Not every child is going to love cricket. And that's completely okay.
Some kids would rather race than bat. Some love being in the water. Others enjoy the rhythm of badminton, the teamwork of football, or simply running around without keeping score.
With National Sports Day 2026 coming up, August is a good time to introduce children to a sport they haven't tried before.
You don't have to find their "perfect" sport immediately. Sometimes, they just need the chance to try a few.
Here are five sports worth putting on your child's list this year.
When Is National Sports Day 2026?
National Sports Day 2026 will be celebrated on Saturday, August 29, 2026.
In India, National Sports Day is observed every year on August 29, the birth anniversary of legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand. The day was established to honour his contribution to Indian hockey and to encourage people, particularly young people, to participate in sports and physical activity.
Major Dhyan Chand is remembered as one of India's greatest hockey players and was famously known as the "Hockey Wizard." He helped India win three Olympic gold medals and is celebrated for his exceptional ball control and goal-scoring ability.
Why Is National Sports Day Celebrated?
National Sports Day isn't just about remembering one athlete.
It is also a reminder of the role sports and physical activity can play in children's lives.
The Government of India has used National Sports Day to promote fitness, sports participation and a stronger sporting culture across the country. The day has also been used to encourage participation in both modern sports and traditional Indian games.
And there's another reason it matters for kids:
You don't have to be the best at a sport to enjoy it.
Trying different sports can help children discover what they genuinely enjoy, whether that's competing, working with a team, learning a skill, or simply being active.
1. Swimming
If your child is happiest in the water, swimming is an obvious one to try.
Unlike many team sports, swimming gives children the chance to focus on their own progress. They can gradually learn new strokes, improve technique and become more comfortable in the water.
And there is a whole history of Indian swimmers to discover along the way.
Indian swimming names kids can know
Mihir Sen became the first Indian to swim across the English Channel in 1956 and went on to complete several major open-water swims.
Khajan Singh won a silver medal in the 200m butterfly at the 1986 Asian Games and became one of India's notable swimmers of his era.
More recently, Sajan Prakash has represented India at multiple Olympic Games and became the first Indian swimmer to qualify for an Olympic A final at a World Aquatics event.
The point isn't to tell your child they'll become the next Olympic swimmer.
It's simply to show them that Indian swimming has its own stories, milestones and role models.
Try swimming if your child: loves water, enjoys individual challenges, or prefers learning at their own pace.
2. Badminton
You don't need a huge field to play badminton.
A racket, a shuttlecock and enough space to move around can be enough to get started, which makes it a particularly accessible sport for many children.
India's badminton history is also packed with names children may already recognise.
Indian badminton legends to know
Prakash Padukone became the first Indian to win the All England Open in 1980.
Saina Nehwal became the first Indian badminton player to win an Olympic medal in singles, taking bronze at the 2012 London Games.
P. V. Sindhu went on to become a two-time Olympic medallist, winning silver at Rio 2016 and bronze at Tokyo 2020. She has also won five World Championship medals in women's singles.
And Indian badminton continues to evolve, with players such as Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty helping establish India as a major force in men's doubles.
Try badminton if your child: enjoys quick games, competition, coordination and learning skills one step at a time.
3. Athletics
Athletics is much bigger than running a race at school.
It includes running, jumping, throwing and a whole range of events, which means children can eventually find the part they enjoy most.
And Indian athletics has produced some seriously iconic names.
Indian athletics legends to know
Milkha Singh, famously known as the "Flying Sikh", became one of India's most celebrated track athletes and finished fourth in the 400m at the 1960 Rome Olympics.
P. T. Usha became one of India's most recognisable athletes after her performances in the 1980s and represented India at four Olympic Games.
And today, Neeraj Chopra has introduced an entirely new generation of Indian children to the javelin throw.
That's one of the fun things about athletics: your child doesn't have to be the fastest runner in their class to find their event.
Try athletics if your child: loves running, jumping, throwing, racing or competing against their own previous best.
