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Both ritualized and popular sports are played in Kerala with jest and exuberance. Some of the popular sports of Kerala are cricket, badminton, soccer and kabaddi. Cricket and football are very popular in the state. There are numerous large stadiums in Kerala such as Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi and Chandrashekaran Nair Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.
Strangely, football is the most popular sport of Kerala. V.P. Sathyan and I.M. Vijayan are regarded among the remarkable football stars from Kerala. It was highly unfortunate that in 2006, V.P. Sathyan committed suicide. Numerous Kerala's athletes have gained world-class status. Some of the world-famous athletes from Kerala are Suresh Babu, Shiny Wilson, Anju Bobby George, K. M. Beenamola and P.T. Usha. Anju George is the only Indian to win a medal at the World Athletics Championships. P. T. Usha is one of the greatest athletes ever produced by India.
Volleyball is another famous sport played on the sandy beaches along the seashores of Kerala. Jimmy George born at Peravoor was the most successful volleyball player from Kerala. He was included in the world's ten best players. Other best volleyball players from Kerala are Cyril Valloor, Joby Joseph and Tom Joseph.
Cricket is the most popular game in India. But, it is less popular in Kerala, as compared to other parts of India. Yes cricket is among the popular sports of Kerala, but it has not reduced itself to a madness, as in other parts of the country. Shanthakumaran Sreesanth popularly known as 'Sreesanth' was born in Kothamangalam. He is a right-arm, medium-pace bowler and a right-handed batsman, though his batting is nothing to write home about. Tinu Yohannan is another cricket player from the state, who is included in the Indian Cricket Team.
Kerala is blessed with plenty of rivers, lakes and lagoons. It is surrounded by the sea on its west. These geographical features make the state a perfect destination for enjoying various water sports. The water sports in Kerala are enjoyed by the tourists for thrill and adventure. While in Kerala, the tourists can enjoy different water sports such as catamaran sailing, parasailing, canoeing, wind surfing, kayaking and snorkeling. Various beach resorts and sports clubs in Kerala offer the opportunities for canoeing, parasailing and kayaking.
If you are fond of adventure and thrill, Kerala is a perfect destination for you. Kerala has several mighty mountains and dense forests. There is an impressive array of choice in adventure activities in Kerala such as canoeing, mountaineering, camping, hiking, trekking, mountain biking, rafting and wildlife safaris.
Boat races
Kerala is world-famous for the boat races. Kuttanad and upper Kuttanad areas are popular for the boat races. The annual boat races are the source of celebration, entertainment and merry-making for the fishermen and agriculturists. The boat races are held during the harvest festivity of Onam, which happens to be the most popular festival of Kerala. These races are the opportunities for the people of the Kara locality of Kuttanadu to prove their physique, muscle power, and of course, team spirit. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race, Aranmula Boat Race and Champakulam Moolam Boat Race are the major boat races of Kerala.
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