Sports that we love to watch

People worldwide love TV and everything it broadcasts – local shows and big international productions – but among all of this entertainment, there is a unifying force connecting people worldwide: sports. Everyone seems to love sports and tend to become avid fans, even of the exploits of international teams apart from those in our own countries.

And there is a common trait about that, too, relating to the star athletes practicing them.

Sports professionals take on the characteristics of real national stars, with a vast public of followers. Moreover, with the spread of social media and smartphones, the possibilities of watching matches of one’s favorite sport have multiplied. This has been a real treat for spectators – and sponsors of sports teams – who have seen their audience increase exponentially.

So, let’s examine some of the sports practiced around the world – even the most peculiar and practiced in some smaller countries. 

1 – Cricket

One of the most popular sports in the United Kingdom, spread through the Old Empire, is undoubtedly cricket. In particular, cricket was exported to India and is so ingrained in Indian culture that it is often said that there are two main religions in India, cricket and Bollywood. Cricket also moves enormous monetary interests: it is a game that generates incredible profits, with the Indian Premier League’s most celebrated players being treated like gods by their fans. 

2 – Kabaddi

Another Indian specialty is Kabaddi. This sport – which is also considered the national sport of Bangladesh and is played in all the areas – is growing steadily, thanks to its speed, simplicity, and involvement. It is a game of strength and speed that mixes the characteristics of rugby and wrestling, with two teams facing each other in turns, where players earn a point by touching an opposing player and managing to get back into their own camp without being stopped. And if you are interested in its history, you can read more about India’s top 5 Kabaddi players of all time 

3 – Football (or soccer)

Football is the “most beautiful sport” in the world, or at the very least, its fans call it that. For sure, it is one of the most loved globally, as it is practiced in every continent of the world. Some of the national championships, like the English Premier League, gather global supporters worldwide – and the social media figures of some of the teams already show that international appeal. The Champions League is one of the most-viewed sports events globally, especially the finals. Moreover, it is a game that you can play everywhere, so lots of people play it, especially recreationally in the futsal variant.

4 – Badminton

Badminton is the national sport of Malaysia, but it is also played in several other countries in Asia. Several local teams at the highest level in the specialty create massive competitions that attract thousands of people to support their local players or group, especially at the Olympics or the Asian Games. Like football, badminton is among the most popular sports, also because there are plenty of facilities, so many love to play badminton instead of going to the gym. 

5 – Table tennis

Table tennis is not as popular a sport as others, especially in the media. However, it is rightly considered the national sport of China – and there, it enjoys a global diffusion, primarily because many practice it recreationally at home and in the gym. The Chinese are known to be the most accomplished players of this sport. Still, there is a surprise: “Pīngpāng qiú” wasn’t invented in China, and it actually is a British invention, which diffused itself in the “Celestial Empire” around 1901, and Comrade Mao declared it a national sport around 1950.  

6 – Field Hockey

This sport also has very old origins, dating back to British domination of the lands of southern Asia. As such, it has become the national sport of Pakistan, and the passion for field hockey is also shared with its neighbor and historical opponent, India. Pakistan has a very competitive team, with an overall number of wins favoring Pakistan, but India holds the record of medals for field hockey at the Olympics, with eight golds. Indeed, matches between the two national teams are always of the highest quality and very heated.

7 – Pro wrestling

Pro wrestling is another spectacular sport. However, it is very famous worldwide as, in the USA, it has conquered the limelight due to the breathtaking feats of its athletes. More than a sport is a discipline that mixes old-style wrestling (the one that was practiced in Ancient Greece and has evolved into a competitive sport) and lots of staged and choreographed effects. Even so, Pro Wrestling is a pleasure to watch, as it is exciting and fun – and catches vast audiences.

8 – Golf

It is a very old game, dating back to the 1500s, but it is unclear exactly where golf originated. Some say it comes from the Paganica game of the Romans, but there is no doubt that it is in Scotland that it found its home, which considers it the national sport. As a sport, golf is played all over the world, and its courses are laid out in all kinds of terrain, from the most traditional to the most bizarre. Its vocation for harmony with nature leads it to be an activity that lends itself well to relaxation. However, with professionals, such as the formidable Tiger Woods, it becomes compelling and competitive.

9 – Basketball

Basketball, made famous by the exploits of the “monsters” of the NBA, the American professional league, was born in the United States in 1891 by a Canadian, a professor of physical education. Since then, it has made enormous strides, becoming one of the most popular sports on the planet, and loved by legions of fans. Around basketball revolve substantial economic interests and sponsorships, which make its protagonists real icons of sport and life. Who doesn’t know a champion like Michael Jordan?