Punjab is one of the highest-performing states in sports in India. For this reason, the government has ensured to invest in resources that will further develop and maintain its citizens' enthusiasm for sports.
As a result, athletes not only play in local sports but also earn top positions when playing in international fields. People in Punjab also enjoy indoor sports, especially when the weather is too hot. But, outdoor sports are appreciated even more in rural and urban areas.
Below are some sports Punjabians enjoy playing locally or against national and international teams.
Hockey
The sport is not only limited to the Punjab state in India but is loved nationally. Hence the Indians have made a name for themselves in this sport internationally. This state is known for hosting some international hockey games in fields, such as International Hockey Stadium in Ajitgarh and Surjit Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar.
Some of the best hockey players from Punjab include Sh. Baldev Singh, Sh. Pargat Singh and Sh. Baljit Dhillon to name a few. The love for the pusher and puck sees Punjabians gradually escalating to ice hockey.
Cricket
Punjabi people love, worship, and celebrate cricket in many ways, like any other place in India. India is one of the best online betting cricket teams in bookies. You’ll find it being played in every area of Punjab; hence some of the greatest players in international cricket come from India.
Kings XI Punjab represents the state in the IPL. Some team players make it to the national level and represent India in international matches. Munir Hussain, Manish Sharma and Vijay Mehra are some of those players.
Football
Though not as popular as the two above sports, Punjabians love football and encourage the youth to play. The government has even built two stadiums in this state dedicated to training football players and hosting local and national matches. Also, Punjab Football Association was formed to encourage and further develop this sport. Players get to participate in different tournaments and have organised interstate football clubs.
Kabaddi
Kabaddi originated in Punjab but is also spread out to the rest of the country. It is also an internationally recognised sport, becoming part of the 1936 Berlin Olympics. This combative sport has an association in Punjab precisely to deal with its affairs. Sh Narinder Singh and Sh Balwider Singh are Kabaddi players who have contributed significantly to the sport and thus been awarded the Arjuna.
Closing Words
Though some are more popular than others, Punjab is filled with fantastic sports. Its citizens remain active in ensuring that these sports continue to be played by maintaining and developing their infrastructure. Hockey and cricket are the most prominent sports in Punjab and the rest of India.
Players from Punjab and other parts of India represent the country in international games and have earned a lot of rewards for their excellent performances. Kabaddi will forever be the sport that originated there, and football is also loved and has the potential to grow even more significant in this state.