Sports transcend borders, uniting people with a shared language of competition and camaraderie. But have you ever wondered what unites each nation’s sporting spirit? Dive into this vibrant exploration of national sport around the world, where we’ll paint a picture of each country’s athletic identity.
Afghanistan: Buzkashi
Buzkashi is the national sport of Afghanistan. It is a traditional sport in which horse-mounted players attempt to place a headless goat carcass into a scoring circle at the other end of the field. The sport has been played across Central Asia for hundreds of years and is now occasionally seen in the northern parts of Afghanistan.
Argentina: Pato
The national sport of Argentina might surprise you! It’s not the wildly popular football (soccer) that comes to mind first, but a unique and thrilling game called Pato. Pato, which translates to “duck” in Spanish, is a horseback game that combines elements of polo and basketball.
Australia: Australian Rules Football
The national sport of Australia is Australian rules football, also known as Aussie rules or footy. It is the most popular sport in the country, with a rich history dating back 162 years. Australian rules football is distinctive to Australia and predates other modern football games, making it a significant part of the country’s sporting culture.
Austria: Alpine skiing
Alpine skiing is a prominent sport in Austria due to the mountainous terrain, and Austrian athletes such as Annemarie Moser-Pröll, Hermann Maier, Toni Sailer, and Marcel Hirscher are widely regarded as some of the greatest alpine skiers of all time.
Azerbaijan: Wrestling
Wrestling holds a significant place as the national sport of Azerbaijan. Rooted in the country’s history and culture, Azerbaijani wrestlers have excelled on the international stage, bringing pride and recognition.
Bangladesh: Cricket
Cricket is the national sport of Bangladesh, capturing the nation’s enthusiasm. The sport unites people across diverse backgrounds, contributing to a sense of pride and identity, with memorable international achievements.
Barbados: Cricket
Cricket is the national sport of Barbados, reflecting its historical and cultural importance. The island has produced legendary cricketers, and the sport holds a special place in Barbadian hearts.
Belgium: Football
Football is the national sport of Belgium, deeply ingrained in its sporting culture. The Red Devils, Belgium’s national football team, enjoy widespread support, symbolizing unity and passion across the country.
Brazil: Futebol
Football, known as “futebol,” is the national sport of Brazil. With a dazzling history and a football-crazed population, the sport transcends mere competition, embodying the nation’s cultural spirit and identity.
Bulgaria: Volleyball
Volleyball is a popular and widely played sport in Bulgaria, considered a national favorite. The country’s success on the international volleyball stage has contributed to its sporting pride.
Canada: Ice Hockey
Ice hockey is the national sport of Canada, deeply ingrained in the country’s identity. From frozen ponds to professional arenas, hockey unites Canadians, fostering a passionate and enduring love for the game.
China: Table Tennis
Table tennis is China’s national sport, celebrated for its global dominance. The sport’s popularity extends beyond competition, fostering a deep cultural connection and a source of national pride.
Colombia: Football
Football, or soccer, is the national sport of Colombia. With a fervent fan base, the sport unites Colombians, contributing to a shared sense of passion, pride, and identity.
Croatia: Football
Football is the national sport of Croatia, embodying the country’s sporting spirit. Notable achievements, including the 2018 World Cup final appearance, highlight Croatia’s prowess and national pride in football.
Denmark: Handball
Handball is a popular national sport in Denmark. Known for its fast-paced action, Denmark’s handball teams have achieved success on the international stage, contributing to the sport’s popularity.
Egypt: Football
The national sport of Egypt is soccer (football), deeply rooted in the country’s sporting and cultural traditions, and embraced by a wide fan base. It is the most popular and most watched sport in the country, with significant fan followings and viewership across the nation.
France: Football
The national sport of France is soccer (football), deeply rooted in the country’s cultural and sporting landscape, enjoying widespread support and admiration from fans. In 2018, France won FIFA World Cup.
Germany: Football
The national sport of Germany is soccer (football), also known as Fußball. The German Football League, called Bundesliga, is one of the most famous and successful leagues in the world, attracting millions of fans. The German national team has also achieved significant success, winning the European Football Championship in 1996 and the World Cup in 2014.
Greece: Football
The national sport of Greece is soccer (football), deeply embedded in the country’s cultural and sporting traditions, and widely celebrated by a passionate fan base, reflecting the nation’s enduring love for the game.
Hungary: Water Polo
The national sport of Hungary is water polo, which is widely regarded as the country’s national pastime. Hungary’s water polo and swimming teams are among the best in the world, and the country has a rich history in water sports.
India: Field Hockey
Field hockey is the national sport in India, with the country having a rich history in the sport and numerous accolades, including eight gold, one silver, and three bronze medals in the Olympics. Cricket is also a popular spectator sport in India, generating the highest television viewership.
Iran: Wrestling
Iranian wrestling, also known as Koshti, is the national sport of Iran. It is a martial art and combat sport that has been practiced since ancient times in the country.
