A national sport is a game that holds cultural significance and popularity within a country.
It often represents the nation’s heritage, values, and traditions.
Some countries officially declare their national games through legal means (De Jure),
recognized traditional sports (De Facto) without official legal recognition.
National Games
National games can be categorized into two groups:
- De Jure: Established by law as the official national sport.
- De Facto: Not legally recognized but popularly accepted as the national sport.
Here is a comprehensive list of countries and their national games:
| Country | National Sport | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | Buzkashi | De Facto |
| Anguilla | Yacht Racing | De Facto |
| Antigua and Barbuda | Cricket | De Facto |
| Argentina | Pato | De Jure |
| Australia | Cricket | De Facto |
| Bangladesh | Kabaddi | De Jure |
| Barbados | Cricket | De Facto |
| Bermuda | Cricket | De Facto |
| Bhutan | Archery | De Jure |
| Brazil | Association Football | De Jure |
| Bulgaria | Weightlifting | De Facto |
| Canada | Lacrosse (summer), Ice Hockey (winter) | De Jure |
| Chile | Chilean Rodeo | De Jure |
| China | Ping-Pong (Table Tennis) | De Facto |
| Colombia | Tejo | De Jure |
| Cuba | Baseball | De Facto |
| Czech Republic | Ice Hockey | De Facto |
| Denmark | Association Football, Handball | De Facto |
| Dominican Republic | Baseball | De Facto |
| England | Cricket | De Facto |
| Estonia | Baseball | De Facto |
| Finland | Pesäpallo (Finnish Baseball) | De Facto |
| France | Football | De Facto |
| Georgia | Rugby Union | De Facto |
| Grenada | Cricket | De Facto |
| Guyana | Cricket, Water Polo | De Facto |
| Haiti | Association Football | De Facto |
| Hungary | Water Polo | De Facto |
| Iceland | Handball | De Facto |
| India | Field Hockey | De Facto |
| Indonesia | Pencak Silat | De Facto |
| Iran | Wrestling | De Facto |
| Ireland | Gaelic Football | De Facto |
| Israel | Association Football | De Facto |
| Jamaica | Cricket | De Facto |
| Japan | Sumo | De Facto |
| Latvia | Basketball (summer), Ice hockey (winter) | De Facto |
| Lithuania | Basketball | De Facto |
| Madagascar | Rugby Union | De Facto |
| Malaysia | Sepak Takraw | De Facto |
| Mauritius | Association Football | De Facto |
| Mexico | CharrerÃa | De Facto |
| Mongolia | Archery, Mongolian Wrestling, Horse Racing | De Facto |
| Nepal | Volleyball | De Jure |
| New Zealand | Rugby Union | De Facto |
| Norway | Cross-Country Skiing | De Facto |
| Pakistan | Field Hockey | De Facto |
| Papua New Guinea | Rugby League | De Facto |
| Namibia | Rugby | De Facto |
| Peru | Paleta Frontón | De Facto |
| Philippines | Sipa | De Facto |
| Poland | Motorcycle Speedway | De Facto |
| Puerto Rico | Baseball | De Facto |
| Romania | Oina | De Facto |
| Russia | Bandy | De Facto |
| Scotland | Golf | De Facto |
| Senegal | Wrestling | De Facto |
| Serbia | Basketball | De Facto |
| Slovenia | Alpine Skiing | De Facto |
| South Africa | Rugby Union | De Facto |
| Spain | Football | De Facto |
| Sri Lanka | Volleyball | De Jure |
| Tajikistan | Gushtigiri | De Facto |
| Turkey | Oil Wrestling & Cirit | De Facto |
| Turks and Caicos Islands | Cricket | De Facto |
| United States | Baseball | De Facto |
| Uruguay | Football (Soccer) | De Facto |
| Venezuela | Baseball | De Facto |
| Wales | Rugby Union | De Facto |
The national sport of a country is a reflection of its cultural identity and historical background.
Understanding these games offers insight into a country’s sporting heritage and values, emphasizing the importance of sports in shaping national identity.
