [[kabaddi at the Asian Games]] and all three seasons of the [[Kabaddi World Cup (Standard style)]].

India has hosted and co-hosted several international sporting events, most notably the [[1987 Cricket World Cup|1987]], [[1996 Cricket World Cup|1996]] and [[2011 Cricket World Cup]]s, the [[1951 Asian Games|1951]] and [[1982 Asian Games]], the [[2010 Commonwealth Games]], and the [[2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup]].

Domestic professional sports leagues in the country include the [[Indian Premier League]] ([[Twenty20|Twenty20 cricket]]), the [[I-League]] and the [[Indian Super League]] (football), the [[Pro Kabaddi League]] (kabaddi), the [[Hockey India League]] (hockey), [[Premier Badminton League]] (badminton), the [[Pro Wrestling League]] (wrestling), the [[Ultimate Table Tennis]] league (table tennis), and the [[Prime Volleyball League]] (volleyball). The Ultimate Kho-Kho League is expected to launch in 2020, having attracted a major sponsorship deal with [[Dabur]].

Major international sporting events annually held in India include the [[Maharashtra Open]] in tennis, the [[Indian Open (golf)|Indian Open]] in [[golf]], the [[India Open]] in badminton, [[India Open (table tennis)]].

The [[Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna]] is India's highest award for achievement in sports, while the [[Dronacharya Award]] is awarded for excellence in coaching.

==History==

===Ancient and Medieval period===

The world's oldest stadium with terraced stands was constructed at [[Dholavira]], [[Gujarat]] during 3rd millennium BCE. Two stadiums have been identified at the ancient site, one is considered a ceremonial ground, another, a small stadium.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.anistor.gr/english/enback/p023.htm|title=ANISTORITON: In Situ|website=www.anistor.gr|access-date=2018-08-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite document|last=Bisht|first=Ravindra Singh|title=Dholavira and Banawali: Two Different Paradigms of the Harappan Urbis Forma|url=https://www.academia.edu/10187578|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pmAuAsi4ePIC&q=dholavira+stadium&pg=PA69|title=The Indus Civilization: A Contemporary Perspective|last=Possehl|first=Gregory L.|date=2002|publisher=Rowman Altamira|isbn=9780759101722|language=en}}</ref>

The importance of sports was also evident in India in the [[Vedic period|Vedic era]]. Physical culture in ancient India was fuelled by religious rights. The [[mantra]] in the [[Atharvaveda]] says, "Duty is in my right hand and the fruits of victory in my left." In terms of an ideal, these words hold the same sentiments as the traditional [[Olympic Oath]]: "For the Honour of my Country and the Glory of Sport."<ref>Sharma Sushant, https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/sports-fanaticism-in-india-history-and-where-are-we-today {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170325202341/https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/sports-fanaticism-in-india-history-and-where-are-we-today |date=25 March 2017}}</ref>

The modern game of [[badminton]] has developed from an old children's game known in England as [[battledore and shuttlecock]], a game popular in ancient India. The battledore was a paddle and the shuttlecock a small feathered cork, now usually called a "bird".<ref>{{cite EB1911|wstitle= Battledore and Shuttlecock | volume= 03 | page = 534}}</ref>

Games like [[chess]] and [[Snakes and Ladders|snakes and ladders]] originated from the ancient Indian games ''[[chaturanga]]'' and ''[[gyan chauper]]'', respectively; these were later transmitted to foreign countries, where they were further modernized.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://en.chessbase.com/post/hindi-and-the-origins-of-chess|title=Hindi and the origins of chess|last=Jain|first=Niklesh Kumar|date=5 March 2014|website=ChessBase|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140308000809/http://en.chessbase.com/post/hindi-and-the-origins-of-chess|archive-date=8 March 2014|access-date=17 August 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/society/from-board-to-phone-indias-ancient-games-are-being-reinvented-as-apps/article23528910.ece|title=From board to phone, India's ancient games are being reinvented as apps|last=Singh|first=Shiv Sahay|date=13 April 2018|work=The Hindu|access-date=17 August 2019}}</ref>

During the rule of the [[Mughal Empire]], a form of wrestling known as ''[[pehlwani]]'' developed, by combining native ''[[malla-yuddha]]'' with influences from Persian ''[[varzesh-e bastani]]''.<ref>{{Cite book|title=The Wrestler's Body: Identity and Ideology in North India|last=Alter|first=Joseph S.|publisher=University of California Press|year=1992|isbn=0-520-07697-4|location=Berkeley}}</ref>

During the [[British Raj|colonial period]], British India{{Efn|British India included modern-day India, Pakistan and Bangladesh}} competed at six [[Olympic Games]], notably winning medals in [[field hockey]].

[[Snooker]] originated in the late 19th century among [[British Army]] officers stationed in India.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.snookerheritage.co.uk/normans-articles/days-of-old/origins-of-snooker/|title=Origins of Snooker|website=Billiard and Snooker Heritage Collection|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190824093600/https://www.snookerheritage.co.uk/normans-articles/days-of-old/origins-of-snooker/|archive-date=24 August 2019|access-date=24 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

Modern [[polo]] originated in British India in the 19th century,{{efn|Although polo in some form had been played since the medieval period, the modern version evolved in British India.}} from [[Manipur]], where the game was known as '''Sagol Kangjei''<nowiki/>', '<nowiki/>''Kanjai-bazee''<nowiki/>', or '<nowiki/>''Pulu''<nowiki/>'. The name "polo" is the anglicized version of the latter. The first polo club was established in [[Silchar]], [[Assam]], in 1833. The oldest polo club still in existence is the [[Calcutta Polo Club]], which was established in 1862.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hpa-polo.co.uk/about/history_polo.asp|title=History of Polo|website=Hurlingham Polo Association|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070818130245/http://www.hpa-polo.co.uk/about/history_polo.asp|archive-date=18 August 2007|access-date=17 August 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.indianpolo.com/manipurpolo/history.asp|title=History of Polo in Imphal|website=Indianpolo.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190211023839/http://www.indianpolo.com/manipurpolo/history.asp|archive-date=11 February 2019|access-date=17 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/society/polos-forgotten-matriarchs/article25919688.ece|title=Two millennia after the first Manipuri polo match, a women's team is ushering in a quiet revolution|last=Bahl|first=Ananya|date=5 January 2019|work=The Hindu|access-date=17 August 2019}}</ref>

[[Dorabji Tata]], with the support of Dr. A.G. Noehren, then director of [[YMCA]], established the [[Indian Olympic Association]] in 1927.<ref name=":0" />

[[File:Eden Gardens under floodlights during a match.jpg|thumb|The [[Eden Gardens]] in [[Kolkata]], established in 1864, is the oldest  cricket stadium in India, and has hosted many important international matches.|alt=]]

India hosted the [[Asian Games]] in New Delhi in [[1951 Asian Games|1951]] and [[1982 Asian Games|1982]]. The current [[Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (India)|Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports]] was initially set up as the Department of Sports in 1982 at the time of organisation of the Games in New Delhi. Its name was changed to the Department of Youth Affairs & Sports during celebration of the [[International Youth Year]] in 1985.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://yas.nic.in/index.asp?layid=2 |title=Department of Sports |publisher=YAS |access-date=1 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100722060711/http://yas.nic.in/index.asp?layid=2 |archive-date=22 July 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref> India has also hosted or co-hosted several international sporting events, including the [[1987 Cricket World Cup|1987]], [[1996 Cricket World Cup|1996]] and [[2011 Cricket World Cup]]s, the [[2003 Afro-Asian Games]], the [[2010 Men's Hockey World Cup|2010 Hockey World Cup]], and the [[2010 Commonwealth Games]]. Major international sporting events annually held in India include the [[Chennai Open]], the [[Mumbai Marathon]] and the [[Delhi Half Marathon]]. The country hosted the first [[Indian Grand Prix]] in 2011.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/motor-sport/time-india-realises-potential-of-big-motorsport-events-like-formula-one-5454280/|title=Time India realises potential of big motorsport events like Formula One|last=PTI|date=19 November 2018|work=The Indian Express|access-date=17 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190817113548/https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/motor-sport/time-india-realises-potential-of-big-motorsport-events-like-formula-one-5454280/|archive-date=17 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

