query: What is the most popular sport in Japan?

title: Sport in Japan

text: of Chess, known as shogi. A board game called go is also widely popular in the country. Baseball is historically the most popular sport in Japan. It was introduced to Japan in 1872, by Horace Wilson, who taught at the Kaisei School in Tokyo. The first baseball team was called the Shimbashi Athletic Club and was established in 1878. Baseball has been a popular sport ever since. It is called 野球 (やきゅう; yakyū) in Japanese, combining the characters for fielding and ball. Hiroshi Hiraoka, who was in the United States studying engineering, introduced the game to his co-workers at Japan’s

title: Sport in Japan

text: sports in the country at grassroots level. Currently the Japan Cricket Association is popularising the game with the help of the popularity of baseball, which has significant similarities to cricket. It is an associate member of the International Cricket Council. Ice hockey is a minor sport but growing in popularity. Currently, 4 Japanese teams compete in the Asia League Ice Hockey. Rugby union is a moderately popular sport in Japan. The Japanese national rugby union team, controlled by the Japan Rugby Football Union, has been to every Rugby World Cup since 1987. The country will host the Rugby World Cup

title: Sport in Japan

text: sport in the world. Sport in Japan Sports in Japan are a significant part of Japanese culture. Both traditional sports such as sumo and martial arts, and Western imports like baseball and association football, are popular with both participants and spectators. Sumo wrestling is considered Japan's national sport. Baseball was introduced to the country by visiting Americans in the 19th century. The Nippon Professional Baseball league is Japan's largest professional sports competition in terms of television ratings and spectators. Martial arts such as judo, karate and modern kendō are also widely practiced and enjoyed by spectators in the country. Association

title: Sport in Japan

text: national railways in 1878. He and his co-workers created the first baseball team, the Shimbashi Athletic Club, and dominated other teams which popped up in Japan. However, it wasn't until 1896 when a team from Ichikō, the elite University of Tokyo preparatory school, defeated a team from the Yokohama Country & Athletic Club 29 to 4 that the sport took a dominant hold in Japanese popular culture. The match was the first recorded international baseball game in Asia. After that victory, several other universities in Japan adopted the sport, and it quickly spread throughout Japan. Since then, teams from Japan

title: Sport in Japan

text: Sport in Japan Sports in Japan are a significant part of Japanese culture. Both traditional sports such as sumo and martial arts, and Western imports like baseball and association football, are popular with both participants and spectators. Sumo wrestling is considered Japan's national sport. Baseball was introduced to the country by visiting Americans in the 19th century. The Nippon Professional Baseball league is Japan's largest professional sports competition in terms of television ratings and spectators. Martial arts such as judo, karate and modern kendō are also widely practiced and enjoyed by spectators in the country. Association football has gained wide

title: Sport in Japan

text: is also one of the four main forms of amateur competitive wrestling practiced internationally today. Keirin racing has also become an Olympic Games event since the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney. Motorsport has become quite popular in Japan especially during the latter third of the 20th century. Japanese car manufacturers use the many a relatively new form of motorsport that is distinctly Japanese and is now being exported abroad. The most popular professional sports in Japan are baseball, Association football, golf, tennis and sumo wrestling. Note that most practitioners in the martial arts are not professional, but played by amateurs.

title: Sport in Japan

text: of the most popular sports in Japan. The Japan Football Association (JFA), is the governing body of Japanese football. The JFA organizes the men's, women's, and futsal national teams. Football was introduced to Japan during the Meiji period by O-yatoi gaikokujin, foreign advisors hired by the Japanese government, along with many other foreign sports, like baseball. The first Japanese football club is considered to be Tokyo Shūkyū-dan, founded in 1917, which is now competing in the Tokyo Prefectural amateur league. In the 1920s, football associations were organized and regional tournaments began in universities and high schools, especially in Tokyo. In

title: Football in Japan

text: Football in Japan Association football is the second most popular sport in Japan, after Baseball. Its nationwide organization, Japan Football Association, administers the professional football league, J. League, which is the most successful association football league in Asia. Although the official English name of the Japan Football Association uses the term "football", the term "sakkā" (サッカー), derived from "soccer", is much more commonly used than "futtobōru" (フットボール). The JFA's Japanese name is "Nippon Sakkā Kyōkai". Before World War II the term in general use was "shūkyū" (蹴球, "kick-ball"), a Sino-Japanese term. With previously exclusive Japanese terms replaced by American influence

title: Sport in the Dominican Republic

text: Sport in the Dominican Republic Sports are a central part of the culture of the Dominican Republic, and have been practiced in the whole territory since the native inhabitants were living in the island. Sports play a key role in the culture and makeup of Dominican Republic society. Baseball is the most popular sport on the island and Major League Baseball has been recruiting players from the Dominican Republic since the 1960s. Association football is the second sport of the country. Baseball is the most popular sport in the Dominican Republic today. After the United States, the Dominican Republic has

title: Sport in Mexico

text: in the United States. The two most popular lucha libre promotions are Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), and Lucha Libre AAA World Wide (AAA). Notable wrestling stars include El Santo, Blue Demon, and Mil Máscaras. Sport in Mexico The most popular sport in Mexico is association football, followed by boxing. However, there are regional variations: for example, baseball is the most popular sport in the northwest and the southeast of the country. Basketball, American football and bull riding (called "") are also popular. Mexico City hosted the 1968 Summer Olympics, the first time that the event was held in

title: Baseball in Japan

text: Baseball is commonly called (; yakyū) in Japanese, combining the characters for "field" and "ball". According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) which described and printed: "Baseball is so popular in Japan that many new Japanese fans are surprised to hear and learn that Americans also consider it their 'national sport'" Baseball was first introduced to Japan as a school sport in 1872 by American Horace Wilson, an English professor at the Kaisei Academy in Tokyo. The first organized adult baseball team, called the Shimbashi Athletic Club, was established in 1878. At a match played in Yokohama in 1896,

title: Sport in Japan

text: There were also some minor sports like table tennis and fencing. They are not national sports, but are also mildly popular. Baseball and professional wrestling were staples of early television, and boxing and sumo were aired periodically. Initially, running live sport games was viewed with skepticism as it was believed that fans would rather stay at home if they could watch for free. But, as it actually increased interest and sold more merchandise, airing of sports on television became popular. Judo has been recognized as an official event in the Olympic Games since the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. It

title: Sport in Mexico

text: Sport in Mexico The most popular sport in Mexico is association football, followed by boxing. However, there are regional variations: for example, baseball is the most popular sport in the northwest and the southeast of the country. Basketball, American football and bull riding (called "") are also popular. Mexico City hosted the 1968 Summer Olympics, the first time that the event was held in Latin America. Since then, the only edition of the Olympic Games held in the region was in 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Mexico first participated at the Olympic Games in 1900 and has sent athletes

