Here's a full video on all of Virat Kohli's 50 ODI centuries as he broke Sachin Tendulkar's record for the most ODI ton in cricket's history. #indiancricketeam #indiavsnewzealand #kingkohli #kohli #sachintendulkar #cwc2023

Cricket, football and hockey may be India’s most popular sports, but in a country with so many traditions and history, there are sports that were played for hundreds of years that didn’t go mainstream in the modern world. While Kabaddi recently got its moment in the Indian sports, here are a few Indian sports that we bet you have not heard of.

Also Read: 10 Sports Podcasts Every Indian Fan Should Listen To

So, in this article, we will take a look at some of the most popular Indian sports you didn’t know existed.

Most Popular Indian Sports You Didn’t Know Existed

1. Mallakhamb – The Aerial Yoga of Warriors

Mallakhamb is a form of ancient martial arts intended as a training aid for wrestlers and ancient warriors. ‘Malla’ literally means wrestling and ‘khamb’ translates to pole. Together, mallakhamb means wrestling on a pole. Wrestlers and warriors used to use the pole as a training apparatus to perfect martial arts moves which they could later use on opponents in the ring or the battlefield.

Mallakhamb first gained widespread international attention on the sidelines of the Berlin 1936 Olympics. It was among the several indigenous Indian sports, including kabaddi, which were demonstrated at Berlin before the Olympics began and drew applause from the locals as well as the international community attending the Games.

Since then, the sport has spread all over the globe and the first-ever mallakhamb world championships were held in 2019, with more than 150 athletes from over 15 countries travelling to Mumbai to participate. The new-found prominence, however, doesn’t quite fully reflect the rich history of mallakhamb.

2. Vallam Kali – Kerala’s Snake Boat Race

Vallam Kali, also known as Kerala Boat Race, is one of southern India's most picturesque and traditional festivals. Every year the Vallam Kali festival is celebrated in the Malayalam month of Chingam, which generally falls in the calendar months of August and September. It is a form of canoe racing where many longboats compete with each other along the river.

Vallam Kali is mainly conducted during the harvest month of Onam. In Kerala, four boat races are held between July and September. All of these races happened in and around the beautiful town of Alleppey. The races are - Nehru Trophy Race, Payippad Jalotsavam, Aranmula Boat Race, Champakulam Moolam.

Hundreds of bright and colorful boats gather at the river with energetic men rowing them. The boats are also decorated with vibrant-colored umbrellas and flags.

3. Thang-Ta – Martial Art of Manipur

Thang Ta, 'The Art of the Sword and Spear' is the traditional martial art of Manipur in Northeast India. It integrates various external weapons - the sword, spear, dagger, etc. with the internal practice of physical control through soft movements coordinated with the rhythms of breathing. It is part of the great heroic tradition of Manipur.

The proper name for Thang Ta is 'Huyen Lallong' (method of safe-guarding). As the name implies, Huyen Lallong is more than just the training of fighting skills. It is an elaborate system of physical culture that involves breathing methods, meditations, and rituals. 

Some of the sword and spear forms are entirely ritualistic, although they are composed of material techniques. They are to be performed only at special occasions or under special circumstances. For example, there is a spear form that is performed at funerals. 

4. Jallikattu – Tamil Nadu’s Bull-Taming Sport

Jallikattu is a centuries-old bull-taming sport celebrated in Tamil Nadu during Pongal. It represents Tamil culture, bravery, and the strong bond between humans and animals. This festival takes place during Mattu Pongal, the second day of the four-day Pongal festival, honoring cattle, which are vital for agriculture and rural livelihoods in Tamil Nadu.

The term "Jallikattu" comes from Tamil words "Salli" (coins) and "Kattu" (tied), referring to the prize money tied to the bull’s horns, which participants try to retrieve.

Unlike bullfighting, Jallikattu is about grabbing the hump of a running bull and holding on without harming it, showcasing agility, strength, and courage of the participants.

5. Gatka – Sikh Martial Art

Gatka is a traditional form of Sikh martial art. Gatka is not just a physical combat technique but also a way to connect with the spiritual aspects of Sikhism.

Gatka incorporates various weapons, including swords, spears, shields, and sticks. Practitioners of Gatka, known as Gatkaars, perform choreographed sequences called "routines" or "forms" that involve a combination of offensive and defensive movements. These routines are designed to simulate combat scenarios and enhance the skills of the practitioners.