Political responsibility for sport in India lies with the Department of Sports under the [[Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (India)|Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports]]; the department runs under the charge of a Secretary to the Government of India, while the ministry is headed usually by a [[Union Council of Ministers|Minister of State]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://yas.nic.in/about-ministry|title=Overview|website=Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190824130540/https://yas.nic.in/about-ministry|archive-date=24 August 2019|access-date=24 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> A ministry-recognised National Sports Federation (NSF) represents each Olympic and non-Olympic sport, the only major exception being the [[Board of Control for Cricket in India]] (BCCI), which is not an NSF.<ref name=":1" /> As of 2019, 56 NSFs are recognised by the ministry.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://yas.nic.in/sites/default/files/Recognized%20NSF%20list%202019.pdf|title=LIST OF RECOGNISED NATIONAL SPORTS FEDERATIONS FOR THE YEAR 2019|website=Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports|access-date=24 August 2019}}</ref> The presence of politicians at the helm of many such federations has been criticised for causing inefficiency and corruption.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.cppr.in/innews/government-is-a-spoilsport/%20|title=Government is a spoilsport|last1=Media|first1=CPPR|last2=PR|date=2015-02-03|website=Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR)|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190824132041/https://www.cppr.in/innews/government-is-a-spoilsport/%2520|archive-date=24 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Sports Authority of India]], the field arm of the ministry, supports and nurtures talent in youth, and provides them with requisite infrastructure, equipment, coaching facilities and competition exposure.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in/ |title=Sports Authority of India, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports – Government of India |publisher=Sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in |access-date=1 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100804073419/http://sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in/ |archive-date=4 August 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[Indian Olympic Association]] (IOA) is responsible for the Indian contingent's participation in the [[Olympic Games]], [[Commonwealth Games]], [[Asian Games]] (outdoor, indoor and beach), and [[South Asian Games]]. The selection of the national teams is done by the respective national federations and then recommended to the IOA for official sponsorship for participation in those games.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://olympic.ind.in/ioa-history|title=History|website=Indian Olympic Association|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190727074115/https://olympic.ind.in/ioa-history|archive-date=27 July 2019|access-date=24 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

Following is a list of international sports events held in India:

| 1980<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianarchery.info/htdocs/iarhist.htm|title=History of Archery Association of India|publisher=Archery Association of india|access-date=11 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303192734/http://www.indianarchery.info/htdocs/iarhist.htm|archive-date=3 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

| 1988<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianarchery.info/history.aspx|title=HISTORY OF ARCHERY ASSOCIATION OF INDIA|publisher=Archery Association of india|access-date=11 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711185314/http://www.indianarchery.info/history.aspx|archive-date=11 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsbharti.com/archery/archery-asian-championship/|title=Asian Archery Championship|publisher=Sports Bharti|access-date=11 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711152027/http://www.sportsbharti.com/archery/archery-asian-championship/|archive-date=11 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

| [[Commonwealth Youth Games]]

| [[File:Badminton pictogram.svg|20px]] Badminton

| [[Commonwealth Games]]

| [[Davis Cup|Davis Cup World Group Play-offs]]

| [[2014 Davis Cup World Group Play-offs|2014]]

| [[FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup]]

| [[2022 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup|2022]]

| [[AFC Women's Asian Cup]]

| [[2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup|2022]]

| To be Decided

==India at major international sports events==

As of 2021, India has won a total of 35 Summer Olympic medals. India won its first gold medal in men's [[field hockey]] in the [[1928 Summer Olympics|1928 Olympic Games]]. On winning the [[Shooting at the 2008 Summer Olympics|10m air rifle event]] at the [[2008 Summer Olympics|2008 Olympics]], [[Abhinav Bindra]] became the first Indian to win an individual gold medal at the Olympic Games, and India's first gold medal since [[1980 Moscow Olympics|1980]], when the [[India men's national field hockey team|men's field hockey team]] had won the gold.<ref name="rediff_abhinav_wins">{{Cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/sports/2008/aug/11bindra.htm|title=Abhinav Bindra wins 10m air rifle gold|website=www.rediff.com|access-date=2019-09-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161101083020/http://www.rediff.com/sports/2008/aug/11bindra.htm|archive-date=1 November 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>[http://results.beijing2008.cn/WRM/ENG/INF/GL/92A/IND_T.shtml Medalists – India] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090226195055/http://results.beijing2008.cn/WRM/ENG/INF/GL/92A/IND_T.shtml |date=26 February 2009}}, The official website of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games</ref>

{{Main|India at the Commonwealth Games}}

India has competed in all but four editions of the [[Commonwealth Games]], starting at the [[1934 British Empire Games|second Games in 1934]]. India has hosted the Games once, in [[2010 Commonwealth Games|2010]] at [[Delhi]]. India is the fourth-most successful country at the games; it has won a total of 504 medals, including 181 gold medals.

===Asian Games===

{{Main|India at the Asian Games}}

India has participated in every edition of the [[Asian Games]], and has hosted the Games in [[1951 Asian Games|1951]] and 1982 at New Delhi. As of 2018, India is the sixth-most successful country, winning 671 medals, including 139 golds. India has won at least one gold medal in each tournament.

===World Games===

{{Main|India at the World Games}}

India has participated in every edition of the [[World Games]]. India has won total 4 medals including one gold.

The National Games of India are conducted by the Indian Olympic Association and are meant to identify national sporting talents who can be selected for the Olympics. The first National Games, then called the Indian Olympic Games, were held in [[Lahore]] in 1924, while the first modern Games were held in [[New Delhi]] in 1985.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.olympic.ind.in/national-games|title=National Games|website=Indian Olympic Association|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190727074236/https://olympic.ind.in/national-games|archive-date=27 July 2019|access-date=13 September 2019}}</ref>

The game of [[archery]] has historical significance, as royals in the ancient days used to practice archery. Modern-day archery in India began in the early 1970s, before its introduction as an Olympic event in 1972, and it was formalised in 1973 when the [[Archery Association of India]] (AAI) came into existence. Since its inception, AAI has been promoting an organisation for the sport. India has been producing some world class players who are the medal hopefuls in international events of archery.

=== Athletics: Track, Field and Road ===

[[File:The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee presenting the Arjuna Award for the year-2016 to Ms. Lalita Babar for Athletics, in a glittering ceremony, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on August 29, 2016.jpg|alt=|thumb|[[Lalita Babar]], an Indian long-distance runner, was honoured with [[Arjuna Award]] in 2016.]]

India is unfortunately not affluent in the field of athletics and track events. There are very few athletes who won any medal in any global or major events. But the scenario is changing in the 20th century, when people started taking interest in athletics and facility are providing to improve the meager situation of athletics. [[Neeraj Chopra]] won a gold medal for Javelin throw at the [[2020 Summer Olympics]] in [[Tokyo]].

[[Anju Bobby George]] made history when she won the bronze medal in [[2003 World Championships in Athletics|Women's long jump]] at the [[2003 World Championships in Athletics]] in Paris. With this achievement, she became the first Indian athlete ever to win a medal in a [[World Championships in Athletics]] jumping 6.70 m. Till 2010 [[Milkha Singh]] was the only athlete to win an individual gold medal at a [[Commonwealth Games]] but at [[2010 Commonwealth Games]], [[Krishna Punia]] created history by winning the [[Athletics at the 2010 Commonwealth Games – Women's discus throw|Women's discus throw]] gold medal for India after 52 years and as first woman to win a gold in athletics at Commonwealth Games.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/krishna-poonia-creates-history-wins-gold-in-athletics/|title=Krishna Poonia creates history, wins gold in athletics|work=[[The Indian Express]]|date=11 October 2010|access-date=13 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713231848/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/krishna-poonia-creates-history-wins-gold-in-athletics/|archive-date=13 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> In the same edition of Commonwealth games [[Manjeet Kaur]], [[Sini Jose]], [[Ashwini Akkunji]] & [[Mandeep Kaur (athlete)|Mandeep Kaur]] won the [[Athletics at the 2010 Commonwealth Games – Women's 4 x 400 metres relay|Women's 4 × 400 m (Relay)]] gold medal. At [[2014 Commonwealth Games]] [[Vikas Gowda]] won the [[Athletics at the 2014 Commonwealth Games – Men's discus throw|Men's Discus Throw]] gold medal.