title: Sport in Ecuador

text: Sport in Ecuador Sports in Ecuador influence the culture and its people. Football is the most popular sport, followed by baseball, volleyball, basketball, and tennis. Since 2005, Ecuador has been greatly involved in sports, and hosted the Guayaquil Marathon in Ecuador's largest city. Football is the most popular sport in Ecuador. Its best known professional teams include Barcelona and Emelec from Guayaquil, LDU Quito, Deportivo Quito, and El Nacional from Quito, Olmedo from Riobamba, and Deportivo Cuenca from Cuenca. The national team's matches are the most watched sporting events in the country. In June 2007, FIFA adopted a resolution, prohibiting

title: Sport in Ecuador

text: 2005 World Rafting Championships were held on the Quijos River in Napo Province. Ecuador also hosted the 2007 Youth World Championship for rock climbing, held in Ibarra, becoming the first country outside of Europe or Asia to host the event. Sport in Ecuador Sports in Ecuador influence the culture and its people. Football is the most popular sport, followed by baseball, volleyball, basketball, and tennis. Since 2005, Ecuador has been greatly involved in sports, and hosted the Guayaquil Marathon in Ecuador's largest city. Football is the most popular sport in Ecuador. Its best known professional teams include Barcelona and Emelec

title: Sport in Japan

text: first ISU World Team Trophy in Tokyo, an event set to take place every two years. Figure skating is also a commercial success in Japan, and made-for-television competitions and ice shows like the Japan Open are broadcast across the nation. Along with countries such as the United States, Canada, and Russia, Japan is widely considered to be a leading country in the sport. Many sports were imported and became popular. It is hard to find a sport that is not played in Japan. Some new sports were invented by changing elements of imported sports. Japanese board games include a form

title: Sport in Japan

text: national team has enjoyed major success at the World Cup, winning the 2011 edition in Germany and finishing as runner-up in the 2015 edition in Canada. The national team's colors are blue and white, Japan's main colors in most international sporting competitions. Especially since the emergence of Yuta Tabuse and Takuya Kawamura, basketball has received a recent revival and become a popular sport in Japan. The Japan national basketball team won the FIBA Asia Championship twice and has qualified for the event 25 out of 26 times. Japan was host to the 2006 FIBA World Championship which was played in

title: Sport in Japan

text: popularity since the founding of the Japan Professional Football League in 1992. Other popular sports include figure skating, rugby union, golf and racing, especially auto racing. Sumo shows an important side of traditional Japanese sport, a religious occasion as well as a sporting event. Many sumo rituals are closely associated with Shinto belief. It is believed that some ancient sumo matches were purely religious events with predetermined outcomes as an offering to kami, with some matches regarded as divination - e.g. if a well-liked fisherman competed and won, a good catch was predicted for the year. The Kamakura period was

title: The Bird Is the Most Popular Finger

text: The Bird Is the Most Popular Finger The Bird Is the Most Popular Finger is the third release by Shellac. The title is a parodic reference to the album "The Pigeon Is the Most Popular Bird" by Six Finger Satellite, and was originally the title of an article on Shellac that appeared in the magazine Alternative Press after the release of the band's earlier singles. It is a two song 7" released in 1994 on Drag City. It was Shellac's first non-Touch and Go release. The first song "The Admiral" is an instrumental version of a song that appeared on

title: The Bird Is the Most Popular Finger

text: Shellac's "At Action Park" album later that year. "XVI" is an alternate version of the song "Pull the Cup", also on "At Action Park". Both songs were recorded in Todd Trainer's loft apartment, as documented by a photographic print included with the single. The liner notes detail every musical instrument and every piece of recording equipment used on the single. The Bird Is the Most Popular Finger The Bird Is the Most Popular Finger is the third release by Shellac. The title is a parodic reference to the album "The Pigeon Is the Most Popular Bird" by Six Finger Satellite,

title: Sport in Japan

text: the host cities of Hamamatsu, Hiroshima, Saitama, Sapporo and Sendai and on 09 December 2017, Japan was announced as co-host the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup with Philippines and Indonesia some matches will be in host city of Okinawa City. The prime basketball league in the country is the B.League. In 2010 the Japan Basketball Association recognized Takehiko Inoue, the creator of Slam Dunk, for the series' role in popularizing the sport in Japan as part of its 80th anniversary celebrations. The Japanese national handball teams are controlled by the Japan Handball Association. Cricket is one of the fastest growing

title: Sport in Oceania

text: Sport in Oceania The most popular sport in Oceania varies from country to country. The most popular sport in Australia is cricket, the most popular sport among Australian women is netball, while Australian rules football is the most popular sport in terms of spectatorship and television ratings. Rugby is the most popular sport among New Zealanders. In Papua New Guinea, the most popular sport is the Rugby league. Australia has hosted two Summer Olympics: Melbourne 1956 and Sydney 2000. Also, Australia has hosted five editions of the Commonwealth Games (Sydney 1938, Perth 1962, Brisbane 1982, Melbourne 2006), and (Gold Coast

title: Sport in Japan

text: competed in six AFC Asian Cups, with the team being the Champions in 1992, 2000, 2004 and 2011 AFC Asian Cups. The team's highest ranking was 9th in the world in February 1998. Japan has competed in many other footballing events including the Confederations Cup, the East Asian Football Championship, and the Copa América. The J.League is the most popular football league in Japan and has grown rapdidly in just a few decades-with teams such as FC Tokyo and Kashima Antlers regularly competing in continental competition and the league drawing the talents of Andrés Iniesta and Fernando Torres. The women's

title: Sport in Japan

text: and Tanaka Ginnosuke. Japan's first international match took place on 31 January 1932, when a trade delegation from Canada brought the Canada national rugby union team, who were also playing their first game. The Japanese won 9-8. Sumo wrestling is the national sport in Japan. Sumo wrestling is believed to have originated in Japan, with its governing body being the Japan Sumo Association. Japanese professional wrestling, known as "puroresu", initially developed from the American style, but has evolved into its own unique form. While it is similar to its American counterpart in that the outcomes of matches are predetermined, its

title: Sport in the Cook Islands

text: similar to the sport of Samoan cricket or kirikiti). Most villages have teams and they compete in a league, following the end of the soccer season. It is popular among the older generation. Women's netball is a very popular sport in the Cook Islands, and the country has one of the world's top 10 teams, which competed in the 2007 Netball World Cup. Sport in the Cook Islands Rugby league is the most popular sport in the Cook Islands, with soccer and rugby union as the next most popular/played sports. In September 2009, the country hosted the 2009 Pacific Mini

