Unlike most mainstream sports introduced to the Indian populous by the British Army in the late 19th century and 20th century, wrestling has been ever-present in the Indian culture since the time of yore. The Wrestling Roots in India Wrestling has always been practised in India, albeit on mud patches known as akharas instead of mats used by the Europeans which have been adopted by other nations as well. Wrestling is often called by the names of Kushti, Dangal, and Pehelwani in North India where akharas are commonly found in the states of Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and regions of…
Author: 1X Team
Swimming is not only a competitive sport but also a popular recreational activity and a vital life skill. The discipline is integral to the Olympic Games and other international events. The Swimming Federation of India was formed in 1948 by merging the National Swimming Association and the Indian Swimming Federation. Making Waves: Growth of Swimming in India Swimming in India has seen significant growth and development over the years. While it is not as popular or widespread as some other sports in the country, it has gained prominence and is gaining more recognition over the past few years. There has…
Athletics was introduced to India during the British Raj period and an Anglo-Indian also became the first gold medalist for the nation in the Olympics. The Athletics Federation of India was formed in 1946 with a view of sending its athletes to major global events after the nation gained independence from the British rulers in 1947. The organization is affiliated with both the World Athletics and Asian Athletics Association. The Legacy of Athletics in India India continued to send its athletes to the Olympics post-World War I but success started knocking on the Indian doors after the nation hosted the…
Hockey has become one of the world’s most popular and widely watched sports, with millions of players and fans globally. It has a rich history, which shows the cultural and geographical influences on the sport over the centuries. India’s Deep-rooted Hockey History India has an illustrious history in the sport of hockey, and its journey in the sport is marked by numerous successes in the game. India’s dominance in this game is particularly associated with the Olympic Games. They have won 11 gold medals to date, starting from 1928, when the team made their debut at the Amsterdam Games. The…
Rugby is a popular sport that is played in many countries around the world and is known for its physicality, intense competition and teamwork. The sport has a large fanbase and continues to grow in popularity globally, especially in New Zealand, Australia, England, and South Africa. Emergence of Rugby in India Rugby’s emergence in India has been a recent one as compared to other countries with long-standing rugby traditions. The sport’s introduction and growth in India can be attributed to various factors and efforts, and its history is still in the process of being established. Here’s an overview of the…
Initially introduced in ancient Greece, boxing has gone through numerous changes over the centuries. Few nations have lost their dominance in the combat sport over time, however, some countries have managed to stay relevant in boxing despite the changed period. The Boxing Legacy in India Unlike the well-documented prowess of the United States and Mexico, India was never seen as a boxing superpower. However, in the modern period, Indian athletes are slowly overcoming the odds of international dominance presented by a certain group of countries and becoming World champions. The change in the boxing scene of India was never an…
Tennis has been synonymous with the names of Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi since the 1990s in India, but the sport has a deeper rich history, which has allowed the nation to bask in glory on the international stage. Recently, the fans have been treated to some memorable moments in Hangzhou as the nation rose to fifth in all-time standings of tennis medals at the 2023 Asian Games. The pair of Rohan Bopanna and Rutuja Bhosale won the gold medal in mixed doubles, while Ramkumar Ramanathan and Saketh Myneni settled for silver in men’s doubles. As of now, India has 10 gold, seven silver, and 17 bronze medals…
Indian football is reaching new heights every day as the national team and the Indian Super League are progressing hand in hand with Sunil Chhetri leading the Indian side with 94 goals on the international stage. Clubs like Mohun Bagan SG, Mumbai City, Goa, and Bengaluru have impressed in the AFC Champions League and the AFC Cup competitions over the last decade. They will need to keep their performances at the top level, with the Asian Football Confederation introducing three competitions from the 2024-25 season onwards. The Rich Tapestry of Football in India Football was adopted very early by the Indians and was one of…
India was one of the first countries in Asia to adopt basketball but the craze of the sport has never spread like wildfire unlike its counterparts Cricket, Football, or even Kabaddi which has once again gained mainstream media’s attention in the last few years.. The Humble Beginnings of Basketball in India Thomas Duncan Patton, the acting general secretary for the Calcutta YMCA between 1893 and 1895 introduced the sport of basketball to the nation for the first time. Patton was one of the first players to ever play the sport as he was a part of the ‘first team’ that…
The 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup is knocking at the door, and all participating nations are gearing up to get their hands at the crown jewel. As per various pundits, hosting nation India starts as one of the favorites in the tournament. Riding on the back of a successful Asia Cup outing, the Men in Blue continued their good patch with a series win at home against five-time champions Australia. However, just like any other team, the Rohit Sharma-led side has its own pros and cons. So, let’s take a ride through the possible chance of the Indian contingent clinching…