[[Hima Das]] is only Indian track athlete to win a medal at any [[IAAF]] global event. She won the gold medal in [[2018 IAAF World U20 Championships - Women's 400 metres|Women's 400 metres]] at [[2018 IAAF World U20 Championships]] at Tampere, Finland, on 12 July 2018, clocking a time of 51.46 seconds.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sport/athletics/hima-das-brings-it-home-with-a-sizzling-run/article24402077.ece|title=Hima Das brings home India's first ever track gold at the Worlds|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=12 July 2018|access-date=13 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713175922/https://www.thehindu.com/sport/athletics/hima-das-brings-it-home-with-a-sizzling-run/article24402077.ece|archive-date=13 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="wcu20">{{cite web|url=http://www.hotstar.com/sports/athletics/hima-wins-historic-gold-for-india/2001615696|title=Hima Wins Historic Gold for India|date=13 July 2018|publisher=[[Hotstar]]|access-date=13 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713073630/http://www.hotstar.com/sports/athletics/hima-wins-historic-gold-for-india/2001615696|archive-date=13 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> She is second gold medalist in athletics at [[IAAF World U20 Championships]] after [[Neeraj Chopra]] who won [[2016 IAAF World U20 Championships – Men's javelin throw|Men's javelin throw]] gold at [[2016 IAAF World U20 Championships]] by setting [[List of world under-20 records in athletics|world junior record]] with a throw of 86.48 m. Later Neeraj went on to win the [[Athletics at the 2018 Commonwealth Games - Men's javelin throw|Men's javelin throw]] gold at [[2018 Commonwealth Games]]. In 2020, at the Tokyo Olympics, he became the first Indian athlete to win an Olympic Gold Medal in Men's javelin throw. At [[2016 Summer Olympics]] [[Lalita Babar]] becomes the first Indian athlete since 1984 to reach Olympics finale in the event of [[Athletics at the 2016 Summer Olympics – Women's 3000 metres steeplechase|Women's 3000 metres steeplechase]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/rio-2016-olympics/india-in-olympics-2016/athletics/Rio-Olympics-Lalita-Babar-through-to-womens-3000m-steeplechase-final-with-national-mark/articleshow/53687991.cms|title=Rio Olympics: Lalita Babar through to women's 3000m steeplechase final with national mark|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=13 August 2016|access-date=13 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180902042243/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/rio-2016-olympics/india-in-olympics-2016/athletics/Rio-Olympics-Lalita-Babar-through-to-womens-3000m-steeplechase-final-with-national-mark/articleshow/53687991.cms|archive-date=2 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> before her, [[P.T. Usha]] reach the finale of [[Athletics at the 1984 Summer Olympics – Women's 400 metres|Women's 400 metres hurdles]] at [[1984 Summer Olympics]].

P.T. Usha won multiple gold medals in different editions of [[Asian Games]] and [[Asian Athletics Championships]]. [[Lavy Pinto]] was the first Indian to win a gold medal in the Asian Games which he won in the first Asian Games held at New Delhi in 1951 in 100 and 200-meter categories.<ref>{{cite web|title=First Asian Games|url=http://www.la84foundation.org/OlympicInformationCenter/OlympicReview/1951/BDCE27/BDCE27r.pdf|publisher=la84foundation|access-date=13 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711234331/http://www.la84foundation.org/OlympicInformationCenter/OlympicReview/1951/BDCE27/BDCE27r.pdf|archive-date=11 July 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Christine Brown (athlete)|Christine Brown]], [[Stephie D'Souza]], [[Violet Peters]], [[Mary D'Souza]] gave India its first women's athletics gold medal when they won 4 × 100 m relay in [[1954 Asian Games]] but current [[List of Asian Games records in athletics|Asian record]] is held by [[Priyanka Pawar]], [[Tintu Luka]], [[Mandeep Kaur (athlete)|Mandeep Kaur]], [[Machettira Raju Poovamma]] when they won [[Athletics at the 2014 Asian Games – Women's 4 × 400 metres relay|Women's 4 × 400 metres relay]] at [[2014 Asian Games]] clocking 3:28:68. [[Kamaljeet Sandhu]] was the first Indian female athlete to win individual gold medal at any Asian games by winning [[Athletics at the 1970 Asian Games|400m track]] event at [[1970 Asian Games]].<ref>{{cite news|title=On International Women's Day, Kamaljeet Sandhu revisits 1970 Asian Games triumph|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/other-sports/on-international-women-s-day-kamaljeet-sandhu-revisits-1970-asian-games-triumph/story-wYyf6DACEmB9gcW0do157K.html|newspaper=The Hindustan Times|access-date=13 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714021353/https://www.hindustantimes.com/other-sports/on-international-women-s-day-kamaljeet-sandhu-revisits-1970-asian-games-triumph/story-wYyf6DACEmB9gcW0do157K.html|archive-date=14 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Sunita Rani]] holds the current [[List of Asian Games records in athletics|Asian record]] in [[1500 m]] track event winning at [[Busan]] [[2002 Asian Games]] clocking 4:06:03.

Madhurjya Borah, an Indian [[triathlete]] holds silver medal at South Asian Triathlon Championship.

[[Anu Vaidyanathan]], an Indian [[Triathlon|triathlete]], is the first Asian to compete in [[Ultraman (endurance challenge)|Ultraman]].<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-s-new-Iron-lady/Article1-450736.aspx| archive-url=https://archive.today/20120903175159/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-s-new-Iron-lady/Article1-450736.aspx| url-status=dead| archive-date=3 September 2012| title=India's new Iron lady| last=Sharma | first=Deepika | date=5 September 2009| newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref>

In May 2016, Arunaabh Shah from Delhi became the first Indian male and the youngest Indian to finish Ultraman, at Ultraman Australia.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.redbull.com/in/en/adventure/stories/1331813708270/arunaabh-shah-india%E2%80%99s-youngest-ultraman|title=Arunaabh Shah – India's youngest Ultraman|last=Journal|first=Yogesh Kumar/The Outdoor|access-date=24 November 2016}}</ref>

Badminton (Shuttle Badminton) is played widely in India and is one of the most popular sports in India. Indian shuttlers [[P. V. Sindhu]], [[Srikanth Kidambi]], and the doubles pair of [[Satwiksairaj Rankireddy]]-[[Chirag Shetty]] are ranked amongst the Top-10 in the current BWF world rankings. [[Prakash Padukone]] was the first player from India to achieve world no. 1 spot in the game, after which [[Srikanth Kidambi]] became the second male player to make it to the top spot in April 2018.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kidambi Srikanth becomes first Indian male shuttler to claim World No 1 spot after Prakash Padukone|url=https://www.firstpost.com/sports/kidambi-srikanth-becomes-first-indian-male-shuttler-to-claim-world-no-1-spot-in-bwf-rankings-4429043.html|website=Firstpost|date=12 April 2018|access-date=13 July 2018}}</ref> [[Saina Nehwal]] is the first female player from India to achieve the World no. 1 spot, which she did in April 2015, and the first Indian badminton player to win a medal at the [[Olympic Games]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Saina becomes World No. 1|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sport/other-sports/superb-saina-scales-historic-world-no1-ranking/article7043530.ece|website=The Hindu|date=28 March 2015|access-date=13 July 2018|last1=Rao|first1=Rakesh}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/olympics-2012/story/london-olympics-2012-saina-nehwal-wins-bronze-112296-2012-08-04|title=London Olympics: Super Saina wins India's maiden Olympic medal in badminton, claims bronze in playoff|website=www.indiatoday.in|date=4 August 2012|access-date=5 August 2021}}</ref>

[[P. V. Sindhu]] is the first Indian to become the Badminton World Champion, which she achieved in [[2019 BWF World Championships – Women's singles|2019]], and the only badminton player from India to win two consecutive medals at the [[Olympic Games]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=August 25, 2020|title=When PV Sindhu became Indian badminton's golden girl|url=https://olympics.com/en/featured-news/indian-badminton-pv-sindhu-how-bwf-world-championships-gold-2019|url-status=live|access-date=August 5, 2021|website=[[Olympic Games]] }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=August 1, 2021|title=PV Sindhu joins select group of repeat medalists with Tokyo 2020 bronze|url=https://olympics.com/en/featured-news/pv-sindhu-joins-select-group-of-repeat-medalists-with-tokyo-2020-bronze|url-status=live|access-date=August 1, 2021|website=[[Olympic Games]] }}</ref>

The most successful doubles player from India is [[Jwala Gutta]], who is the only Indian to have been ranked in the Top-10 of two categories. She peaked at no. 6 with [[Valiyaveetil Diju]] in mixed doubles and at no. 10 with [[Ashwini Ponnappa]] in women's doubles.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jwala Gutta|url=http://bwfcontent.tournamentsoftware.com/profile/overview.aspx?id=D28DF6CB-3B5B-42DB-8347-5519A0117429|website=Tournament Software|access-date=24 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701151719/http://bwfcontent.tournamentsoftware.com/profile/overview.aspx?id=D28DF6CB-3B5B-42DB-8347-5519A0117429|archive-date=1 July 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Other successful players include [[Pullela Gopichand]], [[Aparna Popat]], [[Syed Modi]], [[Chetan Anand (badminton)|Chetan Anand]], [[Parupalli Kashyap]], [[Prannoy Kumar]], [[Sameer Verma]], [[Lakshya Sen]], [[Ashwini Ponnappa]] and [[N. Sikki Reddy]].

[[Prakash Padukone]] and [[Pullela Gopichand]] both won the [[All England Open Badminton Championships|All England Open]] in 1980 and 2001 respectively, making them the only Indians to win the prestigious title.