Ireland: Hurling
Hurling is the national sport of Ireland, a fast and skillful game played with a wooden stick (hurley) and a small ball (sliotar). It is over 3,000 years old and is considered the fastest field game in the world.
Italy: Football
The national sport of Italy is football (soccer), deeply rooted in the country’s history and traditions. Italy has a strong football tradition, with the national team’s success in international competitions and the popularity of the Serie A league.
Jamaica: Cricket
Cricket is the most popular sport in Jamaica, passed down from the English colonial masters, and serves as a unifying force among Jamaicans.
Japan: Sumo Wrestling
Sumo wrestling is considered the national sport of Japan, with its governing body being the Japan Sumo Association. However, baseball is the most popular sport in Japan, with a devoted following from people of all ages.
Kazakhstan: Kokpar
Kokpar is the national sport of Kazakhstan, deeply rooted in the country’s cultural and sporting traditions. It is a traditional game where two teams compete over a headless goat, reflecting the nation’s nomadic heritage.
Korea: North Korea: Ssirum, South Korea: Taekwondo
Ssirum, also known as traditional Korean wrestling, is the national sport of North Korea. It is deeply rooted in the country’s cultural and sporting traditions and is widely celebrated by a passionate fan base.
Taekwondo is the national sport of South Korea, embodying discipline, strength, and skill. It is a revered martial art, deeply rooted in the country’s history and tradition, reflecting the nation’s warrior spirit and cultural identity.
Kyrgyzstan: Kok-Boru
Kok-Boru is the national sport of Kyrgyzstan, a traditional game that features two teams of riders fighting for possession of a dead sheep, which they must land in a goal to score points.
Lativa: Ice Hockey
Ice hockey is the most popular sport in Latvia and is considered the national sport of the country. It has a strong representation in both domestic leagues and international competitions, with Latvia’s national team regularly competing in the IIHF World Championships.
Lithuania: Basketball
Basketball is the national sport of Lithuania, deeply ingrained in the country’s cultural identity and a unifying force. It is widely celebrated, reflecting the nation’s rich heritage and passionate fan base.
Malaysia: Sepak takraw
Sepak takraw is the national sport of Malaysia, a unique and exciting game that combines elements of volleyball and association football. The sport has a rich history and cultural significance in Malaysia, with its roots dating back to the 1940s
Mexico: Charrería
Charrería is the national sport of Mexico, an equestrian competition rich in tradition, national pride, and history. It is analogous to rodeo in the United States but a more stylized, artistic version, focusing on competition between teams of riders.
Myanmar: Chinlone
Chinlone, also known as caneball, is the national sport of Myanmar, combining elements of sport and dance to captivate players and spectators alike. The sport has a rich history and cultural significance in Myanmar, with its roots dating back to the royal courts of ancient Burmese kingdoms.
Nepal: Volleyball
Volleyball is the national sport of Nepal, officially recognized in 2017. It has a rich history in the country, with the National Sports Council organizing the first National Volleyball Competition in 1973.
The Netherlands: Football
Football is the most popular sport in the Netherlands, with over 1,000,000 people playing. The national women’s team is one of the most successful in World Cup history. Volleyball and field hockey are also popular.
New Zealand: Rugby
Rugby Union is the national sport of New Zealand, deeply ingrained in the country’s cultural identity. The All Blacks, the national team, is one of the most successful in the world, with a rich history and passionate fan base.
Nigeria: Football
Football (soccer) is the national sport of Nigeria, cherished by millions of passionate fans and firmly embedded in the country’s cultural identity. The Nigeria national football team, nicknamed the Super Eagles, has won the Africa Cup of Nations three times.
Norway: Cross-country Skiing
Cross-country skiing is the national sport of Norway, deeply rooted in the country’s history and tradition, reflecting Norway’s love for nature and outdoor activities. Norway has consistently excelled in various skiing disciplines, earning numerous gold medals in cross-country, alpine, and ski jumping events.
Oman: Al Hawalis
Al Hawalis is a traditional game widely played in Oman’s Batina coastal areas. It involves two players facing each other, with 28 “Khanas” or holes on each side. The game has historical significance and is a cherished national pastime.
Pakistan: Field Hockey
Field hockey is the national sport of Pakistan, officially recognized by the government in 1948. Pakistan has been one of the most successful teams in international competitions, having won a world record four Hockey World Cup titles in 1971, 1978, 1982, and 1994.
Paraguay: Football
Football (soccer) is the national sport of Paraguay, deeply ingrained in the country’s cultural identity and widely celebrated by a passionate fan base. The sport has a rich history in Paraguay, with the national team achieving impressive results, including a fourth-place finish in the 1930 FIFA World Cup.
Poland: Football
Football (soccer) is the national sport of Poland. The sport has a rich history in Poland, with the national team achieving impressive results, including winning the 1972 Olympic Football Tournament and finishing as runners-up in 1976 and 1992.
