Dating back to the Vedic era Indian sports has a deep engaging history. Religious rites, which were then a powerful fuel, further, contoured the sports culture in India. The well specified values of the Atharva Veda which says," Duty is in my right hand and the fruits of victory in my left" formed the fundamental base of the sentiment of Indian sports while carrying Indian sport to the next level of mellowness. As an ideal, these words still echoes the same views as the traditional Olympic oath: ".......For the Honour of my Country and the Glory of Sport."

Dhevada or the body way in India is steadily defined as "one of the ways to full realization." Quite ideally therefore back in the Vedic era or in the age of Ramayana and Mahabharata man with good height and weight were expected to be efficient in sports like chariot-racing, archery, horsemanship, military tactics, wrestling, weight-lifting, swimming and hunting.

Since the age-old days of ancient times the guru shishya parampara has played a major role in heightening the glory of Indian sports. Historical evidence unveils the fact that it is when Budhism was swaying; Indian athletics acquired a remarkable dimension. Research shows that many interesting games, like archery, equitation, hammer throwing and chariot-racing were then in vogue. The writings of Someshwar in Manas Olhas (1135 A.D.) illustrate the fascinating truth that during that period bhrashram (weight-lifting), bhramanshram (walking) and also Mall-Stambha (wrestling) were pretty much in demand as popular sports form.

It is therefore certainly not an overstatement to say that many of the Athletics disciplines of the recent era are the neat versions of the games of speed and strength, once prospered in ancient India. Chess, wrestling, polo, archery and hockey are some of the games that are believed to have an Indian origin.