[[Saina Nehwal]] won the bronze medal in the individual women's competition at the [[2012 Summer Olympics|2012 London Olympic Games]], the first Olympic medal for the country in badminton. [[P. V. Sindhu]] won the second and the third Olympic medals in badminton for India, winning a silver and a bronze medal at the

[[Badminton at the 2016 Summer Olympics – Women's singles|2016 Rio Olympics]] and the [[Badminton at the 2020 Summer Olympics – Women's singles|2020 Tokyo Olympics]] respectively.

India has also won twelve medals at the [[BWF World Championships]], with [[P. V. Sindhu]] being the only Indian badminton player to have won the Gold, which she achieved in [[2019 BWF World Championships – Women's singles|2019]]. At the [[BWF World Junior Championships]], [[Saina Nehwal]] is the only gold medalist for India, which she achieved in [[2008 BWF World Junior Championships|2008]]. At the [[Badminton Asia Junior Championships]], [[P. V. Sindhu]] and [[Lakshya Sen]] are the only gold medalists for India, winning in their respective categories in [[2012 Asian Junior Badminton Championships|2012]] and [[2018 Badminton Asia Junior Championships|2018]] respectively.

=== Field Hockey ===

Field Hockey is a popular sport in India. Until the mid-1970s, [[India men's national field hockey team|India men's team]] dominated international field hockey, winning seven Olympic gold medals and won the [[1975 Men's Hockey World Cup]]. Since then, barring a gold medal at the [[Field hockey at the 1980 Summer Olympics|1980 Olympics]], and a bronze medal at Tokyo 2020 Olympics, India's performance in field hockey has been dismal, as [[Australia men's national field hockey team|Australia]], [[Netherlands men's national field hockey team|Netherlands]] and [[Germany men's national field hockey team|Germany]] improved. Its decline is also due to the change in rules of the game, introduction of artificial turf, and internal politics in Indian field hockey bodies. The popularity of field hockey has also declined massively parallel to the decline of the Indian hockey team. Throughout the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s, the standard of Indian hockey greatly deteriorated, with a low point occurring in 2008, after the [[India men's national field hockey team|Men's team]] failed to qualify for the [[2008 Olympics]] and finishing last in the [[2012 Olympics]].

However, since the mid 2010s the men's team has undergone a gradual revival at the regional, continental, and global stage, becoming runners up at the [[Hockey at the 2014 Commonwealth Games – Men's tournament|2014 Commonwealth Games]] and winning [[Field hockey at the 2014 Asian Games|2014]] Asian Games gold. Despite bowing out at the quarter final stage of the [[Field hockey at the 2016 Summer Olympics|2016 Rio Olympics]] following a loss to [[Belgium men's national field hockey team|Belgium]], India would capture the [[2017 Men's Hockey Asia Cup]] title, restoring consistent dominance in Asia. A marked Olympic improvement was witnessed at the [[2020 Summer Olympics|2020 games in Tokyo]], when India captured the bronze medal, signifying the first medal and highest placing at the tournament in 41 years - since 1980. Currently, the Indian men's team is [[FIH World Rankings|5th]] in the rankings of the Fédération Internationale de Hockey sur Gazon (FIH, English:[[International Hockey Federation]]), the international governing body of field hockey and indoor field hockey.<ref name="Hero FIH Rankings Outdoor">{{cite web|url=http://www.fih.ch/rankings/outdoor/|title=Hero FIH Rankings Outdoor|website=fih.ch|access-date=23 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724032150/http://www.fih.ch/rankings/outdoor/|archive-date=24 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[India women's national field hockey team|Women's team]] came of age in [[Field hockey at the 1980 Summer Olympics – Women's tournament|1980]] when they first participated at the Summer Olympics and achieved the fourth place. The first golden moment for the team was in [[Field hockey at the 1982 Asian Games|1982]] at the Asian Games. Since then not much of happening moments in the team history, though in [[Field hockey at the 2016 Summer Olympics – Women's tournament|2016]] after 34 years, it is a little hope when Indian women's team qualified for the Summer Olympics and they went on to win the [[2017 Women's Hockey Asia Cup]] claiming the Asian dominance after 2004. India Women's team failed to win any medal in the [[Women's Hockey World Cup]]. The present team is ranked [[FIH World Rankings|10th]] by the [[Fédération Internationale de Hockey]].<ref name="Hero FIH Rankings Outdoor"/>

India has hosted three Men's Hockey World Cups–one in [[1982 Men's Hockey World Cup|1982]] in [[Mumbai]], another in [[2010 Men's Field hockey World Cup|2010]] in Delhi, where they finished fifth and eighth respectively, and the third at Bhubaneswar in [[2018 Men's Hockey World Cup|2018]]. India also hosted the annual [[Hockey Champions Trophy]] in 1996, 2005 2014 and 2016. Until 2008, the [[Indian Hockey Federation]] (IHF) was the apex body for hockey in the country. However, following revelations of corruption and other scandals in the IHF, the federation was dissolved and de-recognised, and a new apex body for Indian hockey called [[Hockey India]] (HI) was formed on 20 May 2009, with support from the IOA and former hockey players. HI, recognised by the [[International Hockey Federation]] (FIH), has the sole mandate to govern and conduct all activities for both [[India men's national field hockey team|men's]] and [[India women's national Field hockey team|women's]] field hockey in India. Although the IHF was reinstated in 2010,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.breakingnewsonline.net/sports/2154-kps-gill-and-ihf-reinstated-by-delhi-high-court.html |title=KPS Gill and IHF reinstated by Delhi High Court |publisher=Breakingnewsonline.net |date=22 May 2010 |access-date=1 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509174210/http://www.breakingnewsonline.net/sports/2154-kps-gill-and-ihf-reinstated-by-delhi-high-court.html |archive-date=9 May 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> it is not recognised by the FIH. The IHF conducts a franchise-based tournament called [[World Series Hockey]] (WSH), with its first season conducted in [[2012 World Series Hockey|2012]]. However, it is not approved by HI or the FIH.

HI also conducts a franchise-based tournament called the [[Hockey India League]] (HIL). Its first season was in [[2013 Hockey India League|2013]] and is inspired from the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI's) highly successful Indian Premier League. The tournament is recognised by the FIH, which has also decided to provide a 30-day window for the forthcoming seasons so all top players can participate.

[[Association football|Football]] was introduced to India during the British colonial period. Although India has never been represented in any [[FIFA World Cup]], it did qualify in [[1950 FIFA World Cup|1950]], though it did not take part, as they were not allowed to play barefoot.<ref>{{cite web |first=Arunava |last=Chaudhuri |url=http://www.indianfootball.de/data/worldcupq.html |title=The Indian National Team's World Cup qualifying |publisher=Indianfootball.de |access-date=1 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100614204013/http://www.indianfootball.de/data/worldcupq.html |archive-date=14 June 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> India was an Asian powerhouse in football in the 1950s and 1960s. During this golden era, India created history as the first Asian team to reach semi-finals in an Olympic football tournament in [[1956 Summer Olympics]] at Melbourne and [[Neville D'Souza]] became the first Asian and Indian to score a hat-trick (record remains unbeaten) in an Olympic match.<ref>{{cite web |title=Football: India's day of Glory at Melbourne |url=http://www.sportskeeda.com/2012/12/01/indias-day-of-glory-at-melbourne |access-date=22 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023113040/http://www.sportskeeda.com/2012/12/01/indias-day-of-glory-at-melbourne/ |archive-date=23 October 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name = "Times">{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/419406.cms|title=Mumbai salutes soccer legend|date=13 January 2004|access-date=8 March 2009|author=Nitin N. Sethi|publisher=The Indian Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100129010701/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/419406.cms|archive-date=29 January 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> India also finished as runners-up in the [[1964 AFC Asian Cup]]. But later on, the standard of football started to decline due to lack of professionalism and [[fitness culture]]. India currently ranks 105th in the [[FIFA rankings]] as of 12 August 2021.<ref>{{cite web |title=India: FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking - FIFA.com |url=https://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/men |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170506101624/https://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/ranking-table/men/ |archive-date=6 May 2017}}</ref>

Football is, nevertheless, widely popular both as a [[spectator sport]], and as a participation sport in some parts of the country such as [[Kerala]], West Bengal, Karnataka, [[Goa]] and the [[Northeast India|Northeast]]. The [[India national football team]] represents India in all [[FIFA]] tournaments. The [[Yuva Bharati Krirangan]] of [[Kolkata]] was the [[List of stadiums by capacity|second largest non-auto racing stadium]] in the world.{{Citation needed|date=May 2019}}

In June 1937, at the Army Headquarters, [[Shimla]], the [[All India Football Federation]] (AIFF) was formed at a meeting of the representatives of football associations of six regions where the game was very popular in those days. It is the governing body for [[football in India]]. Domestic competitions for men's football include the [[Indian Super League]], [[I-League]], [[I-League 2nd Division]] in the [[Football in India#League system|Indian League System]] and the annual knock-out style [[Federation Cup (India)|Federation Cup]]. For women's football, the [[India women's football championship]]. However, it is European football, such as the English [[Premier League]], Spanish [[La Liga]], and the [[UEFA Champions League]], which are very popular among Indian football fans, especially in [[Metropolitan area|metropolitan]] cities.{{Citation needed|date=May 2019}}