title: Sport in Oceania

text: Patty Mills. New Zealand has also helped to create some NBA players as well, such as Kirk Penney, Steven Adams, and Sean Marks. Australian rules football is the national sport in Nauru and is the most popular football code in Australia in terms of attendance. It has a large following in Papua New Guinea, where it is the second most popular sport after Rugby League. Sport in Oceania The most popular sport in Oceania varies from country to country. The most popular sport in Australia is cricket, the most popular sport among Australian women is netball, while Australian rules football

title: The Most Beautiful Villages in Japan

text: The Most Beautiful Villages in Japan Established in 2005, the Association of The Most Beautiful Villages in Japan (titled as, the most beautiful villages in Japan) is an important player in the enhancement and conservation of Japanese rural heritage. In line with the other members such as France, Italy, Belgium, of the federation of the Most Beautiful Villages on Earth, Japan has common interests: authenticity, quality and presentation of the heritage as a source of sustainable development and life. Activities of the association include managing the rights of the use of the title name "the most beautiful villages in Japan"

title: Sport in Australia

text: of the Newtown Jets football team in the early 1980s and his determination to stand for what rugby league traditionally stood for while dealing with his own identity crisis. Other Australian sport films include "Australian Rules" and "Footy Legends". Sport is popular on the radio. "This Sporting Life" was a culturally iconic Triple J radio comedy program created by actor-writer comedians John Doyle and Greig Pickhaver, who performed as their characters Roy and HG. Broadcast from 1986 to 2008, it was one of the longest-running, most popular and most successful radio comedy programs of the post-television era in Australia. It

title: Sport in the Cook Islands

text: Sport in the Cook Islands Rugby league is the most popular sport in the Cook Islands, with soccer and rugby union as the next most popular/played sports. In September 2009, the country hosted the 2009 Pacific Mini Games. Rugby league is the most popular sport in the Cook Islands. The Cook Islands were introduced to rugby league in 1988, when the Cook Islands national rugby league team played their first match against the New Zealand Maori team. In the mid-1990s, rugby league in the Cook Islands received significant funding through the SuperLeague organisation; however, money from this source is no

title: Sport in the United Kingdom

text: in 2016 has raised the profile of the sport, the women's side and a number of the team's star players, notably captain Kate Richardson-Walsh and goalkeeper Maddie Hinch. Shinty (or "camanachd") is an amateur sport indigenous to the Scottish Highlands. Although it is mostly restricted to this area it is highly popular within the Highlands, sometimes attracting crowds numbering thousands in what is the most sparsely populated region of the United Kingdom. It is administered by the Camanachd Association. Its main trophies are the Camanachd Cup and the Premier Division. There are clubs in Edinburgh, Glasgow and London however and

title: What Is Life

text: a descending guitar riff, it is one of Harrison's most popular compositions and was a regular inclusion in his live performances. "Rolling Stone" magazine has variously described it as a "classic" and an "exultant song of surrender". "What Is Life" has appeared in the soundtrack for feature films such as "Goodfellas" (1990), "Patch Adams" (1998), "Big Daddy" (1999), "Away We Go" (2009), "This Is 40" (2012) and "Instant Family" (2018). Harrison's original recording was included on the compilations "The Best of George Harrison" and "", and live versions appear on his album "Live in Japan" (1992) and in Martin Scorsese's

title: Sport in India

text: Sport in India India is home to a diverse population playing many different kinds of sports across the country. Cricket is the most popular sport in India. Field hockey is the most successful sport for India at Olympics in which India has won eight Olympic gold medals. Kabaddi is the most popular indigenous sport in the country. Other popular sports in India are badminton, football, basketball, chess, shooting, wrestling, boxing, tennis, squash, weightlifting, gymnastics, athletics and table tennis. Some indigenous sports are also popular in India such as Kho-kho, Kabaddi, Fighter kite, Polo and Gillidanda among others. There are some

title: Sport in Jamaica

text: since their inception in 1963.. Rugby union in Jamaica is a minor but growing sport, with 2,090 registered players. The sport is governed by the Jamaica Rugby Union. The Jamaica national rugby union team is ranked 84th in the world by the IRB rankings. Sport in Jamaica Sport in Jamaica is a significant part of Jamaican culture. The most popular sports are mostly imported from Britain. The most popular sport are athletics and association football; other popular sports include cricket, basketball and netball (usually for women). Out of all the top five sports, basketball is the island's fastest growing sport.

title: Sport in Australia

text: 16%. Participation rates for adults in Australia were much lower than that of Australian children. For adult women in Australia, the number one sport activity they participate in is walking with 30% having done this in 2009 and 2010. The second most popular form of exercise and sport was Aerobics/fitness/gym with a rate of 16.7%. The third most popular for adult women was swimming and diving with 8.4%. For men, the most popular sport activity was also walking with a participation rate of 15.6%. This was followed by Aerobics/fitness/gym with 11.2%. The third most popular sport for adult males was

title: Sport in Paraguay

text: Sport in Paraguay Sport in Paraguay is an important part of Paraguayan national culture. Football is the most popular sport, while basketball is also very popular. Other sports such as volleyball, futsal, swimming and tennis are popular as well. Other Paraguayan sports and pastimes are rugby union, chess, motorsport, golf and rowing. Football, also known as Futbol, is by far the most popular sport in Paraguay to the point that it is part of the nation's culture. Football was first introduced in Paraguay by Dutchman William Paats, who moved from the Netherlands to Asunción in 1888. In 1900, small tournaments

title: The Most Beautiful Villages in Japan

text: and its branding, providing common research and study platform to the member towns and villages for development and cooperation, conducting rural crafts show and food fairs for tourism development, annual photo contests and advocating social awareness about the supreme importance of the rural cultural and natural heritage for its conservation for the future generations. Ine town of Kyoto Prefecture, Umaji village of Kōchi Prefecture join the association. The Most Beautiful Villages in Japan Established in 2005, the Association of The Most Beautiful Villages in Japan (titled as, the most beautiful villages in Japan) is an important player in the enhancement

title: Sport in Japan

text: a starting point for many martial arts. Kyūdō became popular as "kyujutsu", literally "bow skill", as a pastime for samurai. Yabusame also started as a sport in this period, but is now considered a sacred ceremony. Hunting." In the Edo period, sports became a popular way to spend time. The only problem was that they were often accompanied by gambling. A notice to punish playing and betting on sumo without authorization was repeatedly posted to little effect. Kyūdō was encouraged by "shōguns" and "daimyōs" as a pastime, and contests as well as record making attempts were held. On April 26,