Gatka is often performed during religious and cultural events within the Sikh community, such as festivals, weddings, and Nagar Kirtans (processions). It serves as a way to preserve Sikh traditions, values, and heritage.

Also Read: Best Indian Sports Biopics of All Time

6. Tent Pegging – Medieval Sport on Horseback

Tent Pegging is a popular sport played through the use of horses and pegs. To play this game, a person should be an expert horse rider.

As the name itself suggests, it is a sport of cavalry where a horseman rides towards a target. Once the horseman gets close to the target, he pierces it using his lance or sword. He picks it up and carries the peg forward. This act continues till he carries the series of pegs placed on the track. 

There are different types of tent pegging games - Ring Jousting, Lemon Sticking, Quintain Tilting, and Mounted Archery.

Ayush Shetty won his maiden Super 300 title by winning the men's singles title at the BWF US Open 2025. Meanwhile, 16-year-old sensation Tnavi Sharma finished runner-up in women's singles.

Ayush defeated Canada's Brian Yang in straight games 21-13, 21-18 to lift the title. Shetty became the 5th Indian men's singles shuttler to win a Super 300+ title after Lakshya Sen, HS Prannoy, Priyanshu Rajawat, and Sameer Verma.

After 8 years, India won a title at the US Open in any discipline since H.S. Prannoy won in 2017. 

However, it was not a perfect end for 16-year-old Tanvi Sharma as she faced a heartfelt defeat against home favourite and No. 1 seed Beiwen Zhang of the USA 11-21, 21-16, 21-10 in the finals. 

Tanvi, who is now the youngest player ever to reach the final of any Super 300 tournament, had won all the sets until the final. She had defeated WR23, WR58, WR50 & WR40 to reach the final. 

🚨𝑩𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑲𝑰𝑵𝑮 🏸

🇮🇳Ayush Shetty won his maiden BWF Super300 title, winning the US Open 2025.

He defeated 🇨🇦Brian Yang in straight games 21-13, 21-18!#USOpen #Badminton #BadmintonIndia pic.twitter.com/BPDdF8a8Kr

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) June 30, 2025

Indian football continues to grow, and the stadiums where the game is played are a key part of its story. The nation has a collection of incredible stadiums that have a history of holding the most high-stakes and celebrated matches.

The capacity of a football stadium directly impacts the overall experience. The larger a stadium, the more fans it can hold, and the bigger the atmosphere for a match. Therefore, this article notes down the best Indian football stadiums ranked by capacity.

1. Salt Lake Stadium (VYBK), West Bengal

• Capacity: 85,000
• Built in: 1984

The Salt Lake Stadium, officially known as Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, is the largest Indian football stadium with a seating capacity of 85,000. Located at the heart of Kolkata, a city that breathes football, in West Bengal, it is simply an electrifying hub for the game.

Originally built in 1984, this stadium has undergone multiple renovations, including a major one for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, 2017. The stadium saw legendary moments, like when Lionel Messi played here in 2011, or when Diego Maradona visited in 2008, drawing massive crowds.

This stadium is the most reliable venue for hosting major football matches that are played in India, which shows that it is fit for big international events.

Additionally, the famous Kolkata Derby (East Bengal vs. Mohun Bagan) regularly fills the stadium, creating an unforgettable experience for players and fans.

Read Also: East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan: Biggest wins in Kolkata derby history

2. Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi

• Capacity: 60,254
• Built in: 1982

Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium is the second-largest Indian football stadium with a capacity of 60,254. It was originally built to host the events of 1982 Asian Games, and also hosted the 1989 Asian Championships in Athletics.

The stadium went through a modernised renovation for the 2010 Commonwealth Games, and hosted all the track and field events. Because it's in the nation's capital, it often hosts international friendly matches and national football tournaments.

It is a well-equipped grand venue that offers a big stage for players and a comfortable experience for the spectators.

3. Greenfield International Stadium, Kerala

• Capacity: 50,000
• Built in: 2015

The Greenfield International Stadium in Kerala, also known as "The Sports Hub, Trivandrum," can hold 50,000 spectators, which is the 3rd highest in India. It is relatively new and built as a multi-purpose stadium, having top-notch facilities.