FIFA revealed on 5 December 2013 (as part of their executive committee meets in Salvador, Brazil), that India would be the host of the [[2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup]], the 17th U-17 FIFA World Cup. This was the first international football competition at world level hosted by India. To help increase interest in youth football in advance of the 2017 U-17 World Cup, India launched the [[Mission XI Million]] programme.{{Citation needed|date=May 2019}} The matches were held from 6 to 28 October in the cities of [[New Delhi]], [[Kolkata]], [[Kochi]], [[Navi Mumbai]], [[Guwahati]] and [[Margao]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Under 17 World Cup: A low down of all six venues |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/2017-u-17-world-cup/news/under-17-world-cup-a-low-down-of-all-six-venues/articleshow/60955144.cms |work=[[The Times of India]] |publisher=[[The Times Group]] |date=5 October 2017 |access-date=11 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190511231905/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/2017-u-17-world-cup/news/under-17-world-cup-a-low-down-of-all-six-venues/articleshow/60955144.cms |archive-date=11 May 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[FIFA]] granted India the hosting rights for the 2020 [[FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/who-we-are/news/organising-committee-approves-draw-procedures-for-fifa-club-world-cup-qatar-2019|title=Organising Committee approves draw procedures for FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2019™|access-date=12 September 2019|website=FIFA.com}}</ref> which was rescheduled to be held between 17 February – 7 March 2021, due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/fifa-u-17-womens-world-cup-2020-postponed-india-coronavirus-pandemic-covid-19-outbreak-news/article31253544.ece|title=FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup 2020 India postponed|access-date=4 April 2020|website=Sportstar}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/who-we-are/news/bureau-of-the-fifa-council-decisions-on-fifa-events|title=Bureau of the FIFA Council decisions on FIFA events|access-date=12 May 2020|website=FIFA.com}}</ref> On 17 November 2020, [[FIFA Council]] announced that the event was postponed until 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/who-we-are/news/update-on-fifa-club-world-cup-2020-and-women-s-youth-tournaments|title=Update on FIFA Club World Cup 2020 and women's youth tournaments|access-date=17 November 2020|website=FIFA.com}}</ref>

[[File:Fontana Vienna Euro PGA 2008 (8).JPG|thumb|upright|left|[[Jeev Milkha Singh]]]]

 

The most successful Indian golfers are [[Jeev Milkha Singh]] and [[Anirban Lahiri]]. Singh won three titles on the [[European Tour]], four on the [[Japan Golf Tour]], and six on the [[Asian Tour]]. His highest world ranking was 28 March 2009. Singh has won the Asian Tour [[Asian Tour#Order of Merit winners|Order of Merit]] twice. Meanwhile, Lahiri has two European Tour wins and seven Asian Tour wins. He qualified for the [[2015 Presidents Cup]].

In [[golf at the Asian Games]], India's men's golf team won gold at the [[1982 Asian Games]], and silver at the [[2006 Asian Games]]. [[Lakshman Singh (golfer)|Lakshman Singh]] won the individual gold at the 1982 Asian Games.

There are numerous [[golf course]]s all over India, and a [[Professional Golf Tour of India]]. The main tournament is the [[Hero Indian Open]], co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.

In  [[2020 Summer Olympics|Tokyo 2020 Olympics]], Aditi Ashoka finished at 4th position in women Golf Competition. It was best ever performance by an Indian golfer at Olympics.

Gymnastics came of age in India, when at the [[2010 Commonwealth Games]], [[Ashish Kumar (gymnast)|Ashish Kumar]] won the first-ever medal in gymnastics for India, a bronze.<ref name="hi">{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/I-could-have-got-gold-had-equipment-arrived-earlier-CWG-medallist-Ashish/Article1-610455.aspx|title=I could have got gold had equipment arrived earlier: CWG medallist Ashish|date=9 October 2010|work=Hindustan Times|access-date=15 October 2010|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103125428/http://www.hindustantimes.com/sports-news/OtherSports/I-could-have-got-gold-had-equipment-arrived-earlier-CWG-medallist-Ashish/Article1-610455.aspx|archive-date=3 January 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> Ashish also won a silver medal in the [[Gymnastics at the 2010 Commonwealth Games – Men's vault|Men's vault]] at [[2010 Commonwealth Games]].

It was [[Glasgow]] [[2014 Commonwealth Games]], that [[Dipa Karmakar]] from [[Tripura]] won the bronze medal in the [[Gymnastics at the 2014 Commonwealth Games – Women's vault|Women's vault]] finale. Her second vault, the most difficult vault with a D-score of 7, the [[Produnova]] vault, named after famous [[Yelena Produnova]] of Russia, also known as the '''vault of death''' due to its difficulty and likelihood of injury, which she executed with a score of 15.1 (D-7, Ex- 8.1) which contributed to her winning the bronze medal.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/sport-others/after-a-flight-a-landing-why-dipa-karmakars-medal-in-commonwealth-games-is-its-bravest-bronze/|title=After a flight, a landing: Why Dipa Karmakar's medal in Commonwealth Games is its bravest bronze|date=18 April 2016|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]|access-date=14 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714221920/https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/sport-others/after-a-flight-a-landing-why-dipa-karmakars-medal-in-commonwealth-games-is-its-bravest-bronze/|archive-date=14 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> With this attempt she became fifth gymnast to ever execute the Produnova just after legendary gymnast [[Oksana Chusovitina]] who executed multiples times. In October [[2015 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships|2015]], Karmakar became the first Indian gymnast to qualify for a final stage at the [[World Artistic Gymnastics Championships]]. Later in 2016 when she qualified for [[Rio Olympics]], she became first Indian gymnast to do so and also hours after her qualification at [[2016 Gymnastics Olympic Test Event]] she clinched gold medal in [[2016 Gymnastics Olympic Test Event|Women's vault]] event stunning [[Oksana Chusovitina]] with her prudunova again who came second to her.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/others/After-historic-Olympic-qualification-Dipa-Karmakar-wins-gold-in-vaults/articleshow/51884635.cms|title=After historic Olympic qualification, Dipa Karmakar wins gold in vaults|date=18 April 2016|newspaper=[[Times of India]]|access-date=14 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180809193356/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/others/After-historic-Olympic-qualification-Dipa-Karmakar-wins-gold-in-vaults/articleshow/51884635.cms|archive-date=9 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> On 6 July 2016, [[International Gymnastics Federation|FIG]] honored Dipa by naming her '''World Class Gymnast'''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.espn.in/athletics/story/_/id/16828562/fig-names-dipa-karmakar-world-class-gymnast|title=FIG names Dipa karmakar 'World Class Gymnast'|date=1 November 2016|publisher=[[ESPN]]|access-date=14 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714222006/http://www.espn.in/athletics/story/_/id/16828562/fig-names-dipa-karmakar-world-class-gymnast|archive-date=14 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> At Rio Olympics she achieved 4th place in vaults. After a long break due to injury when she ran for vaults and landed with a gold at [[2018 FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup Series|World Challenge Cup series]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sport/other-sports/dipa-karmakar-wins-gold-at-the-gymnastics-world-cup/article24365773.ece|title=Dipa Karmakar wins gold at the Gymnastics World Cup|date=8 July 2018|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=14 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180716010156/https://www.thehindu.com/sport/other-sports/dipa-karmakar-wins-gold-at-the-gymnastics-world-cup/article24365773.ece|archive-date=16 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

Tennis is a sport among Indians in urban areas. Tennis has gained popularity after the exploits of [[Vijay Amritraj]]. India's fortunes in [[Grand Slam (tennis)|Grand Slam]] singles have been unimpressive, although [[Leander Paes]] won a singles bronze medal at the 1996 Olympics. Since the late 1990s India has had impressive results in Grand Slam doubles, Leander Paes and [[Mahesh Bhupathi]] have won many men's doubles and mixed doubles Grand Slam titles. [[Sania Mirza]] is the most notable Indian woman tennis player, having won a [[Women's Tennis Association|WTA]] title and breaking into the Top 30 [[WTA rankings]], also winning three Grand Slam doubles events, the first at [[The Championships, Wimbledon|Wimbledon]] in 2015. On the men's side, young [[Somdev Devvarman]] and [[Yuki Bhambri]] are flying India's flag on the [[ATP Tour]]. Yuki was the Australian Open junior singles champion in 2009. [[Rohan Bopanna]] has won two mixed doubles titles.

