Roots of the Game: Six sports and their fascinating origins

Many of today’s globally followed sports started as local pastimes, training exercises, or even rituals. Over time, rules were formalised, leagues emerged, and these games became international phenomena.

Badminton: Badminton originated from a game called Poona, played in colonial India. British officers took it to England in the 1870s, where it was formalised and named after Badminton House. It later became a fast paced Olympic sport.

Basketball: Basketball was invented in 1891 by Dr. James Naismith in Massachusetts, USA. Created as an indoor winter activity for students, the game used peach baskets and a football. Its simple rules helped it spread rapidly worldwide.

Cricket: Cricket originated in 16th century England as a children’s game before becoming popular among adults. By the 18th century, it was England’s national sport, spreading globally through the British Empire, especially to India, Australia and the Caribbean.

Hockey (Field Hockey): Field hockey has ancient roots in civilisations such as Egypt, Greece and Persia, but the modern version took shape in 19th century England. Standardised rules allowed it to become a major international sport, especially popular in India and Europe.

Soccer: Modern football traces its roots to England in the mid-19th century, when schools and clubs began standardising rules. Earlier versions existed in China (Cuju), medieval Europe, and Mesoamerica, but the Football Association, founded in 1863, unified the game into what we recognise today.

Tennis: Modern lawn tennis developed in late 19th century England, evolving from a French court game called jeu de paume. The introduction of rubber balls and grass courts made the sport more accessible, leading to international competitions like Wimbledon.