4. Football
Football is one of those sports that can turn almost any open space into a game.
All you really need to start is a ball.
For children, the early years can be less about tactics and more about learning to control the ball, pass, move and play as part of a team.
Indian footballers to know
Bhaichung Bhutia is one of India's most recognisable footballers and helped put Indian football on the international map.
Sunil Chhetri became India's most celebrated modern footballer and one of the country's greatest goal scorers.
Introducing children to these names can also show them that Indian football has a history worth following beyond the biggest international leagues.
Try football if your child: loves running around with friends, enjoys team games, or is always kicking anything remotely ball-shaped.
5. Basketball
Basketball can be a great option for children who like fast-paced games and being part of a team.
It combines running, passing, shooting and quick decision-making, so there is always something happening.
India has also had some standout basketball players, particularly in the women's game.
Indian basketball names to know
Geethu Anna Jose is one of India's best-known women's basketball players and has represented India internationally for years.
Satnam Singh Bhamara became the first Indian-born player to be drafted into the NBA in 2015, making history for Indian basketball.
The sport is also increasingly visible through school competitions, academies and grassroots programmes.
Try basketball if your child: enjoys team sports, fast games, shooting challenges and learning through play.
What Makes National Sports Day Special?
There is more to National Sports Day than putting up a "Happy National Sports Day" post.
It is also a day when India's sporting achievements and athletes are recognised through the country's national sports awards. These include honours such as the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award and Dronacharya Award.
National Sports Day has also been used as a platform for larger fitness and sports participation campaigns.
In 2025, for example, the government organised a nationwide three-day sports and fitness movement from August 29 to 31, with activities designed to include children, adults and senior citizens.
So for families, the simplest way to mark the day doesn't have to be complicated.
Play something.
That's the point.
How Do You Know Which Sport Your Child Will Like?
You don't.
And that's okay.
Instead of asking your child to pick one sport immediately, give them opportunities to try different ones.
One weekend could be swimming.
The next could be badminton.
Try football with friends, attend a beginner's athletics session, or find a basketball court nearby.
Pay attention to what they naturally enjoy.
Do they keep asking to go back?
Do they practice without being asked?
Do they talk about the game afterwards?
Those little signs can tell you much more than whether they won.
Let National Sports Day Be Their Starting Point
Your child doesn't need to become a professional athlete.
They don't even need to be particularly competitive.
Maybe they simply discover that they love swimming.
Maybe badminton becomes their weekend thing.
Maybe they spend every evening trying to improve their football skills.
Or maybe they try five sports and decide they like none of them.
That's okay too.
Sports should first be about discovering what your child enjoys.
And National Sports Day 2026 is as good a reason as any to get them out there and try.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is National Sports Day 2026?
National Sports Day 2026 will be celebrated on August 29, 2026, which falls on a Saturday. India observes National Sports Day every year on August 29.
Why is National Sports Day celebrated in India?
National Sports Day is celebrated on the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand to honour his contribution to Indian hockey and promote sports and physical fitness across the country.
Who was Major Dhyan Chand?
Major Dhyan Chand was one of India's most celebrated hockey players. Known as the "Hockey Wizard", he helped India win three Olympic gold medals and is remembered for his exceptional skill and goal-scoring ability.
What sports should kids try?
Swimming, badminton, athletics, football and basketball are five sports children can try depending on their interests. The best sport is ultimately one that the child enjoys and wants to continue playing.
Who are some famous Indian badminton players?
Prakash Padukone, Saina Nehwal and P. V. Sindhu are among India's most celebrated badminton players. More recently, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty have become prominent names in men's doubles.
Who are India's famous athletes?
Milkha Singh, P. T. Usha and Neeraj Chopra are among India's best-known athletics stars, with achievements spanning track and field across different generations.
How can I celebrate National Sports Day with my child?
You can celebrate by trying a new sport, playing a family game, visiting a local sports ground, watching an inspiring sports film, or simply setting aside an hour to be physically active together.