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) was founded in 1951 with a view to promote and popularize the [[shooting sports in India]]. It is an important [[Olympic Games|Olympic]] sport in India having won 4 medals till 2020 Tokyo Olympics .

{{See also|Indian Weightlifting Federation}}

[[Karnam Malleswari]] won a [[bronze medal]] at the [[2000 Summer Olympics]] in Sydney, making her the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2054437,00.html| author=Time| title=I Did What I Could for My Country| date=27 December 2000| access-date=14 September 2011| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111118051127/http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2054437,00.html| archive-date=18 November 2011| url-status=dead}}</ref> The headquarters of the Indian [[Olympic weightlifting|Weightlifting]] Federation is in New Delhi. The federation is affiliated with the Indian Olympic Association (Delhi), and is also a member of the [[Asian Weightlifting Federation]] ([[Tehran]]) and [[International Weightlifting Federation]] (IWF, [[Budapest]]). The International Weightlifting Federation banned the Indian Weightlifting Federation from participating in all international competitions for one year when three Indian women weightlifters were accused of [[Doping in sport|doping]] offences in various international competitions in a single year.Later in 2021, [[Saikhom Mirabai Chanu]] won Silver Medal in 49&nbsp;kg category in [[2020 Summer Olympics]] held in [[Tokyo]].

Table tennis is a popular indoor recreation sport in India, which has caught on in states including West Bengal and [[Tamil Nadu]]. The Table Tennis Federation of India is the official governing body of the sport. India, which is ranked 30th in the world, has produced a single player ranked in the top 50, Sharat Kamal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ittf.com/ittf_ranking/ittf_team_ranking.html|title=Team Ranking|publisher=ittf.com|access-date=5 October 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120411021909/http://www.ittf.com/ittf_ranking/ittf_team_ranking.html|archive-date=11 April 2012}}</ref>

The '''Swimming Federation of India (SFI)''' is the national governing body for [[aquatic sports]] in India. Legally, it is a [[Nonprofit organization|non-profit association]] registered under the ''West Bengal Societies Registration Act, 1861''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Registration Certificate – |url=http://swimming.org.in/2017/12/22/registration-certificate/ |website=Swimming Federation of India |access-date=20 July 2018}}</ref> The Federation holds elections for its office bearers every four years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://swimming.org.in/sfi/|title=About SFI|website=Swimming Federation of India|access-date=20 July 2018}}</ref>  The SFI currently oversees competition in the sports of [[Swimming (sport)|swimming]], [[masters swimming]], [[Synchronised swimming|synchronized swimming]], [[Diving (sport)|diving]], [[high diving]], and [[water polo]]. It is affiliated to [[FINA]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fina.org/national-federations/IND|title=National Federations|website=FINA|language=en|access-date=20 July 2018}}</ref> and the [[Asia Swimming Federation]] (ASF).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://asiaswimmingfederation.org/about_nat_fed_desc.php?fed=12|title=National Federations|website=Asia Swimming Federation|access-date=20 July 2018}}</ref>

[[File:Indian team 2015.jpg|alt=|thumb|Members of India's women's national basketball team at the [[2009 Asian Indoor Games]] in Vietnam]]

Basketball is a popular sport in India, played in almost every school, although very few people follow it professionally. India has both [[India national basketball team|men's]] and [[India women's national basketball team|women's]] national basketball teams. Both teams have hired head coaches who have worked extensively with [[National Basketball Association|NBA]] players and now aim to popularise the game in India.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-14/interviews/29656175_1_basketball-federation-nba-player-coaching-basketball |title=The Times of India – Sports – I'm here to create a superstar, says India's NBA coach Kenny Natt, timesofindia.com, written 14 June 2011, accessed 21 October 2011. |access-date=30 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105170018/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-14/interviews/29656175_1_basketball-federation-nba-player-coaching-basketball |archive-date=5 November 2012 |work=[[The Times of India]] |url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Satnam Singh Bhamara]] officially marks the first player from India to be selected in the [[NBA]] by being taken by the [[Dallas Mavericks]] as the 52nd pick of the [[2015 NBA draft]], as well as [[List of NBA high school draftees|the first player to be drafted straight out of high school as a postgraduate]].

The ''Young Cagers'', as the national team is nicknamed, made one Olympic appearance in basketball, and appeared 20 times in the [[Asian Basketball Championship|Asian Championship]]. India is currently ranked 58th in the world in basketball. The Indian national team had its best result at the [[1975 ABC Championship|1975 Asian Championship]], when the team finished ahead of teams including the [[Philippines men's national basketball team|Philippines]], one of Asia's basketball strongholds. Internationally, one of the most recognised Indian basketball players has been [[Sozhasingarayer Robinson]].<ref>[http://www.mumbaimirror.com/article/8/20090304200903040204246234ecc8f32/To-hell-and-back-for-cager-Robinson.html Mumbai Mirror – To hell and back for cager Robinson] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20120910115208/http://www.mumbaimirror.com/article/8/20090304200903040204246234ecc8f32/To-hell-and-back-for-cager-Robinson.html |date=10 September 2012}}, Mumbaimirror.com, written 4 March 2009, accessed 15 October 2011.</ref> Affiliated into the [[FIBA|International Basketball Federation (FIBA)]] since 1936, India has one of Asia's longest basketball traditions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fc/FIBA/fibaStru/nfLeag/nfProf.asp?nationalFederationNumber=301 |title=FIBA.com – National Federations & Leagues |access-date=6 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213204636/http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fc/FIBA/fibaStru/nfLeag/nfProf.asp?nationalFederationNumber=301 |archive-date=13 February 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref>

India's women had their best result at the recent [[2011 FIBA Asia Championship for Women]] when they finished sixth. The team has several internationally known players including [[Geethu Anna Jose]], who was invited to tryouts for the [[WNBA]] in 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/wnba/news/story?id=6414207 |title=ESPN.com – Geethu Anna Jose gets 3 tryouts |date=23 April 2011 |access-date=6 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511174842/http://sports.espn.go.com/wnba/news/story?id=6414207 |archive-date=11 May 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Volleyball is a popular [[recreation]] sport played all over India, both in rural and urban areas. India is ranked fifth in Asia, and 27th in the world. In the youth and junior levels, India came in second in the 2003 World Youth Championships. The Indian senior men's team is ranked 46th in the world. A major problem for the sport is the lack of sponsors.<ref name="Fédération Internationale de Volleyball FIVB">{{cite web | url = http://www.fivb.org/en/volleyball/Rankings/VB_Ranking_M_2010-07.asp | title = FIVB World Rankings | access-date = 19 September 2009 | author = Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100803151637/http://www.fivb.org/en/volleyball/Rankings/VB_Ranking_M_2010-07.asp |archive-date=3 August 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Canoeing & Kayaking ===

 

India has won 1 Bronze medal in Canoeing at the [[India at the Asian Games|Asian Games]].

'''India''''s history in '''rowing''' dates back to the British era. The first club, the [[Calcutta Rowing Club]] was founded in 1858. The [[Rowing Federation of India]] administers the sport in the country. India's first ever [[Asian Games]] gold medal was won by [[Bajrang Lal Takhar]] in 2010<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2010-11-19/news/27569975_1_pratima-puhana-south-asian-games-silver-medals |title=Asian Games: India wins first ever rowing gold |publisher=Articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com |date=2010-11-19 |accessdate=2012-05-26}}</ref> but the country has never won an [[Olympic Games|Olympic]] medal in the sport.

[[Sailing (sport)|Sailing]] as a sport in India can be traced back to the first recorded race being sailed on 6 February 1830 in the western city of [[Bombay]]. Till the time the [[British Empire|British]] left India in 1947, there were five active sailing clubs located at [[Royal Bombay Yacht Club|Bombay]], [[Madras]], [[Bangalore]], [[Barrackpore]] and [[Nainital]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sailingtimesindia.com/about-sailing |title=About Sailing {{!}} Sailing Times India |website=www.sailingtimesindia.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110126085217/http://www.sailingtimesindia.com/about-sailing/ |archive-date=2011-01-26}} </ref> Today, there are clubs located in [[Kerala]], [[Pune]], [[Goa]], [http://theyachtclub.in/ Hyderabad], and [[Bhopal]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sailingtimesindia.com/sailing-clubs/|title = Sailing Clubs in India - Mumbai, Goa, Pune, Chennai, Bhopal, Kerala, Hyderabad}}</ref> The [[Yachting Association of India]] is the governing body for sailing, windsurfing and motorboating in India. The Yachting Association of India was formally constituted on 15 May 1960.

The history of cycling in India dates back to 1938, and the [[Cycling Federation of India]] governs the sport. Though cycling is unknown as a professional sport in India, it is popular as a common recreational sport and a way to keep fit.

