Its a question for Indian's and not cricket lovers. Time and again there has been debate around same question and am happy many of them voiced out their support for "official" National game - Field Hockey. Infact the opinions from this debate changes the entire question into "Is Field Hockey losing its National Game status?"
Both games have reference to been a popular sport from British era in India, Cricket since early 17th century (being popular in 18th century) and field hockey since 18th century. We can't really decide on National game status basis which was introduced first.
Hockey gained its status during the golden era 1928-1956 when it won 6 gold medals in Olympic games. Dhyanchand was GOD of hockey like today Sachin Tendulkar happens to gain status as GOD of Indian Cricket. Indian hockey team sqaud crushed every opponent with scores like 10-0, 6-0, 9-0, 3-0 and even 24-1 against USA in 1932 Olympics. Hockey dominated even popular game like Cricket in mind of Indians (Cricket is not included in Olympics yet, recently in 2010 approval has been given for 20-20 format game).
Since 1970, Hockey lost its popularity in India, as team didn't do well. The last medal won was in 1980 in Moscow Olympics, which is only 2 after it gained National Game status.
Cricket on other hand, continued to gain popularity in first class cricket game. However there is no direct comparison of "being popular" for winning international matches, or world cups or Olympics. Cricket grabbed the opportunity to being National's favorite game when India Won World Cup in 1983 under Kapil Dev's captaincy. In minds of Indians, Hockey was virtually dethroned. It has to be noted that India has won Hockey World Cup only once in 1975 against rival country Pakistan. Pakistan infact is most successful nations winning world cup four times. It has been a fight between two games on who gains the popularity more in sequential success and consistent winner keeps the crown. Cricket ruled this domain in next two decades as hockey kept losing games and hence internal game of being popular.
Until now you have read, I am more specific to keep facts on "which game is popular". Its "National Game" status for Field Hockey that is keeping this game alive and get support from government financially and as well support from many associations, celebrities, game lovers.
Its not as bad as if hockey will go in extinction if it loses its National Game status, but it will definitely lose all attention that it gets today from this debate. This debate puts the authority in pressure to keep pushing the game to regain its status back. There are several issues that may be really the fact that hockey hasn't been able to win back hearts of many people like cricket. But the fact remains with this famous quote - "You Play to Win the Game !"
I believe any game that brings thoughts of nationalism and pride being Indian in entire citizens of India, should have right to gain "National Game" status. Hockey needs to gain that pride only by winning applause from world and not just struggling politically. Thats where Cricket has been playing smart and dominating all other games, and not just hockey.
Cricket World Cup 2011, won by India has crushed hopes of hockey even more. Hockey on other hand lost both main games recently, World cup in 2010 and Olympics in Beijing not even finishing at 2nd, 3rd, 4th place.
What made me to write to this blog, is for one reason. Its not a political question, its not a question from a die hard cricket lover, but its a question from a Indian who is in witness of watching millions of Indians who had gone berserk and crazy about one sport. Its a sport that brings them pride towards nation and being Indian.
Its a sport that make them come together and dance, sing, hug, cheers for nation and players.
Its a sport that make them stand together and proudly sing together for nation.
Its a sport that's asking What would a new generation say after 5 years when you ask them a question - "What is National Sport of India ?"
While I will conclude this blog with last thought for our Hockey Loving Indians - Not every Cricket playing Successful Country has Cricket as "National Game". Check the list below and please drop your comments if any.
2011 Cricket World Cup Playing Teams only
Bangladesh - Kabbadi
Canada - Rugby in Summers, Ice Hockey in Winters
Ireland - Gaelic Football & Hurling (Gaelic Games)
Kenya - Soccer
Netherlands - Football & Ice Skating
New Zealand - Rugby
Pakistan - Field Hockey
South Africa - Rugby
Sri Lanka - Volley Ball
West Indies - Rugby
Zimbabwe - Soccer
*England's official National game is Cricket & Australia doesn't have official sport but Soccer and Rugby is popular in Sydney and Brisbane, Cricket all over, especially Melbourne. Cricket has big popularity than any other sports.
Both games have reference to been a popular sport from British era in India, Cricket since early 17th century (being popular in 18th century) and field hockey since 18th century. We can't really decide on National game status basis which was introduced first.
