Whenever anyone asks an Indian that what is your favorite Sport? Undoubtedly, 90% of the people say it Cricket. No matter, how many sports there are in India that few people play. You won’t believe that there are as many as National Sports teams that even know existed. Since few years, sports like hockey and tennis are attracting some people attention. There are a lot of National Sports that are still being neglected.

Here’s a list of such Indian National Sports teams:

1. Water Polo

Yes, there is a National Water Polo team in India that was unpopular since decades. Even there is no much information about the sport on the Internet. According to the reports, it is noted that the team had participated in the Olympics in the years 1948 and 1952. Now the sport is administered by Swimming Federation of India.

2. Handball

Many of us even didn’t hear the name until. Isn’t it? Handball Federation of India is a member of the Asian Handball Federation (AHF) and the International Handball Federation (IHF) since 1974. Though it is a member, the team has never ever participated in an international event.

3. Bowling

The Bowling National team officially represented India at the WTBA World Tenpin Bowling Championships in Bangkok and the Commonwealth Tenpin Bowling Championships in Belfast. Bowling in India is administered by Bangalore-based Tenpin Bowling Federation of India. But we can even count on the fingers people playing this game.

4. Rowing

Though the Rowing National team has participated in various rowing events all over the globe, it is said that poor funding and government neglecting is leading the sport to struggle to gain popularity.

5. Rugby

Indian Rugby team has played few good matches in International events, due to lack of standard training and stadiums to practice, government interference is leading to repeated disappointing performances. There have been matches where the team couldn’t even score a single point in the entire game.

6. Kho-Kho

Many of us had played Kho-Kho in our childhood days. But we don’t know that there exist a National team, right? Shockingly, they actively participate in international meets.

7. Baseball 

Though we don’t have a baseball national team, there is a website of Amateur Baseball Federation of India which has outdated pictures and vague information. Thanks to Rinku Singh and Dinesh Patel, the two Indian baseball players who played for America’s NBL’s Pittsburgh Pirates. At least, people in future will get to know that the game’s existence in India.

8. Shooting Ball

Shooting Ball is the game similar to Volley Ball with some changes in the rules. Mainly, use of loose and open fingers are not allowed. The first World Cup was played in Delhi in 1992 with teams from India, Pakistan, UK and Canada, which our country won.

9. Ice Hockey

The Ice hockey team made news for the first time ever in April 2015, not because it had won a medal, but because it took to social media to ‘beg’ for funds to help them participate in an Asia-level tournament in Kuwait. But the government didn’t help them through funds. It was only after cricketer Gautam Gambhir donated 4 lakhs that the team was finally able to fly to Kuwait.

10. Softball

Are you thinking that this sport was never seen or heard, right? Surprisingly, the Softball Association is affiliated to International Softball Federation (ISF )and Softball Confederation of Asia (SCA) and recognized by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).

11. Cycle Polo

This sport is exactly similar to the regular Polo game. In regular Polo game, players play riding on the horses. But in Cycle Polo, the players are on cycles. This sport hasn’t had any recognition but has been certified by the government and is funded totally by them. In the 8 World Championships, the Indian team has had an excellent record, winning 4 golds and 2 Bronze medals.

12. Basketball

The most well-known of all the sports on this list, our basketball team has often made its presence at international events.