Pakistan, like many countries, has sports that have either historical or cultural significance and sports that have been imported. The people of the country adopt these sports and make them part of their national identity. The Pakistan Sports Board, established in 1962 by the Ministry of Education, promotes and develops standards for competitive sports to align them with international regulations. This board also controls sports on a national level. Sports played in Pakistan include professional and social activities.

Cricket

Cricket is the most popular sport in the country with a large fan base and an organization, the Pakistan Cricket Board. The board controls both women’s and men’s cricket. Some of their players are have attained international success in the world or cricket. They’ve won numerous international events, including the 1992 Cricket World Cup and the 2009 ICC World Twenty20. The country has teams that play against one another.

Field Hockey

Field hockey is Pakistan’s national sport. The Pakistan Hockey Federation overseas men’s, women’s and junior’s hockey nationally and internationally. Pakistan has won national recognition in field hockey, including three Olympic gold medals and four Hockey World Cups. They are the top the list as the team whose won the Asian gold medals and is one of the top teams in the world.

Squash

The Pakistan Squash Federation oversea the sport in the country and has a large fan base in the country. The Khans-Jahangir and Jansher-have become a squash legends in Pakistan. Seventeen Pakistani players have won Squash World opens and the British open 12 times. Many of the players are recognizable to squash fans.

Polo

Polo, the game of kings, is another national sport in Pakistan. The sport has roots in Central Asia and the people of the country play it professionally and recreationally. The Pakistan Polo Association organizes the sport, and the country has more than 20 polo clubs in different regions. Every summer, the Shandur Polo Festival takes place, drawing polo fans from around the world. Pakistan has polo tournaments throughout the year.

Football (Soccer)

Pakistanis of all ages enjoy playing football. The Pakistan Football Federation oversees men’s and women’s football in the country. The country has football leagues for men and women. In addition to professional leagues in the country, people play the game among friend in public parks and recreational facilities.

Golf

The Pakistan Golf Federation regulates golf in the country. Golf lovers have about 20 courses where they can play. Karachi Golf Club, established in 1888 by British golfer, is one of the oldest golf clubs in the country. Visitors play 18 holes of golf at this historic club or watch the Pakistan Open.

These are just a few of the sports played in Pakistan. Many of these sports have a long history in the country and have organizations that regulate them on a professional level. Residents and tourists enjoy playing these sports in different regions of the country. As with many countries, many sports have been adopted as the national sport of Pakistan.