title: Sport in the Netherlands

text: Sport in the Netherlands Approximately 4.5 million of the 16 million people in the Netherlands are registered to one of the 35,000 sports clubs in the country. About two thirds of the population older than 15 years participates in sports weekly. Football, or soccer, is the most popular sport in the Netherlands, with field hockey and volleyball as the second and third most popular team sports. Ice-skating, tennis, gymnastics and golf are the four most widely played individual sports. A number of native Dutch sports are also practiced, such as fierljeppen (Polsstokverspringen), beugelen, kaatsen, klootschieten, kolven and korfball. Organization of

title: Rugby union in Japan

text: Rugby union in Japan Rugby union in Japan is a moderately popular sport. Japan has the fourth largest population of rugby union players in the world and the sport has been played there for over a century. There are 125,000 Japanese rugby players, 3,631 official rugby clubs, and the Japan national team is ranked 11th in the world. Before the arrival of rugby, Japan was home to a game known as "kemari" (), which in some ways was a parallel development to association football, and to a lesser extent rugby football. It is said that "kemari" was introduced to Japan

title: Sport in Turkey

text: Sport in Turkey Among all sports in Turkey, the most popular one is football. Turkey's top teams include Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray and Beşiktaş. In 2000, Galatasaray won the UEFA Cup and UEFA Super Cup. Two years later, the Turkish national team finished third in the 2002 FIFA World Cup Finals in Japan and South Korea, while in 2008, the national team reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Euro 2008 competition. The Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul hosted the 2005 UEFA Champions League Final, while the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium in Istanbul hosted the 2009 UEFA Cup Final. Other popular mainstream sports include

title: Logie Award for Most Popular Sports Program

text: Logie Award for Most Popular Sports Program The Logie for Most Popular Sports Program was an award presented annually at the Australian TV Week Logie Awards. It recognises the popularity of an ongoing Australian sports program, where the general theme of the show is sport, with the emphasis on commentary and highlights. The award was first presented at the 29th Annual TV Week Logie Awards, held in 1987 when it was originally called Most Popular Sports Coverage. It was renamed as Most Popular Sports Program in 1993, then eliminated as a category in 1999 but reintroduced in 2000. For the

title: Sport in Jamaica

text: Sport in Jamaica Sport in Jamaica is a significant part of Jamaican culture. The most popular sports are mostly imported from Britain. The most popular sport are athletics and association football; other popular sports include cricket, basketball and netball (usually for women). Out of all the top five sports, basketball is the island's fastest growing sport. Other sports such as rugby league and rugby union are also considered growing sports. Jamaica is one of the leading countries in sprinting with the current world record holder for 100m and 200m, Usain Bolt and the former 100m world record holder, Asafa Powell,

title: Sport in Chennai

text: Sport in Chennai Cricket is the most popular sport in Chennai. The M. A. Chidambaram Stadium is one of the oldest cricket stadiums in India and has been the venue for many notable milestones in the history of Indian cricket. Tennis, field hockey, football and formula racing and squash are the other popular sports. The city hosts an ATP tennis event, the Chennai Open. Chennai has a rich legacy in chess and has produced many well-known chess players, the most notable of them being Viswanathan Anand, the former multiple World Chess Champion. Cricket is the most popular sport in Chennai.

title: Sport in Tunisia

text: Sport in Tunisia Football is the most popular sport in Tunisia. The most watched sports in Tunisia are football, handball, basketball, volleyball, tennis, and rugby union. Sport is encouraged in school, and local sports clubs receive financial support from the local governments. The national stadium is the Stade Olympique de Radès. Football is the most popular sport in Tunisia. The Tunisia national football team, also known as ""The Eagles of Carthage"", won the 2004 African Cup of Nations (CAN) which was held in Tunisia. They also represented Africa in the 2005 Confederations Cup which was held in Germany, but they

text: scope="row" rowspan="5" style="text-align:center"| 2015 ! scope="row" rowspan="5" style="text-align:center"| 2016 ! scope="row" rowspan="5" style="text-align:center"| 2017 Logie Award for Most Popular Sports Program The Logie for Most Popular Sports Program was an award presented annually at the Australian TV Week Logie Awards. It recognises the popularity of an ongoing Australian sports program, where the general theme of the show is sport, with the emphasis on commentary and highlights. The award was first presented at the 29th Annual TV Week Logie Awards, held in 1987 when it was originally called Most Popular Sports Coverage. It was renamed as Most Popular Sports Program in

title: Sport in Zimbabwe

text: Sport in Zimbabwe Sport in Zimbabwe has a long tradition and has produced many world recognized sports names and personalities. Football is the most popular sport, although rugby union, cricket and netball also have a following, traditionally among the white minority. Field hockey is also played widely. Although Zimbabwe has produced many athletes that have competed for Zimbabwe, there are also a large number of athletes who learned their sport in Zimbabwe, but have chosen to represent other countries. Cricket is the most popular sport in Zimbabwe after football. Its national team is one of 12 elite Full Members that

title: Sport in France

text: Sport in France Sport in France plays an important role in French society, which is reflected in its popularity among the French people and the nation's strong sporting history. Various types of sports are played and followed in France, the most popular of which is association football. Association football is the most popular sport in France, with 1,973,270 licensed players in the leagues. The sport was imported from England at the end of the 19th century, under the name of association football. In its early days, the sport gained followers mainly in the Paris area and the Northern part of

title: Sport in Lima

text: Sport in Lima Sport in Lima is well supported by venues and clubs. The city of Lima has varied sports venues for association football, volleyball and basketball, many of which are located within private clubs. A popular sport among Limeans is "fronton", a racquet sport similar to squash invented in Lima. The city is home to seven international-class golf courses. Equestrian is popular in Lima for which there are private clubs as well as horse racing which is centered on the Hipódromo de Monterrico. The most popular sport in Lima by far is association football with many club teams being

title: Sport in Finland

text: Sport in Finland Sport is considered a national pastime in Finland and many Finns visit different sporting events regularly. Pesäpallo is the national sport of Finland, although the most popular forms of sport in terms of television viewers and media coverage are ice hockey and Formula One. In spectator attendance, harness racing comes right after ice hockey in popularity. The most popular recreational sports and activities include floorball, nordic walking, running and skiing. The sport of athletics has historically been an important part of both Finnish sports history and national identity. Hannes Kolehmainen has been said to "run Finland onto

title: Sport in Papua New Guinea

text: Sport in Papua New Guinea Sport in Papua New Guinea is an important part of the national culture. Rugby league is the most popular sport in Papua New Guinea. Other popular sports include most football codes (like Australian rules football, soccer and rugby union) cricket, volleyball, softball, netball, and basketball. Other Olympic sports are also gaining popularity, such as boxing and weightlifting. Rugby league is the most popular sport in Papua New Guinea. Rugby league also holds the title as the "national sport". About 50% of the population under-20 play rugby league. Since 2010, the sport has been a mandatory