The stadium hosted its first international football tournament in 2015 (SAFF Championship). It is mostly known for hosting cricket matches, making it the home ground for the Kerala Cricket Association.

Read Also: Top scorers in ISL history

4. EMS Stadium, Kerala

• Capacity: 50,000
• Built in: 1977

The EMS Stadium in Kozhikode, Kerala, is another multi-purpose stadium that has a capacity of 50,000. It is a very old and precious football venue of the state, famous for its deep connection with local football and drawing of enthusiastic fans.

It is home to the I-League club Gokulam Kerala FC, and has hosted big tournaments like the Super Cup, Santosh Trophy, and the Sait Nagjee Football tournament.

5. DY Patil Stadium, Maharashtra

• Capacity: 45,300
• Built in: 2008

DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai is a spacious and modern multi-purpose sports arena, with a seating capacity of 45,300. While it is also used for cricket and big concerts, it's a very capable football stadium.

It has high-quality seating areas, awesome screens and sound system. The stadium has hosted matches during the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup, 2022 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup and the 2023–24 AFC Champions League.

6. Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, Kaloor, Kerala

• Capacity: 41,000
• Built in: 1996

This stadium in Kerala holds 41,000 spectators and is famous for its incredibly passionate football fans. It is the home ground for the Kerala Blasters, a popular team in the ISL. 

The energy here during the ISL matches is phenomenal. It is often known to have one of the best football atmospheres in India. This stadium is often picked because of its decent quality and overall experience.

7. Birsa Munda Football Stadium, Jharkhand

• Capacity: 40,000
• Built in: 2009

With a capacity of 40,000, Birsa Munda Football Stadium in Ranchi is a major football hub in Jharkhand. It was opened in 2009, and has hosted many national tournaments with good remarks.

Its unique design makes it look eye-catching. It provides a significant platform for local teams and works to help the sport get bigger!

Read Also: Is 2025 the miraculous year in sports history?

Other stadiums with a 40,000 capacity:

• Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
• Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium, Kollam, Kerala
• Mangala Stadium, Mangalore, Karnataka
• Kanchenjunga Stadium, Siliguri, West Bengal

Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham has been a lucky hunting ground for the England cricket team against the Men in Blue since 1967. With the second test of the Anderson-Tendulkar trophy around the corner at this great venue, we present you all the results of the England vs India test matches at Edgbaston Stadium. 

Ground Details 

Stadium Name: Edgbaston Stadium

Location: Edgbaston Rd, Birmingham B5 7QU, Birmingham, United Kingdom

County team: Warwickshire County Cricket Club

Established: 1882

Capacity: 24,803

Since 1902, Edgbaston has been hosting test matches. Till now, they have hosted 56 test matches, among which 8 were played between England and India.

ENG vs IND Test at Edgbaston: Overall results

Total tests: 8

England won: 7

India won: 0

Drawn: 1

ENG vs IND Test at Edgbaston: Every result

13-17 July 1967: England won by 132 runs

India first played a test match at Edgbaston in 1967 when Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi's team were hosted by Brian Close's English side. 

England won the toss and decided to bat first. Although India bowled well and the spin attack of Bishan Bedi, Bhagwath Chandrasekhar, and Erapalli Prasanna helped England get bowled out for 298 in the first innings, Indian batters failed them.

India were bundled out for only 92 in the first inning and could not manage to come back from then on.

England scored 203 in the second inning as Prasanna took another 4 wickets in the inning, going with his 3 in the first inning.  

Despite a fighting 70 off 214 balls from Ajit Wadekar and 47 off 145 from captain Pataudi, India fell short by 132 runs. India lost the series 0-3.

4-8 July 1974 | England won by an inning and 78 runs

In their second test match at the Edgbaston Stadium, Ajit Wadekar's India faced a huge defeat. 

They were again playing the third and final test of the series, after losing the first two.

India batted first but could only manage 165 in the first inning. Star opener Sunil Gavaskar was out for a golden duck in the first inning. Farokh Engineer was the star for India with an unbeaten 64.  

David Lloyd scored a mammoth unbeaten 214 while captain Mike Denness scored 100 from 189 balls to take England to 459/2, after which they declared. 

In the second inning, India were bowled out for 216 and lost the match by an inning and 78 runs. Sudhir Naik scored a valiant 77 for India. 

