Tracing the history of sports in India to centuries back, Nandini Rao dwells on how it has become a part of urban and rural landscape. Integral to the country’s economy and tourism, it has also become a platform for marketing sports products. Sports build a feeling of nationalism and togetherness in people, fostering a sense of belonging and unity. They also promote physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle, contributing to overall well-being.
Sports have always held immense importance in the social and cultural ethos of India. From traditional games played in rural villages to the modern sports arenas that grace cities, the evolution of the sports landscape in India speaks volumes about its historical significance and the nation’s pursuit of excellence.
The development of sports in India and its global recognition has been a result of myriad sports initiatives and the efforts of governmental bodies, their policies and the participatory role of sports personalities.
The history of sports in India dates back centuries ago when several traditional forms of sports originated. Ancient epics like the Mahabharat, written around the third century BCE, mention traditional sports played in the Indian subcontinent.
There is an acknowledgement of a game of dice in the ancient epic. Others include indoor games similar to chess and outdoor games such as archery. It is believed that the game of chess also originated in India. Modern-day chess has evolved from the Indian game called ‘chaturanga’ that was played even before 600 AD, with the earliest reference coming during the Gupta Empire.
Additionally, several ancient forms of martial arts also existed in the subcontinent at the time. The ancient texts also point towards the existence of wrestling, boxing, sword fighting, etc., in varying forms. Also, records indicate that students of ancient Indian universities like Nalanda and Taxila engaged in ball games and swimming.
Ancient remains
The history of sports in India is presumed to be thousands of years old, starting from the times of ancient civilisations. Dholavira in Kutch, Gujarat was included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 2021, making it the fourth such site in the state. Dholavira is one of the two most exquisite sites of the remains of the Indus Valley / Harappan Civilisation dating back to 5,000 years ago. The other such site is Lothal which is also located in Gujarat.
In Dholavira, a terraced arena was excavated which is known to be the world’s oldest and indicates the existence of sports in India. Located on Khadir Beyt in the Rann of Kutch, rectangular-shaped Dholavira is older than Lothal which was a port city.
Divided into three parts – Citadel, Middle Town and Lower Town, the citadel in Dholavira had a 30-40 feet long protective ramp and wall. On the right side of this ramp is a large area of open land which we today call a stadium.
Interestingly, in the stadium at Dholavira, one can still find the remains of spectator stands, indicating the ancient inhabitants were fond of sports and games. This indicates that stadiums existed in India millennia before European colonisation, further highlighting the longstanding presence of sports in Indian culture.
The significance of sports
Several sports in India such as hockey, cricket, football, badminton, and wrestling have also made a mark in the sports arena in India. Hockey, the official national sport, has brought India eight Olympic gold medals, making it one of the most successful sports in India’s history. In recent years, sports like badminton and wrestling have also gained prominence in the country.
The importance of sports in society cannot be overstated. Sports build a feeling of nationalism and togetherness in people, fostering a sense of belonging and unity. They also promote physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle, contributing to overall well-being.
Furthermore, sports are recognised as a soft power, serving as a global medium to improve diplomatic relations and promote peace and prosperity.
Sports initiatives in India range from governmental policies and bodies to the role of sports personalities. The government has played a crucial role in promoting and developing sports infrastructure and training facilities.
Additionally, the contributions of sports personalities and their impact on the nation’s sports landscape are also worth examining. The evolution of sports showcase India’s rich sporting heritage and the significant role they play in society.
India has historically been known for its diverse culture, vibrant traditions, and flourishing arts. However, alongside these artistic pursuits lies a rich legacy of sports that reflects not only India’s ancient past but also its contemporary aspirations.
Deep roots
While cricket continues to reign supreme among India’s favourite sports, there is no denying the growing popularity of several others, including boxing, wrestling, kho kho and kabaddi. These sports have deep roots and are embedded in India’s cultural fabric. Traditional sports, on the other hand, continue to engage players across generations, till today.
Another critical element of Indian sports is how they reflect the values and priorities of society. Sports often become powerful symbols representing societal goals, aspirations, and emotions. For instance, cricket serves as a symbol of national pride, while hockey represents resilience against adversity.
Similarly, India’s success in athletics showcases the dedication and discipline demanded by the nation’s athletes. It also exhibits how team work and collective effort with a common goal can create change and bring laurels to the nation. Understanding sports within the broader social context allows for better appreciation of their role in shaping society.
Integral to society
Sports are integral to India’s economy and tourism sector. Events like the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and Olympics generate billions of dollars in revenue through ticket sales, advertising, sponsorships, and foreign visitors.
Sports events attract tourists from across the world, creating employment opportunities and boosting local economies. Government initiatives aimed at enhancing sports infrastructure and supporting athletes serve multiple purposes – besides encouraging talent development, they facilitate job creation, stimulate economic growth, and promote regional integration.
At the same time, sports figures play an essential role in inspiring future generations to pursue sports enthusiastically and live a life of discipline and purpose. Indian athletes have achieved considerable milestones globally, earning laurels and accolades along the way.
Sportspersons like Kapil Dev, M S Dhoni, Mary Kom, P V Sindhu, Saina Nehwal, Mithali Raj, Phogat sisters, Sunil Chhetri, Abhinav Bindra, etc. became household names because of their extraordinary abilities. Their achievements encouraged many young Indians to dream big and strive for excellence, in turn, benefitting the nation at several levels.
Sports stars transcend boundaries, class and caste differences and resonate with millions of fans who share similar ambitions. They inspire younger generations towards achieving greatness both inside and outside sports.
Policies and goals
The goal of a sports policy should be to improve sports facilities and infrastructure, generate funds for athletes so they could train properly and stay fit, organise competitions and tournaments regularly in order to showcase sporting talent of the country and generate revenue and employment as a by-product.
Over the years, sports in India have been marred with several issues such as gender disparity, inadequate financial incentives, corruption, lack of transparency, mismanagement, poor governance, etc. New policies and initiatives have been striving to address these obstacles and necessitate systemic reforms.
Technology plays an increasingly vital role in Indian sports today. Training techniques, nutritional requirements, physiological analysis, player performance tracking, analytics, and data interpretation benefit significantly from technological advancements.
Technological adoption enhances athletes’ efficiency and ensures fair competition based on merit alone. Social media platforms offer athletes unprecedented access to fans, enabling them to communicate directly with supporters, thereby strengthening relationships beyond sports. Digital platforms provide tremendous potential for marketing sports products effectively.