title: Sport in Queensland

text: major award is the Sport Star of the Year: Sport in Queensland Sport is an important part of the culture of the Australian state of Queensland. Golf is the most played organised sport and touch football the most played team sport. Netball is the most popular female sport, while rugby league is the most watched sport. The largest sporting event held in Queensland annually of the Gold Coast 600 motor race. Australian Football has a long history in Queensland. The first foray made by the then VFL came in the form of the Brisbane Bears, who began playing Premiership matches

title: Sport in Tunisia

text: In tennis, Tunisia holds a tournament called Tunis Open. Cycling is a popular recreational sport, with the Tour de Tunisia, being the main annual competition of Cycling in Tunisia. Pétanque is mostly played in the north of Tunisia. Tunisia has won the world championship many times. Sport in Tunisia Football is the most popular sport in Tunisia. The most watched sports in Tunisia are football, handball, basketball, volleyball, tennis, and rugby union. Sport is encouraged in school, and local sports clubs receive financial support from the local governments. The national stadium is the Stade Olympique de Radès. Football is the

title: Sport in England

text: more prominent. There are four sports in England which operate high-profile professional leagues. Association football is by far the most popular sport and is played from August to May. Rugby union is also a winter sport. Cricket is played in the Summer, from April to September. Rugby league is traditionally a winter sport, but since the late 1990s the elite competition has been played in the summer to appeal to the family market, and take advantage of the faster pitches. Big Four' The most popular sport in the UK, association football was first codified in 1863 in London. It is

title: Football in Japan

text: Japanese women's association football is organized on a promotion and relegation basis. The top flight of women's association football is the semi-professional L. League (currently billed as the "Nadeshiko League"). Most clubs are independent clubs, although the recent trend is to have women's sections of established J. League clubs. The national team has enjoyed major success at the FIFA Women's World Cup, having achieved its greatest triumph ever by winning the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup in Germany and finishing as runner-up in 2015 in Canada. "See also ." Football in Japan Association football is the second most popular sport

title: Sport in Tasmania

text: Sport in Tasmania Sport in Tasmania is participation in and attendance at organised sports events in the state of Tasmania in Australia. Sport is an important part of Tasmanian culture; though, while spectator sports have grown in recent decades, overall participation in sports has declined and is currently lower than the national average. The most popular spectator sports are Cricket (summer) and Australian rules football (winter). Both sports have very long histories in the state and important roles in the culture and are widely covered by the media. In participation Tasmania's most popular sport for men is Association football (known

title: Sport in Brazil

text: Sport in Brazil Sports in Brazil are those that are widely practiced and popular in the country, as well as others which originated there or have some cultural significance. Brazilians are heavily involved in sports. Association football is the most popular sport in Brazil. Other than football, sports like volleyball, mixed martial arts, basketball, and motor sports, especially Formula One, enjoy high levels of popularity. Football is the most popular sport in Brazil. The Brazil national football team, governed by the Confederação Brasileira de Futebol, has won the FIFA World Cup a record 5 times, in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994,

title: Sport in Croatia

text: Sport in Croatia Sport in Croatia has significant role in Croatian culture, and many local sports clubs as well as the Croatian national squads enjoy strong followings in the country. The most enduring sport by far in Croatia is football, and is played on amateur and professional levels amongst all age groups across the entire country. Several other major team sports are handball, basketball and water polo, with clubs in all parts of Croatia. Ice hockey is another popular team sport, namely in the Croatian interior. The most popular individual sports in Croatia are tennis, alpine skiing, and swimming, and

title: Sport in Slovakia

text: Sport in Slovakia Sport in Slovakia is influenced by its climate and geography; popular summer sports include football, tennis, volleyball, swimming, cycling and hiking, popular winter sports include skiing and snowboarding. The most watched sports in Slovakia are football, ice hockey and tennis. Internationally, the most successful sport in Slovakia is ice hockey where currently, as of 2017, the country is ranked as the tenth best team in the world by the IIHF World Ranking. Until revolution in 1989, the sport sector was highly centralized, oriented on a unified, nationwide programme of sports. In 1990 the Act No.173/1990 was adopted

title: Sport in Latvia

text: for the Latvian national football team is Māris Verpakovskis. A sports marketing study conducted by international company Mediacom has concluded that football is Latvia’s most popular sport – a title it has now held for three consecutive years. The annual study takes into consideration 65 sports activities in Latvia, calculating their popularity by taking into account the amount of active and passive participants in each sport at both a social and competitive level, as well as tracking the amount of coverage each sport receives in the media and attendance at events. Ice hockey is the most popular sport in Latvia.

title: Sport in Victoria

text: in 2001. The city has hosted FIFA World Cup qualifiers in both 1997 2001 and 2009 Sport in Victoria The state of Victoria, Australia, has a strong sporting culture and includes many popular sports. The most popular sports played in the state are basketball, Australian rules football, cricket, shooting, soccer, and netball. Horse Racing joins that list as the most popular spectator sports. In terms of both attendance and media coverage, Australian rules football is the most popular sport in the state. The participation rate of 4% is the third highest in the country with 223,999 players counted in 2004.

title: Sport in Victoria

text: Sport in Victoria The state of Victoria, Australia, has a strong sporting culture and includes many popular sports. The most popular sports played in the state are basketball, Australian rules football, cricket, shooting, soccer, and netball. Horse Racing joins that list as the most popular spectator sports. In terms of both attendance and media coverage, Australian rules football is the most popular sport in the state. The participation rate of 4% is the third highest in the country with 223,999 players counted in 2004. Australian rules football originated in Melbourne in 1858. Ten of the eighteen Australian Football League clubs

title: Sport in Queensland

text: Sport in Queensland Sport is an important part of the culture of the Australian state of Queensland. Golf is the most played organised sport and touch football the most played team sport. Netball is the most popular female sport, while rugby league is the most watched sport. The largest sporting event held in Queensland annually of the Gold Coast 600 motor race. Australian Football has a long history in Queensland. The first foray made by the then VFL came in the form of the Brisbane Bears, who began playing Premiership matches in 1987. Despite some rocky times in the northern

title: Sport in Manawatu

text: Golf Club. One of New Zealand's most successful clubs, Manawatu Showgrounds is based in the city and has several national representatives in the sport. Sport in Manawatu Participating in sports is a popular pastime in the Manawatu region of New Zealand, with many local clubs and venues catering for sports such as those listed below and other sports including athletics, archery, badminton, croquet, lawn bowls, squash, tennis and other minority sports. Secondary school and age-group sport is popular and actively encouraged. Like the rest of New Zealand, rugby union is a popular sport in the winter. The men's representative team