12-16 July 1979 | England won by an inning and 83 runs

India would have managed a historic unbeaten series if they had started the 1979 tour well at Edgbaston. 

During that tour, India only lost one match, and that was in Birmingham. 

England won the toss and batted first. Geoff Boycott (155) and David Gower (200*) helped England score 633/5 before declaring. Kapil Dev bowled his heart out before finishing with 146/5.

India started their fight with Sunil Gavaskar (61) and Gundappa Viswanath (78) scoring some runs in the first inning. But India could only manage 297 and were asked to follow on. 

In the second inning, Gavaskar scored 68 while Chetan Chauhan and Gundappa Viswanath scored fifties. But, India were bundled out for 253 only. 

Ian Botham took a five-wicket haul for England in the second innings. Sunil Gavaskar finished the series with 542 runs. 

Read Also | Most wickets vs England in England for India in tests

3-7 July 1986 | Draw

The first and only time till now when India did not lose a test match at Edgbaston was in the 1986 tour. 

Kapil Dev was the captain of the Indian team, and the fighting performance from everyone made sure India created history on that tour. 

England captain Mike Gatting scored an unbeaten 183 in the first inning, and England scored 390. Chetan Sharma picked up four wickets for India. 

Fifties from Mohinder Amarnath and young Mohammad Azharuddin helped India match England's first innings total. 

In the second inning, England only managed 235 as Chetan Sharma picked up a six-wicket haul to finish with a 10-wicket haul in the match. 

Gavaskar scored 54 while Mohammad Azharuddin remained unbeaten on 29 from 106 balls to help India draw the match.

India won the series 2-0, for the first time on English soil. 

6-10 June 1996 | England won by 8 wickets

10 years later, India could not keep the momentum as they faced England again in Birmingham. 

Last time's hero, Azharuddin, was the captain of the Indian team while Mike Atherton was leading the home side. 

India won the toss and batted first. Javagal Srinath's 52 from 65 balls at number 9 helped India reach 214 in the first inning. But England replied with a solid ton from Nasser Hussain (128). 

Despite the ton, England could reach only 313 as Javagal Srinath and Venkatesh Prasad picked up four wickets each for India. 

Sachin Tendulkar (122) scored a brilliant ton in the second inning, but other batters failed as India managed only 219 runs.

Mike Atherton remained unbeaten on 53 to see his team home with an easy win. That was England's only win of the series as the other two matches were drawn.

Read Also | Youngest Indian cricketers to score an international century

10-14 August 2011 | England won by an innings and 242 runs 

India faced their biggest defeat at the Edgbaston Stadium when they returned to the ground after 16 years. 

MS Dhoni's men, who were then the World's No.1 test team, just could not handle England's batting powerhouse and surrendered against the home side. 

Indian batters, except for MS Dhoni (77), failed in the first inning as India only managed 224 in the first inning. In reply, Alastair Cook scored his career best 294 from 545 balls to help England score 710/7 before they declared. 

Eoin Morgan also scored a ton for England in that inning. 

In the second inning, MS Dhoni again shone with the bat with an unbeaten 74 from 79 balls, but it was not enough for India to avoid a humiliating defeat. 

India were whitewashed by 0-4 in the series. 

Read Also | Most ICC Trophies by any men's team

1-5 August 2018 | England won by 31 runs

This was the closest India came to winning a test match at Edgbaston Stadium. 

After that humiliating defeat 7 years ago, Virat Kohli's men were desperate to turn things around for India. With two young captains (Joe Root and Virat Kohli) at their helm, world cricket saw one of the most contested test matches in Birmingham. 

Root scored 80 while Jonny Bairstow scored 70 for England as they scored 287 in the first inning. Ravichandran Ashwin picked up 4 while Mohammed Shami picked up 3 wickets for India. 

In reply, Kohli scored a staggering 149, but other batters failed to contribute much as the men in blue were bundled out for 274. Sam Curran picked up 4 wickets for the home side.

Indian bowlers replied with aggression as they were able to bowl England out for 180 in the second inning. But if it was not for Sam Curran's 63 from 65 balls, they could have been all out below 100. 

Ishant Sharma picked up 51/5. 

But, after Kohli's dismissal on 51 from 93 balls, the Indian batting order could not handle the pressure and eventually lost the match by 31 runs. 

