What is the National Game of Sri Lanka?

The national game of Sri Lanka is not a single, officially declared sport, but rather a fascinating duality that captures the soul of the island nation. While Volleyball holds the formal title of the national sport, the undisputed king of the nation's heart is Cricket.

The National Game in Sri Lanka: Volleyball

In 1991, the Sri Lankan government designated Volleyball as Sri Lanka's official national game. This team sport, played between two sides of six players each competing across a net, has been formally recognized as the nation's sporting emblem.

This decision was strategic, aimed at promoting a sport that is accessible, inexpensive to play, and widely popular at the grassroots and community level across the island. Its popularity is evident in the enthusiastic participation from rural areas to urban centers.

To the tourist, it is a normal and enjoyable sight to see an impromptu game of beach volleyball on the sands of Negombo or Unawatuna, and it provides an insight into the communal and active nature of the locals.

The Cricket Sport that takes the hearts of people

Although volleyball still retains its official status, one cannot visit Sri Lanka without being struck by the fact that cricket is taking the central stage in sporting activities. The sport cuts across social and economic lines, become a unifying force in Sri Lankan society. Cricket is everywhere on the island, starting with improvised matches in the town streets and moving on to full stadiums in Colombo. As a tourist, you will come across cricket all over when you visit.

Other than the Big Two: An Overview of the Other Traditional Sports

Although volleyball and cricket are the main sports in the modern world, traditional sports are present in Sri Lanka as well. Traditional sports in Sri Lanka include Elle (a bat-and-ball game similar to baseball), Kabaddi, and martial arts such as Angampora. Indigenous martial arts forms such as Cheenadi and Angampora are also found on this island, and they have been practiced for centuries.

Famous Sports other than the National Game

Some of the most followed sports in Sri Lanka include cricket, rugby union, football, volleyball, athletics, and tennis. This heterogeneity will ensure that visitors who have different sporting interests will have activities and events to occupy their time during their stay.

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