title: Sport in Europe

text: Sport in Europe Sport in Europe tends to be highly organized with many sports having professional leagues. The origins of many of the world's most popular sports today lie in the codification of many traditional games, especially in Great Britain. However, a paradoxical feature of European sport is the remarkable extent to which local, regional and national variations continue to exist, and even in some instances to predominate. Association football is the most popular sport in almost all countries of Europe. European national teams have won 12 of 21 editions of the FIFA World Cup. UEFA, the governing body for

title: Sport in Asturias

text: Sport in Asturias Sport in Asturias has always been dominated by football. Other popular sport activities include basketball, cycling, handball, volleyball, roller hockey and rugby union. Asturias has also hosted a number of international events such as group stage games during the 1982 FIFA World Cup, series of the Davis Cup World Group, international roller hockey competitions, several cycling states of La Vuelta and several matches of the Spanish national football team. Asturias is also famous for several traditional sports, being the bowling the most important one. Association football is the most popular sport in Asturias. Sporting Gijón and Oviedo

title: The Most Popular Girls in School

text: The Most Popular Girls in School The Most Popular Girls in School (abbreviated MPGIS) is an American stop-motion animated comedy web series that debuted on YouTube on May 1, 2012. Created by Mark Cope and Carlo Moss, the series animates Barbie, Ken and other fashion dolls, usually with customized costumes and hairstyles, as various characters. "MPGIS" follows the exploits of a fictional high school cheerleading team in Overland Park, Kansas and their friends, family and enemies. "Variety" described the series as ""Mean Girls" meets "South Park"". The first episode has been viewed over nine million times, and many episodes have

title: Sport in Italy

text: Sport in Italy Sport in Italy has a long tradition. In several sports, both individual and team, Italy has good representation and many successes. Football is the most popular sport in Italy. Italy won the 2006 FIFA World Cup, and is (along with Germany) currently the second most successful football team in World Cup history, after Brazil, having won four FIFA World Cup championships. Basketball, volleyball, and cycling are the next most popular/played sports, with Italy having a rich tradition in all three. Italy also has strong traditions in swimming, water polo, rugby union, tennis, athletics, fencing and Formula One.

title: Sport in Russia

text: Sport in Russia The most popular sport in Russia is football. According to Yandex search analysis results rating of the most popular sports among Russians: "Football topped the list of the most popular sports in Russia" with 5 to 10 million requests. Ice hockey came in second with handball, basketball, boxing, auto racing, volleyball, athletics, tennis and chess rounding out the top ten rankings. Other popular sports include bandy, biathlon, figure skating, weightlifting, gymnastics, wrestling, martial arts, rugby union, and skiing. The Soviet Union (USSR) competed in the Olympic Games for the first time at the 1952 Summer Olympics. Soviet

title: Sport in Chile

text: years old, is the current teen world champion. Football is the most popular sport in Chile, which in 1962 hosted the FIFA World Cup and won third place. Chile achieved a bronze medal in the 2000 Olympic Games; third in the 2007 FIFA World Youth Championship; and third place in the 1993 Under 17 Championship in Japan. The Chile national football team won the Copa América title in 2015 and the title in the Copa America Centenario in the US in 2016 , and has played in five finals, and is the country in fourth place in the number of

title: Sport in Japan

text: competition became Super 14 in 2006 when it added two teams, and adopted its current name of Super Rugby when it expanded to 15 teams in 2011. The 2016 season saw the addition of three new teams, including the first-ever entry from Argentina. The Sunwolves play home matches mostly at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium in Tokyo, with select "home" matches also played in Singapore. The first recorded instance of rugby being played in Japan was in 1874, when British sailors staged a game in Yokohama. The sport was introduced to students at Keio university in 1899, by Professor Edward Bramwell Clarke

title: Sport in Chile

text: Sport in Chile Sports in Chile are performed at both amateur and professional levels, practiced both at home and abroad to develop and improve, or simply represent the country. Football is the most popular sport in Chile, and is played for a range of reasons. However, the country's most successful sport is tennis. In rural areas, Chilean rodeo is the most practiced sport in Chile, which is the national sport. Chile has achieved great international success in other sports, and there have been important figures, however, such exploits are not known to the general population because they are not sports

title: Sport in Honduras

text: Sport in Honduras The most popular sport in Honduras is Association soccer. The governing body of football in Honduras is the Federación Nacional Autónoma de Fútbol de Honduras. Honduras has taken part in the Summer Olympics eight times, and the Winter Olympics in 1992. Soccer is the most popular sport between the Hondurans, the country arrived as in many others at the beginning of the 20th century, until was properly organized and Honduras national football team was created in the early 1960s. Honduras have played in three world cups, Spain 82, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014. Chess has been played

title: Sport

text: recreation. The singular term "sport" is used in most English dialects to describe the overall concept (e.g. "children taking part in sport"), with "sports" used to describe multiple activities (e.g. "football and rugby are the most popular sports in England"). American English uses "sports" for both terms. The precise definition of what separates a sport from other leisure activities varies between sources. The closest to an international agreement on a definition is provided by SportAccord, which is the association for all the largest international sports federations (including association football, athletics, cycling, tennis, equestrian sports, and more), and is therefore the

title: Sport in South Africa

text: Sport in South Africa South Africans have a passionate following, although they remain divided along ethnic lines. Football, cricket and rugby are the most popular sports. Rugby union has traditionally been the most popular sport in South Africa amongst white South Africans. The national rugby team is nicknamed "The Springboks". South Africa hosted the 1995 Rugby World Cup, the first one hosted in Africa. Cricket is traditionally the popular sport among the white British diaspora and Indian South African communities, although it is now followed by members of all races. The national cricket team is nicknamed "The Proteas". Football has

title: 1996 in Japan

text: 1996 in Japan Events in the year 1996 in Japan. In the 1990s in Japan, we begin to see an influx of growth in the fashion community. The infamous Harajuku style, as well as the birth of a popular style known as Gyaru. Both fashion styles as well as the many sub groups of fashion in Japan, were built due to the idea that most youth in Japan were tired of being conformed into one look. We begin to see Japan break away from the idea of being a country built on tradition and monotony, and branch into what it

title: Sport in Jamaica

text: the European Super League and Championship). In November 2018 for the first time ever, the Jamaican rugby league team qualified for the Rugby League World Cup after defeating the USA (16-10) & Canada (38-8). Jamaica will play in the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in England. The island's fastest growing sport has produced several world-class athletes, most notably Basketball Hall of Fame player Patrick Ewing. Netball is a popular sport among Jamaican women, and is the country's most popular women's sport. The Jamaica national netball team, known as the "Sunshine Girls", have participated in the Netball World Championships every year

