The origin of golf has always been a topic of debate among historians. For some, it is connected to a Roman game of Paganica, while a few associate golf with the English game of Cambuca. Theories from China and France have also challenged the origin of the game. After years of insignificance, golf suddenly rose to prominence in the 19th century, when it became a regular hobby of English as well as Scottish kings and also a part of their lavish culture. In addition to that, golf also found its presence in the books of Scottish playwright Sir Walter Scott,…
Author: 1X Team
After tennis became a popular game during the late 19th century, ping pong, also known as table tennis, was introduced as a sport with improvised equipment and rules in the 1880s. The first version of the sport was played in 1890 in England as a part of “Parlour Table Games” by David Foster. For decades, manufacturers and researchers have worked on improving the dynamics and mechanisms of the game. During that time, the game was played with vellum drum rackets and a 50mm ball. In 1900, proper equipment was introduced for Ping Pong, and it became an instant success. The…
Like boxing, mixed martial arts was also introduced in ancient Greece for the training of their armies. During the time, it was seen as a combination of wrestling, boxing, and street fighting. The sport was initially conducted as a brutal sport with no rules, also known by the name of pankration. However, a set of rules and regulations were gradually initiated in MMA, which made it one of the fastest-growing spectator sports in the early 21st century. MMA: A New Sporting Sensation in India Due to the increased popularity of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), MMA is one of the fastest-growing…
The load of expectations is always on the players pulling on the blue jersey to represent Indian cricket, especially in a major tournament like the ICC Cricket World Cup. The two-time champions have made it to the semi-final of the tournament in the last two editions but failed to make it to the final with India failing to chase down the target on both occasions. The Highs and Lows of the Campaign In the 2023 World Cup, India has chased down the target in all five matches so far defeating five-time champions Australia, Afghanistan, arch-rivals Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand. In the first match against…
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…
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…