Hockey gained its status during the golden era 1928-1956 when it won 6 gold medals in Olympic games. Dhyanchand was GOD of hockey like today Sachin Tendulkar happens to gain status as GOD of Indian Cricket. Indian hockey team sqaud crushed every opponent with scores like 10-0, 6-0, 9-0, 3-0 and even 24-1 against USA in 1932 Olympics. Hockey dominated even popular game like Cricket in mind of Indians (Cricket is not included in Olympics yet, recently in 2010 approval has been given for 20-20 format game).
Since 1970, Hockey lost its popularity in India, as team didn't do well. The last medal won was in 1980 in Moscow Olympics, which is only 2 after it gained National Game status.
Cricket on other hand, continued to gain popularity in first class cricket game. However there is no direct comparison of "being popular" for winning international matches, or world cups or Olympics. Cricket grabbed the opportunity to being National's favorite game when India Won World Cup in 1983 under Kapil Dev's captaincy. In minds of Indians, Hockey was virtually dethroned. It has to be noted that India has won Hockey World Cup only once in 1975 against rival country Pakistan. Pakistan infact is most successful nations winning world cup four times. It has been a fight between two games on who gains the popularity more in sequential success and consistent winner keeps the crown. Cricket ruled this domain in next two decades as hockey kept losing games and hence internal game of being popular.
Until now you have read, I am more specific to keep facts on "which game is popular". Its "National Game" status for Field Hockey that is keeping this game alive and get support from government financially and as well support from many associations, celebrities, game lovers.
Its not as bad as if hockey will go in extinction if it loses its National Game status, but it will definitely lose all attention that it gets today from this debate. This debate puts the authority in pressure to keep pushing the game to regain its status back. There are several issues that may be really the fact that hockey hasn't been able to win back hearts of many people like cricket. But the fact remains with this famous quote - "You Play to Win the Game !"
I believe any game that brings thoughts of nationalism and pride being Indian in entire citizens of India, should have right to gain "National Game" status. Hockey needs to gain that pride only by winning applause from world and not just struggling politically. Thats where Cricket has been playing smart and dominating all other games, and not just hockey.
Cricket World Cup 2011, won by India has crushed hopes of hockey even more. Hockey on other hand lost both main games recently, World cup in 2010 and Olympics in Beijing not even finishing at 2nd, 3rd, 4th place.
What made me to write to this blog, is for one reason. Its not a political question, its not a question from a die hard cricket lover, but its a question from a Indian who is in witness of watching millions of Indians who had gone berserk and crazy about one sport. Its a sport that brings them pride towards nation and being Indian.
Its a sport that make them come together and dance, sing, hug, cheers for nation and players.
Its a sport that make them stand together and proudly sing together for nation.
Its a sport that's asking What would a new generation say after 5 years when you ask them a question - "What is National Sport of India ?"
While I will conclude this blog with last thought for our Hockey Loving Indians - Not every Cricket playing Successful Country has Cricket as "National Game". Check the list below and please drop your comments if any.
2011 Cricket World Cup Playing Teams only
Bangladesh - Kabbadi
Canada - Rugby in Summers, Ice Hockey in Winters
Ireland - Gaelic Football & Hurling (Gaelic Games)
Kenya - Soccer
Netherlands - Football & Ice Skating
New Zealand - Rugby
Pakistan - Field Hockey
South Africa - Rugby
Sri Lanka - Volley Ball
West Indies - Rugby
Zimbabwe - Soccer
*England's official National game is Cricket & Australia doesn't have official sport but Soccer and Rugby is popular in Sydney and Brisbane, Cricket all over, especially Melbourne. Cricket has big popularity than any other sports.
3 comments:
Am not much of a sports person but I do believe, that sports - atleast most of them should be played and not watched.
Also, its not much about the 'national' game status, its just soooo much about the 'national' waste of time, energy and money...that too for matches which in high probability are rigged!!!!
Hmmmm... I guess its a debate and one which will keep continuing!!!
Cricket would win hands down if you ever took a vote in India
West Indies is seeing more of Athletics being developed.
Hockey National game?
Then why is it that Netherlands has more than 4000 AstroTurf hockey fields where as India only has 2-3.
When Field hockey isnt even its national game!
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