title: Sport in Slovenia

text: Sport in Slovenia Sport in Slovenia consists of a wide range of team and individual sports. The most popular team sports are association football, basketball, ice hockey and handball, while the most popular individual sports are skiing, ski jumping, athletics, cycling and tennis. Slovenia has competed at fourteen Olympic Games since its inaugural appearance at the 1992 Summer Olympics and is also known for its extreme sport athletes, such as ultramarathon swimmer Martin Strel and extreme skier Davo Karničar. The highest level of association football is the Slovenian PrvaLiga, which consists of ten teams. The Slovenia national football team has

title: Sport in Slovenia

text: (40 Gold, 39 Silver and 57 Bronze). Sport in Slovenia Sport in Slovenia consists of a wide range of team and individual sports. The most popular team sports are association football, basketball, ice hockey and handball, while the most popular individual sports are skiing, ski jumping, athletics, cycling and tennis. Slovenia has competed at fourteen Olympic Games since its inaugural appearance at the 1992 Summer Olympics and is also known for its extreme sport athletes, such as ultramarathon swimmer Martin Strel and extreme skier Davo Karničar. The highest level of association football is the Slovenian PrvaLiga, which consists of ten

title: Sport in Slovakia

text: disciplines. She also won a silver medal in the mass start race at the 2009 World Championships and a bronze in the sprint at the 2011 Worlds. Martina Halinárová won a silver medal in the pursuit at the 1999 World Championships. The table shows the most recent rankings of Slovak national teams in the most popular sports. Sport in Slovakia Sport in Slovakia is influenced by its climate and geography; popular summer sports include football, tennis, volleyball, swimming, cycling and hiking, popular winter sports include skiing and snowboarding. The most watched sports in Slovakia are football, ice hockey and tennis.

title: Sport in Russia

text: of race meetings. Subsequently, they announced plans to contest a full season in 2013. The team ran two cars in 2013, with a best result of a fifth place for Thompson in the Race of Russia, and expanded to a three car squad for 2014. Former World Touring Car Champion Robert Huff gave Lada their first WTCC win at the 2014 Beijing round. Sport in Russia The most popular sport in Russia is football. According to Yandex search analysis results rating of the most popular sports among Russians: "Football topped the list of the most popular sports in Russia" with

title: Sport in Papua New Guinea

text: the South Pacific to qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup. Basketball is a popular sport in Papua New Guinea, especially among the youth. Many of the country's top professional players play in Australia. Sport in Papua New Guinea Sport in Papua New Guinea is an important part of the national culture. Rugby league is the most popular sport in Papua New Guinea. Other popular sports include most football codes (like Australian rules football, soccer and rugby union) cricket, volleyball, softball, netball, and basketball. Other Olympic sports are also gaining popularity, such as boxing and weightlifting. Rugby league is the

title: Sport in the United Arab Emirates

text: and radio. The most common program in American football is the Super Bowl, an event that is broadcast nearly worldwide. Most hangouts and bars with HDTVs show footage of the Super Bowl throughout the country. The game usually premieres at 3:00 A.M. GST on a Monday, having an 8-hour forward difference from the Eastern Time Zone. Sport in the United Arab Emirates Sport in the United Arab Emirates is widely practiced by the people of the UAE. Football is the most popular sport in the UAE. Among the notable UAE sports achievements is the 2002–03 AFC Champions League won by

title: Sport in Bangladesh

text: Sport in Bangladesh Sport in Bangladesh is a popular form of entertainment as well as an essential part of Bangladeshi culture. Cricket is the most popular sport in Bangladesh. Kabaddi is the national sport of Bangladesh. Bangladesh is one of the top 10 cricketing nation of the world and have regularly qualified for World cup since 1999, the Country achieved arguably their greatest heights in Cricket when they defeated three of top-rated teams in 2015 Cricket World Cup to qualify for the quarterfinals. In 2015, they white-washed Pakistan and clinched the series by 3-0 and in another major achievement they

title: Sport in Bangladesh

text: some gold medals at the South Asian games. Sport in Bangladesh Sport in Bangladesh is a popular form of entertainment as well as an essential part of Bangladeshi culture. Cricket is the most popular sport in Bangladesh. Kabaddi is the national sport of Bangladesh. Bangladesh is one of the top 10 cricketing nation of the world and have regularly qualified for World cup since 1999, the Country achieved arguably their greatest heights in Cricket when they defeated three of top-rated teams in 2015 Cricket World Cup to qualify for the quarterfinals. In 2015, they white-washed Pakistan and clinched the series

title: Sport in Iraq

text: Sport in Iraq Sports in Iraq There are a wide variety of sports played and followed in Iraq. Football is the most popular sport and hobbies in Iraq. Football is a considerable uniting factor, following years of war and unrest. Basketball, swimming, weightlifting, bodybuilding, taekwondo, boxing, kickboxing, and tennis are also popular sports and hobbies. Sport was only recently popular in Iraq and this was the case due to the Baath regime, which assumed power in 1968. It was primarily focused on establishing its authority by forcing society to adopt its ideology and sports did not reflect this radical orientation.

title: Sport in Saudi Arabia

text: Sport in Saudi Arabia Sport in Saudi Arabia is an important part of Saudi Arabian culture and the country participates in many international sporting competitions. Football is a particularly popular sport and Saudi Arabia has won the Asian Cup on three occasions, while other sports such as cricket and basketball are also widely followed. Restrictions on women's sport in Saudi Arabia have been eased slightly in the 2010s but female participation in sport remains controversial. Football is the most popular sport in Saudi Arabia. In recent years, the sport has grown in popularity, and some Saudi players currently play in

title: Sport in Indonesia

text: Sport in Indonesia Sports in Indonesia are popular from both the participation and spectating aspect. Some popular sports in Indonesia are badminton, football, and the native Indonesian martial art Pencak Silat. Badminton is arguably Indonesia's most successful sport. Indonesia has won gold medals in badminton in every Olympic Games since the sport was first introduced to the Olympics in 1992 except in 2012 Summer Olympics. Indonesia is regularly a participating in Thomas Cup, Uber Cup, and Sudirman Cup Badminton championships. Indonesia is regularly participating in regional multi-events sport, such as Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games, and Olympic Games. In Southeast

title: Sport in Indonesia

text: the first Indonesians getting the title of the Seven Summiteers. Sport in Indonesia Sports in Indonesia are popular from both the participation and spectating aspect. Some popular sports in Indonesia are badminton, football, and the native Indonesian martial art Pencak Silat. Badminton is arguably Indonesia's most successful sport. Indonesia has won gold medals in badminton in every Olympic Games since the sport was first introduced to the Olympics in 1992 except in 2012 Summer Olympics. Indonesia is regularly a participating in Thomas Cup, Uber Cup, and Sudirman Cup Badminton championships. Indonesia is regularly participating in regional multi-events sport, such as