[[Mountain biking]] is becoming a popular sport in India. For the last six years, [[Mtb himachal]], a hardcore endurance event, has been organised regularly by Himalayan Adventure Sports & Tourism Promotion Association (HASTPA), a non-governmental organisation (NGO). A number of national and international riders participate, including Indian Army, [[Indian Air Force]], [[Indo-Tibetan Border Police]] (ITBP), and a number of young and energetic mountain biking individual riders from cities including [[Pune]], Bangalore, Delhi and [[Chandigarh]]. Last year{{when|date=July 2013}}, the government of [[Sikkim]] (Department of Tourism) introduced its own mountain biking race, with Southeast Asia's biggest prize money. The second edition saw 48 professional participants from around the globe.

The [[Tour of Nilgiris]] is a major non-competitive and non-commercial touring event in South Asia that covers 1,000 kilometres in under 10 days.<ref>{{cite web |author=admin, on 30 May 2010 |url=http://tourofnilgiris.com/ |title=The Tour of Nilgiris |publisher=The Tour of Nilgiris |access-date=1 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100727181520/http://tourofnilgiris.com/ |archive-date=27 July 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> The Tour of Nilgiris (TfN), India's first Day Touring Cycle Ride, was born in December 2008 with the twin objectives of promoting bicycling as an activity and spreading awareness about the bio-diversity, flora and fauna of the Nilgiris.

It soon grew into something a lot more, with an eclectic riding community in 2008 wanting to participate. The community soon assembled, made plans, chose a route and realised they would need a framework to support such a large group of people. So they recruited sponsors to mitigate costs as well as popularise the Tour and the cause of popularising cycling as a viable and sustainable means of travel. Ever since its first edition, the TfN has stayed true to the Community of Cyclists in India by being a Tour for the Community, Of the Community and By the Community. It has grown in size, stature and visibility. From 40 riders in the first edition, it has grown to 100 cyclists in 2013.

The tour has grown bigger and the routes tougher, allowing cyclists to test their endurance, enjoy the biodiversity of the Nilgiris covering the southern states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. For the racing aficionados, there are racing segments on the tour with colour coded jerseys, recognition and prizes. TfN as it is lovingly called is pushing cycling to new frontiers with more and more interested cyclists, applying for the tour. The tour has acquired quite a name, and currently about 25% of registrations are selected for the tour by the organisers.

'''Judo''' is a sport which is widely played in [[India]]. The first written record about [[judo]] in India in [[Kodokan]] is about demonstrations and coaching of Judo by Shinzo Tagaki arranged at [[Shantiniketan]] in 1929 by [[Rabindranath Tagore]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlinejfi.org/aboutjif.php |title=Judo Federation Of India |publisher=Onlinejfi.org |access-date=2012-08-03}}</ref> The Judo Federation of India was formed in 1965.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}}

{{Main|Karate in India}}

Karate in India is administered by the [[Karate India Organization]]. India has produced many accomplished ''karatekas'' like [[Aniket Gupta]], Deepika Dhiman, [[Sunil Rathee]], [[Supriya Jatav]] and [[Gaurva Sindhiya]]. The 2015 Commonwealth Karate Games were held in [[Delhi]], India.

Taekwondo in India is administered by the India Taekwondo which was constituted in July 2019 consting of a five-member ad hoc committee with Namdev Shirgaonkar as chairman with a mandate to carry out the election procedures within a stipulated time-frame. .<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thebridge.in/featured/new-taekwondo-body-india-taekwondo-hopes-fresh-beginning/|title=New taekwondo body, India Taekwondo hopes for a 'fresh beginning'|date=16 January 2020}}</ref> Surendra Bhandari won a bronze medal in [[taekwondo at the 2002 Asian Games]]. Taekwondo is widely practised in India, with actors [[Neetu Chandra]], [[Akshay Kumar]] and [[Isha Koppikar]] holding black belts.

=== Baseball and Softball ===

Baseball has recently begun to show up in India. Softball is played in school and at the university level. Two Indian [[pitcher]]s were selected by the "[[J.B. Bernstein#Reality contest|Million Dollar Arm]]" competition to play in the United States. A talent hunt-style competition conducted by [[Major League Baseball]] to find baseball talent in India found the teenagers [[Rinku Singh (wrestler)|Rinku Singh]] and [[Dinesh Patel]], who were taken to the US and received professional coaching.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/2008-11-04-india-pitchers_N.htm | work=USA Today | title=Pair of pitchers from India eye major league opportunities | first=Bob | last=Nightengale | date=5 November 2008 | access-date=23 May 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090830053243/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/2008-11-04-india-pitchers_N.htm | archive-date=30 August 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref> These two players were selected to play for [[Pittsburgh Pirates]] [[Minor League Baseball|minor league]] organisations. Rinku Singh played for the [[Canberra Cavalry]] of the [[Australian Baseball League]] for the competition's inaugural [[2010-11 Australian Baseball League regular season|2010–11 season]].

{{See also|Indian Rugby Football Union|India national rugby union team|India national rugby league team|India national rugby sevens team|India women's national rugby sevens team|Calcutta Cup|}}

[[Rugby union]] is a minor, but fast-growing, sport in India. Some Indian sporting clubs have begun to embrace the game.

 

=== Chess ===

{{See also|Chaturanga|All India Chess Federation|All India Chess Federation for the Blind|Chess Players Association of India}}

[[Chess]] has risen in popularity in India over the last few decades, primarily due to its star player [[Viswanathan Anand]]. He is a multiple [[World Chess Championship|World Champion]]. The game originated from India as a successor to [[Chaturanga]] or [[Shatranj]]. The [[All India Chess Federation]] is the governing body for chess in India.

Although cricket is the most popular sport in India, it is not the nation's official national sport as India does not have a national sport.<ref>{{cite web |author=Press Trust of India |url=http://sports.ndtv.com/othersports/hockey/194578-hockey-is-not-indias-national-game-sports-ministry |title=Hockey is not India's national game: Sports Ministry &#124; Other Sports - Hockey &#124; NDTVSports.com |publisher=Sports.ndtv.com |date=2 August 2012 |access-date=21 October 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130409050932/http://sports.ndtv.com/othersports/hockey/194578-hockey-is-not-indias-national-game-sports-ministry |archive-date=9 April 2013}}</ref> The governing body for cricket in India, the [[Board of Control for Cricket in India]] (BCCI), was formed in December 1928 and is based in Mumbai. Today, BCCI is the richest sporting body in the world.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://richpeoplethings.com/2012/04/bcci-the-richest-sporting-concern-in-the-world |title=BCCI – The Richest Sporting Concern in the World |publisher=RichPeopleThings |access-date=1 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116143418/http://richpeoplethings.com/2012/04/bcci-the-richest-sporting-concern-in-the-world/ |archive-date=16 January 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>

India has hosted or co-hosted many major international cricket tournaments, including the [[1987 Cricket World Cup]] (co-hosted with [[Pakistan]]), the [[1996 Cricket World Cup]] (co-hosted with Pakistan and [[Sri Lanka]]), the [[2006 ICC Champions Trophy]] and the [[2011 Cricket World Cup]] (co-hosted with Sri Lanka and [[Bangladesh]]). The [[India national cricket team]] has won major tournaments, including the [[1983 Cricket World Cup]] in England, the [[2007 ICC World Twenty20]] in South Africa, the 2011 Cricket World Cup (which they won by beating [[Sri Lanka national cricket team|Sri Lanka]] in the final at home), and the [[ICC Champions Trophy#2013 ICC Champions Trophy|2013 ICC Champions Trophy]], and has shared the [[2002 ICC Champions Trophy]] with Sri Lanka. It had also held the position of the top team in [[Test cricket|Tests]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india-no-1-test-team/specialcoverage/5377389.cms |title=India: No. 1 Test team – News Stories, Latest News Headlines on Times of India |newspaper=The Times of India |date=6 December 2009 |access-date=1 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130301083158/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india-no-1-test-team/specialcoverage/5377389.cms |archive-date=1 March 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> The domestic competitions include the [[Ranji Trophy]], the [[Duleep Trophy]], the [[Deodhar Trophy]], the [[Irani Trophy]], and the [[NKP Salve Challenger Trophy|Challenger Series]], all of which are not widely followed, despite cricket's popularity in the country. This parallels the global situation in cricket, where the international game is more widely followed than the domestic game in all major cricketing countries. In addition, the BCCI conducts the [[Indian Premier League]], a domestic franchise-based [[Twenty20]] competition, during March–April every year and it has an immense popularity in the nation. Cricket tournaments are treated as festivals in India, especially ICC Tournaments, India vs Pakistan matches and IPL matches.

=== Kabaddi ===

[[File:Kabaddi....JPG|alt=|left|thumb|[[Kabaddi]] is one of the most popular sports in India.]]

