Sports of Tamil Nadu are many and varied. The state had a number of ancient games, some of which have survived till today. In ancient Tamil Nadu, women in houses would play many indoor games in their leisure time. They played very interesting games like Pallankuzhi, Kuzhangal, Paramapadham, Chathurangam, Dayakattam, etc. and these games are also played now in rural areas and villages in Tamil Nadu.

Pallankuzhi is another of the ancient sports of Tamil Nadu. It is considered to be a very traditional board game, which is a favourite among the women. It is an indoor board game meant for two players. It will have seven hollows on two sides and tamarind seeds are used as coins. This game needs a lot of concentration and intelligence. This helps in improving the memory.

Kuzhangal is also another indoor game where seven small pebbles or fourteen pebbles are used for playing. This game is played by throwing one pebble up and collecting the other pebbles before the one thrown comes down. This game has become almost extinct.

Paramapadham has now taken its new form as the snakes and ladders, and it is mostly played by children. A hundred squares and snakes and ladders here and there with numbers make the basic board of this game. Dice is used for turns and many players can play at a time. Ladders take you up and snakes bring you down as the play progresses.

Chathurangam is the ancient form of chess that we play now. With 64 squares on the board and many coins as bishop, chariot, king, etc. the game is played till one opponent checkmates the other to win the game. Dayakattam is a game like the modern ludo where one should cross all the squares by beating the opponent's coins. Instead of a square dice 'Dayakattai' is used as dice.

Among the mainstream sports of Tamil Nadu, of course, cricket is a passion in the state. Cricket is played by youngsters in most of the street corners of the state. However, besides cricket, hockey, basketball, volleyball, throw ball, football, tennis, table tennis and swimming are also played in Tamil Nadu.

Sportspersons from Tamil Nadu have been taking part in national and international tournaments and bringing laurels to our country. The Government of Tamil Nadu also encourages sportspersons to participate in various international tournaments by giving them financial aid. The Government of Tamil Nadu has set up the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu in order to generate enthusiasm among the young people of the state in sports activities.

To know more about Tamil Nadu visit: