I-Day Special: Sports that originated in India

• India's ancient sporting heritage has shaped several global games
• Chess, Kabaddi, Mallakhamb, Polo and Badminton all have Indian roots
• These traditional practices evolved into the modern sports played today

As we celebrate our nation's independence, it’s a time to reflect on India's rich contributions to the world. Beyond science and philosophy, India has gifted the world a treasure trove of sports that continue to be played and cherished globally.

Chess: The Royal Game of Strategy

Long before it became a global phenomenon of intellect and strategy, chess was born in India during the Gupta Empire around the 6th century. Known originally as 'Chaturanga', it symbolized the four divisions of the military: infantry, cavalry, elephantry, and chariotry, represented by the pieces that would evolve into the modern pawn, knight, bishop, and rook. The game was not just a pastime but a tool for teaching strategic thinking and battlefield tactics. From India, Chaturanga journeyed to Persia where it became 'Shatranj', and then spread to the Arab world and eventually Europe, evolving into the game we know today. Its Indian origins are a testament to a culture that has long valued intellectual prowess and strategic depth. Every game of chess played today carries a whisper of its ancient Indian past.

Kabaddi: The Chant of Strength

A game of raw power, agility, and breath control, Kabaddi is deeply woven into the fabric of Indian soil. Its origins are believed to trace back over 4,000 years, with some theories pointing to ancient Tamil Nadu. Legends even connect it to the epic Mahabharata, where it was supposedly used by warriors like Arjuna to hone their combat skills. Traditionally a rural pastime requiring no equipment, it was a way to build physical strength and defensive skills. The modern era has seen Kabaddi transform from a village game into a global sport, thanks to the Pro Kabaddi League which has given it a glamorous, high-octane avatar. It remains a powerful symbol of India's combination of grassroots culture and modern sporting ambition.

Mallakhamb: The Art of Pole Gymnastics

Mallakhamb is a visually stunning and physically demanding sport unique to India. The name itself translates to 'wrestler's pole' (malla means wrestler, khamba means pole), hinting at its origins as a training regimen for wrestlers. Originating in Maharashtra, this ancient art form combines the principles of gymnastics, yoga, and martial arts. Athletes perform complex and graceful poses and aerial acrobatics on a vertical wooden pole, a cane, or a rope. It is an incredible display of strength, flexibility, and concentration. Once a supplementary exercise for fighters, Mallakhamb has now evolved into a competitive sport in its own right, recognized for its immense health benefits and as a beautiful expression of physical culture.

Polo: The Game of Kings, from Manipur

While variants of horseback stick-and-ball games existed across Asia, the modern game of polo owes its existence to Manipur. Known there as 'Sagol Kangjei', this fast-paced and thrilling game was played on the region's native ponies. British officers stationed in India in the 19th century were captivated by the game's intensity and skill. They codified the rules, anglicized the name from 'pulu' (the Tibetan word for ball), and exported it back to Britain and then across the world. The first modern polo club was established in Silchar, Assam, by British tea planters. Today, every chukker played in Argentina or England has a direct lineage tracing back to the fields of Manipur, making it a proud Indian export.

Badminton: From Poona to the World

The fast-paced racquet sport that graces Olympic courts has a surprising origin story in 19th-century India. While games involving a shuttlecock have been played for centuries, the direct precursor to modern badminton was developed by British military officers stationed in Poona (now Pune). They added a net to the traditional English game of battledore and shuttlecock and established the first set of rules around 1867, calling their new pastime 'Poona'. The officers took this formalized version back to England, where it was introduced at a party at the Duke of Beaufort’s country estate, named Badminton House, in 1873. The game took on the name of the estate, but its framework was undeniably forged in India.