[[Kabaddi]] is a popular national sport and the second most popular sport in India, played mainly among people in villages. It is regarded as a team-contact sport and as a recreational form of [[combat]] training. The [[Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India]] (AKFI) is in charge of running the sports in India

Two teams occupy opposite halves of a small field and take turns sending a raider into the other half to win points by tagging and wrestling members of the opposing team. The raider then attempts to return to his own half while holding his breath and chanting "kabaddi, kabaddi, kabaddi" during the whole raid.

India has won gold in all the [[Asian Games]] in [[kabaddi]] excepting 2018 Asian Games where they got bronze. The four forms of kabaddi recognised by the Kabaddi Federation in India are [[Kabaddi#Amar|Amar]], [[Kabaddi#Sanjeevani|Sanjeevni]], [[Kabaddi#Gaminee|Gaminee]] and Punjabi rules Kabaddi. India won the Kabaddi World Championship in 2007, beating [[Iran]] 29–19.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kabaddiikf.com/results2007.htm |title=Welcome to International Kabaddi Federation |publisher=Kabaddiikf.com |access-date=1 August 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713131447/http://www.kabaddiikf.com/results2007.htm |archive-date=13 July 2011}}</ref>

On 1 February 2005, [[Narain Karthikeyan]] became India's first [[Formula One]] racing driver. In March 2007, he also became the first-ever Indian-born driver to compete in a [[NASCAR]] Series. He debuted in the NASCAR [[Camping World Truck Series]] in the [[Kroger 250]].<ref>{{cite web |first=Dave |last=Rodman |url=http://www.nascar.com/2010/news/headlines/truck/04/02/scompton.nkarthikeyan.debut/index.html |title=Compton fights frustration with big-picture thinking – Apr 2, 2010 |publisher=Nascar.Com |date=2 April 2010 |access-date=19 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013035433/http://www.nascar.com/2010/news/headlines/truck/04/02/scompton.nkarthikeyan.debut/index.html |archive-date=13 October 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Force India F1]] was a [[Formula One]] [[motor racing]] team. The team was formed in October 2007, when a consortium led by Indian businessmen [[Vijay Mallya]] and [[Michiel Mol]] bought the [[Spyker F1]] team for €88&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.gpupdate.net/en/f1-news/169697/spyker-f1-team-officially-sold/|title=Spyker F1 team officially sold|work=GPUpdate.net|publisher=GPUpdate|date=5 October 2007|access-date=31 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616061030/http://www.gpupdate.net/en/f1-news/169697/spyker-f1-team-officially-sold/|archive-date=16 June 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> After competing in 29 races without a point, [[Force India]] won their first Formula One World Championship points and podium place when [[Giancarlo Fisichella]] finished second in the [[2009 Belgian Grand Prix]].<ref name="Belgian Grand Prix results">{{cite news| title= Spa-Francorchamps results | work = BBC Sport | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/results/7921166.stm| date =30 August 2009| access-date = 30 August 2009}}</ref> New Delhi hosted the [[Indian Grand Prix]] from 2011 to 2013 at [[Buddh International Circuit]] in [[Greater Noida]], 50&nbsp;km from New Delhi. [[Karun Chandhok]] was the test driver for [[Team Lotus]] & [[Narain Karthikeyan]] raced for [[HRT F1 Team|HRT]] during the first half of the [[2011 Formula One season]]. Karun Chandhok participated in Friday's{{when|date= November 2012}} practice session and Karthikeyan (stepping in for [[Daniel Ricciardo]]) raced at the [[2011 Indian Grand Prix]]; it was the first time two Indian drivers associated with the same [[List of Formula One Grand Prix|Formula One Grand Prix]] directly.

[[Jehan Daruvala]] drives under the Indian flag in the [[Formula 2 Championship]]. He currently races for [[Prema Powerteam]]. Daruvala has three wins in the series so far.

=== Polo ===

{{Main|Polo in India}}

[[File:First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy at Polo Match in India.jpg|alt=Fullright|thumb|US First Lady [[Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis|Jacqueline Kennedy]] posing for a photograph during an annual Polo match in Rajasthan, known as the Sirmoor Cup in 1962.]]

India is considered the cradle of modern [[polo]]. [[Babur]], the founder of the [[Mughal Empire]] in the 15th century, firmly established its popularity. The period between the decline of the Mughal dynasty and the upsurgence of the British Imperial rule, polo almost vanished from mainland India. Fortunately, the game survived in a few remote mountainous [[Enclave and exclave|enclaves]] of the [[subcontinent]], notably [[Gilgit]], [[Chitral]], [[Ladakh]], and [[Manipur]].

In India, the popularity of polo has waned and risen many times. However, it has never lost its regal status. In the last few decades, the emergence of privately owned teams has ensured a renaissance in Indian polo. Today, polo is not just restricted to the royalty and the [[Indian Army]].

=== Squash ===

{{Main|Squash in India}}

{{See also|Squash Rackets Federation of India|India men's national squash team|India women's national squash team}}

[[Squash (sport)|Squash]] is a popular recreational sport in [[India]], and is gaining popularity as a competitive sport.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|title=A Study on Squash in India|url=https://www.iismworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Squash-Report-1.pdf|publisher=International Institute of Sports Management}}</ref> It is governed by the [[Squash Rackets Federation of India]].

=== Kurash ===

[[Kurash Association of India]] overseas the sport in India. India has won 2 medals in the inaugural event at [[Kurash at the 2018 Asian Games|2018 Asian Games]].

[[Sepak takraw]], though not very well known in India, was a demonstration sport at the Delhi Asian Games in 1982.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2005/02/03/stories/2005020300460400.htm |location=Chennai, India |title=Takraw tourney to kick off |date=3 February 2005 |access-date=2 November 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071102235957/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2005/02/03/stories/2005020300460400.htm |archive-date=2 November 2007 |work=[[The Hindu]] |url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[Sepaktakraw Federation of India]], with its headquarters in [[Nagpur]], Maharashtra, was founded on 10 September 1982. It is recognised by the [[Indian Olympic Association]] and Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports since 2000.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://sportal.nic.in/innerindex.asp?moduleid=26&maincatid=101&comid=2 |title=Sportal – Sports Portal – GOVERNMENT OF INDIA |access-date=2 November 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090416174643/http://sportal.nic.in/innerindex.asp?moduleid=26&maincatid=101&comid=2 |archive-date=16 April 2009 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all}}</ref> So far, the federation has conducted 14 senior, seven junior, and six sub-junior national championships in different cities, and is conducting Federation Cup Tournaments and zonal National Championships.

 

The game is very popular in the northeastern state of Manipur, and some of the best players came from there. In the 22nd King's Cup International Sepak Takraw Tournament held in [[Bangkok]], the India men's team lost in the semi-finals and claimed bronze in the team event. In the doubles event, the women's team lost in the semi-finals, but earned bronze medals.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.kanglaonline.com/index.php?template=headline&newsid=38912&typeid=3&Idoc_Session=675c609a27ff40ff109ba1daaff8ed58 |title=Sepak Takraw players and officials felicited:: KanglaOnline ~ Your Gateway |access-date=2 November 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080303051212/http://www.kanglaonline.com/index.php?template=headline&newsid=38912&typeid=3&Idoc_Session=675c609a27ff40ff109ba1daaff8ed58 |archive-date=3 March 2008 |url-status=live}}</ref>

On 21 August 2018, at the [[Sepak takraw at the 2018 Asian Games|2018 Asian Games]], the national men's team won a bronze after losing 2–0 to Thailand. It was Indian's first medal in Sepak takraw in Asian games.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/asian-games-2018/story/asian-games-2018-india-clinch-first-sepak-takraw-bronze-1320007-2018-08-21 |title=Asian Games 2018: India grab first sepak takraw medal |access-date=21 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821160413/https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/asian-games-2018/story/asian-games-2018-india-clinch-first-sepak-takraw-bronze-1320007-2018-08-21 |archive-date=21 August 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Indian Kickboxing team at the 2009 Asian Indoor Games.jpg|thumb|Members of India's national Kickboxing team at the [[2009 Asian Indoor Games]] in Vietnam]]

<ref>http://www.iakoweb.com</ref> Kickboxing in India is promoted and governed by the Indian Association of Kickboxing Organisations which was founded by Er. S.S. Harichandan. Ratnadiptee Shimpi won a silver medal and Pankaj Mahanta, Manoj Kumar, Mohammad Amir Khan and Salam Lemba Meitei won four bronze medals in [[Kickboxing at the 2009 Asian Indoor Games]]. Indian Team under [[Indian Olympic Association]] participated in [[2009 Asian Martial Arts Games]] where Laxmi Tyagi won a gold medal and three others bagged bronze medals<ref>[[India at the 2009 Asian Martial Arts Games]]</ref>{{Circular reference|date=September 2019}}.

=== Rock climbing ===

{{See also|Indian Mountaineering Foundation|Climbing locations in India}}