title: Sport in Poland

text: Sport in Poland Poland's sports include almost all sporting disciplines, in particular: volleyball, football (the most popular sport) and motorcycle speedway, ski jumping, track & field, basketball, boxing, fencing, rugby union, field hockey, handball, ice hockey, swimming and weightlifting. The first Polish Formula One driver, Robert Kubica, has brought awareness of Formula One Racing to Poland. Volleyball is one of country's most popular sports with a rich history of international competition. Poland has made a distinctive mark in motorcycle speedway racing thanks to Tomasz Gollob, Jaroslaw Hampel and Rune Holta. Speedway is very popular in Poland with them winning the

title: Sport in Sri Lanka

text: Sport in Sri Lanka Sport in Sri Lanka is a significant part of Sri Lankan culture. Although the Sports Ministry named volleyball the national sport, it is cricket that is the most popular sport in Sri Lanka. Rugby union is also popular. Other popular sports are water sports, badminton, athletics, football, basketball and tennis. Sri Lanka's schools and colleges regularly organize sports and athletics teams, competing on provincial and national levels. The Sri Lanka national cricket team achieved considerable success beginning in the 1990s, rising from the underdog status to winning the 1996 Cricket World Cup. The Sri Lankan national

title: Horse racing in Japan

text: Horse racing in Japan Horse racing in Japan is a popular equestrian sport with more than 21,000 horse races held each year. There are three types of racing that take place in Japan - flat racing, jump racing, and Ban'ei Racing (also called Draft Racing). In Japan, horse racing is organized by the Japan Racing Association (JRA) and the National Association of Racing (NAR). The JRA is responsible for horseracing events at ten major racecourses in metropolitan areas, while the NAR is responsible for various local horseracing events throughout Japan. This system of administration of horse racing is unique to

title: Sport in Ireland

text: Sport in Ireland Sport in Ireland plays an important role in Irish society. The many sports played and followed in Ireland include association football, Gaelic games (including Gaelic football, hurling and camogie), horse racing, show jumping, greyhound racing, basketball, fishing, handball, motor sport, boxing, tennis, hockey, golf, rowing, cricket, and rugby union. Football is the most popular team pursuit for males at 8.8% with gaelic football attracting 3.4%. Personal exercise (at 13.4%) and running (8.9%) are the most popular individual male activities. Traditionally, team sports do not figure highly amongst females, with a greater percentage of post-school-age women choosing individual

title: Sport in Portugal

text: Sport in Portugal Sports in Portugal are important in Portuguese culture. Football is the most popular sport in Portugal. Other than football, many other professional or semi-professional well organized sport competitions take place every season in Portugal, including basketball, swimming, athletics, tennis, gymnastics, futsal, rink hockey, team handball, volleyball, surfing, canoeing and rugby union championships among the hundreds of sports played in this country. The major Portuguese professional sports leagues, championships and events include: Other popular sport-related recreational outdoor activities with thousands of enthusiasts nationwide include airsoft, golf, hiking, orienteering, and Bull fighting. American football is played in a national

title: Sport in Mexico

text: century and consists of a series of Mexico-developed equestrian events. The most notable event is the charreada; a style of rodeo developed in Mexico in the interest of maintaining the traditions of the charro. A charro is a term referring to a traditional horseman or a cowboy of Mexico, originating in the state of Jalisco. The Federación Mexicana de Charrería (Mexican Federation of Charreria) organizes charrería events. The most popular sport is football. The Spanish colonization of Mexico introduced bullfighting into the country. The sport has been one of the most popular in the country for the last 400 years.

title: Sport in Japan

text: There are opportunities to play various sports for all ages, and school plays an important role in community. Kindergarten and lower elementary school students can play in a private sport club that can be joined for a moderate fee. Most martial arts can be started as little as 5 to 6 years old. When a student starts 5th grade, school offers free after-school activities for its students to participate. Middle and high schools also encourage their students to join school sport clubs. Prefectural and national-wide level contests and tournaments are held every winter and summer for all sports. Some of

title: Sport in Croatia

text: to some extent table tennis and chess. Various amateur sport games are popular in Croatia, notably picigin. Franjo Bučar (1866–1946) is widely considered to be the father of modern Croatian sport. He founded the Croatian Sports Federation in 1909 within what was then the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Bučar introduced a multitude of mainstream sports in Croatia, such as football, alpine skiing, ice skating and ice hockey, as well as gymnastics and fencing. The Franjo Bučar State Award for Sport, the Republic of Croatia's highest award in the development of sport, is named in his honor. With the exception of the years

title: Sport in Latvia

text: Sport in Latvia Sports in Latvia include association football, ice hockey, basketball, athletics, rugby, tennis, cycling, and others. Association hockey is historically the most popular of the Latvian sports and is closely followed by basketball. Some of Latvia’s most notable athletes include hockey player Sandis Ozoliņš, football player Māris Verpakovskis, olympic javelin thrower Jānis Lūsis, two-time Olympic BMX champion Maris Strombergs, and basketball player Kristaps Porziņģis. Association football was the most popular sport in Latvia during the first period of independence (1918–1940). The Latvian national team participated in the final stage of the 2004 European Football Championship. The leading scorer

title: Sport in Latvia

text: Latvia. Gallery of famous Latvian sportspeople Sport in Latvia Sports in Latvia include association football, ice hockey, basketball, athletics, rugby, tennis, cycling, and others. Association hockey is historically the most popular of the Latvian sports and is closely followed by basketball. Some of Latvia’s most notable athletes include hockey player Sandis Ozoliņš, football player Māris Verpakovskis, olympic javelin thrower Jānis Lūsis, two-time Olympic BMX champion Maris Strombergs, and basketball player Kristaps Porziņģis. Association football was the most popular sport in Latvia during the first period of independence (1918–1940). The Latvian national team participated in the final stage of the 2004

title: Horse racing in Japan

text: race, Dubai World Cup in 2011, under Demuro. February March April May June September October November December Horse racing in Japan Horse racing in Japan is a popular equestrian sport with more than 21,000 horse races held each year. There are three types of racing that take place in Japan - flat racing, jump racing, and Ban'ei Racing (also called Draft Racing). In Japan, horse racing is organized by the Japan Racing Association (JRA) and the National Association of Racing (NAR). The JRA is responsible for horseracing events at ten major racecourses in metropolitan areas, while the NAR is responsible

title: Sport in the United Kingdom

text: United Kingdom operate high-profile professional leagues. Football is the most popular sport and is played from August to May. Rugby league is traditionally a winter sport, but since the late 1990s the elite competition has been played in the summer to minimise competition for attention with football. Rugby union is also a winter sport. Cricket is played in the Summer, from April to September. There is also a professional Ice Hockey league operating in Great Britain called the Elite Ice Hockey League. The modern global game of football evolved out of traditional football games played in England in the 19th