Portugal: Football
Football (soccer) is the national sport of Portugal, deeply ingrained in the country’s cultural identity and widely celebrated by a passionate fan base. The national team is among the higher-rated teams in both Europe and the world.
Romania: Oină
Oină is the national sport of Romania, a traditional game similar to baseball. It is played with a bat and a leather ball and has a long-lasting tradition in the country.
Russia: Bandy
Bandy, a form of ice hockey played with a ball, is Russia’s national sport. It enjoys significant popularity, particularly in winter, and showcases Russia’s prowess in winter sports.
Saudi Arabia: Football
Football (soccer) is the national sport of Saudi Arabia, enjoying widespread popularity and a special significance in the country’s culture. The Saudi national team has competed in six FIFA World Cup competitions, with their best performance being reaching the round of 16 in 1994.
Senegal: Burre
Senegal’s national sport, Burre, is a traditional wrestling style deeply rooted in the country’s culture. With elaborate rituals and fierce competition, Burre embodies Senegal’s strength and heritage.
Serbia: Football
Football (soccer) is the national sport of Serbia, deeply ingrained in the country’s cultural identity and widely celebrated by a passionate fan base. The country has a strong national team and several successful football clubs, including Red Star Belgrade and Partizan Belgrade.
Slovakia: Ice Hockey
Ice hockey is the national sport of Slovakia, deeply ingrained in the country’s cultural identity and widely celebrated. The sport has a rich history and a strong following, with significant success in international competitions.
Slovenia: Football
Football is Slovenia’s national sport, cherished by its people. The sport unites communities across the country, with Slovenian teams competing at both national and international levels.
South Africa: Rugby
Rugby Union is the national sport of South Africa, deeply ingrained in the country’s cultural identity and widely celebrated. The South African national rugby team, known as the Springboks, has achieved significant success in international competitions, including winning the Rugby World Cup three times.
Spain: Football
Football, or soccer, is Spain’s national sport, deeply ingrained in its culture. La Liga, Spain’s top football league, boasts world-renowned clubs, reflecting the country’s passion for the sport.
Sri Lanka: Volleyball
Volleyball is the national sport of Sri Lanka, officially declared as such in 1951. The sport was introduced in 1916 and gained tremendous popularity in a few years.
Switzerland: Schwingen
The national sport of Switzerland is Schwingen, a style of folk wrestling. Other popular sports in Switzerland include football, ice hockey, skiing, tennis, and alpine wrestling. Football, skiing, and ice hockey are the most favored sports in the country.
Syria: Football
The national sport of Syria is football, which is the most popular sport in the country. The Syrian national football team has had some success in international competitions, and the country has hosted several international sporting events. Other popular sports in Syria include basketball, volleyball, handball, swimming, and cycling.
Taiwan: Football
The national sport of Taiwan is baseball, which has a rich history and a massive following in the country. Other popular sports in Taiwan include basketball, badminton, football, softball, table tennis, tennis, and volleyball.
Thailand: Muay Thai
The national sport of Thailand is Muay Thai, also known as Thai boxing. It is a traditional combat sport with a long history and is celebrated as a national treasure of Thailand.
Turkey: Oil Wrestling
The national sport of Turkey is oil wrestling, also known as grease wrestling. This traditional Turkish sport has been practiced for over 4,500 years and is a significant part of the country’s cultural heritage.
UAE: Soccer
The national sport of the United Arab Emirates is soccer, which plays a significant role in the country’s cultural identity. Additionally, the UAE has made significant efforts to promote Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, with the sport being designated as the country’s national sport and receiving strong support from the government.
England: Cricket
Cricket is England’s national sport, with a rich history dating back centuries. The sport’s traditional matches, such as the Ashes series, capture the nation’s enthusiasm and cultural significance.
United States: American Football
American football is the national sport of the United States, widely followed and deeply ingrained in the country’s culture. The NFL, with its iconic teams and Super Bowl, epitomizes American sports culture.
Uruguay: Football
Football, known locally as “fútbol,” is Uruguay’s national sport, deeply ingrained in its culture. The country boasts a rich football history, highlighted by two FIFA World Cup victories and legendary players.
Vietnam: Da Cau
The national sport of Vietnam is Da Cau, also known as foot badminton. It is a traditional game where players kick a shuttlecock between them. Although soccer is the most popular sport in Vietnam, other popular sports include badminton, table tennis, volleyball, swimming, martial arts, and chess.
Yemen: Football
The national sport of Yemen is football (soccer), which is the most popular sport in the country. The Yemen Football Association governs the sport, overseeing the Yemeni League and the national football team.
Zimbabwe: Football
The national sport of Zimbabwe is football (soccer), which is the most popular sport in the country. The country has also won eight Olympic medals since they first participated in 1980, with Kirsty Coventry being the most successful athlete.