England won the series 4-1. 

Read Also | Joe Root vs Sachin Tendulkar – Test Stats Compared: Can Root break Sachin's record

1-5 July 2022 | England won by 7 wickets

England's domination in Birmingham continued as they remained unbeaten in all 8 test matches against India there. 

India were missing Rohit Sharma, who had tested positive for Covid-19, as Jasprit Bumrah created history as the first pacer to captain India in Tests since the legendary Kapil Dev in 1987.

India scored 416 in the first inning after Rishabh Pant (146) and Ravindra Jadeja (104) scored tons for them. 

But Jonny Bairstow's 106 kept England in the game, despite getting them bowled out for 284. Mohammed Siraj took 66/4 for India. 

Cheteshwar Pujara, who opened in the match, scored 66 while Pant scored 57 to take India to 245 in the second inning. 

But, England managed to chase 378, their highest successful chase in Test cricket, as Joe Root (142*) and Bairstow (114*) played an incredible innings for the hosts. 

However, despite the defeat, India managed to draw the series 2-2. 

India's journey in Olympic Games began in 1900, but for many decades, success was limited. The nation's presence on the medal tally was defined by mostly one or two medals per edition, with the success of the Men's Hockey teams being the main reason for it.

However, the 21st century marked a turning point, as it saw India's rise at the Olympics. Their success at the Games picked up pace in several new ways.

Check out the full article to see how India's journey transformed:

1996-2008: Individual medals emerge

After years of triumph in Men's Hockey, 1996 Atlanta Olympics saw a change for India, as Leander Paes won a Bronze medal in Tennis. This victory brought in the first individual medal for India in Olympics after 44 years (previously: K.D. Jadhav won in 1952 in Wrestling).

Following this breakthrough, other individual athletes began to make their mark. In the 2000 Sydney Olympics, Karnam Malleswari made history with her Bronze medal win in Weightlifting, and became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal.

Moving to the next edition, the 2004 Athens Olympics saw another individual triumph, with a Silver medal this time. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore brought home India's first-ever medal in Shooting, laying the groundwork for India's extended talent pool beyond hockey.

In 2008, the momentum continued with Abhinav Bindra's Gold (Shooting), Vijender Singh's Bronze (Boxing), and Sushil Kumar's Bronze medal (Wrestling) in the same edition.

Read Also: Most medals by an Indian in a single Olympics

2012: Six Medals and India's Olympic Rise

The 2012 London Olympics was a truly historic moment for India. For the first time ever, India secured six individual medals in a single Olympic edition, that too in five different sports. This was not just a jump in numbers, but a clear rise for India in the Olympic Games.

Here, take a closer look at the medalists:

Gagan Narang: Bronze Medal in Shooting

Gagan Narang won India's first medal at London 2012, taking bronze in the men's 10m Air Rifle event with a final score of 701.1. He opened the medal books for India in this historic edition.

Sushil Kumar: Silver medal in Wrestling

Sushil Kumar became the first Indian to win two individual Olympic medals (previously in 2008), securing silver in the men's 66kg freestyle wrestling after a hard-fought tournament.

Saina Nehwal: Bronze medal in Badminton

Saina Nehwal earned India's first-ever Olympic medal in Badminton, securing a bronze in Women's singles. With this victory, she also became the second woman, after Malleswari, to win a medal at the grandest stage.

Yogeshwar Dutt: Bronze medal in Wrestling

Yogeshwar Dutt overcame injuries and fought through brilliantly in the men's 60kg freestyle wrestling to secure a bronze medal.

Mary Kom: Bronze medal in Boxing

In the debut of women's boxing at the Olympics, Mary Kom won a bronze in the flyweight (51kg) category, making her the first Indian woman boxer to achieve this milestone.

Vijay Kumar: Silver medal in Shooting

Vijay Kumar clinched silver in the men's 25m Rapid Fire Pistol, finishing behind Cuba's Leuris Pupo.

Read Also: Olympic Athletes to Watch in LA 2028 from India

2016-2024: Sustaining the momentum in India's modern Olympic era

India has consistently built upon its Olympic success since 2012, with athletes dominating in different categories of sports. The period from 2016 to 2024 has seen new talents emerge and solidify India's rise on the global stage.