The Top 7 Most Popular Sports in Canada
Sports have a great value all across the world, especially in Canada. Canadians not just love to watch it but largely participate in it too. Many most popular sports in Canada have widespread recognition all over the globe.
The different sporting activities offer many opportunities for Canadians to display their talents. They are also given perfect opportunities to compete with other countries across the world at various international tournaments.
7 Top Most Popular Sports in Canada – Rankings
I have listed a few sports below that are Canada’s pride. Continue reading to find out all about it.
7. Soccer
Soccer is surely one of the most popular sports by participation not only in Canada but all over the world. It is a team sport with 11 players in each. It took years for soccer to get popular in Canada. The first ever soccer match was played in Canada in October 1987 at Two Clubs in Toronto.
Soccer is not as popular in Canada as in Europe but the Canadas Women’s soccer team achieved tremendous success at the international level. Although soccer was played a bit differently in Canada the concept was the same. The Canadian team performed remarkably well throughout the London Olympics in 2012.
6. Lacrosse
Lacrosse is said to be Canada’s oldest and official summer sport. It is a team sport played with lacrosse sticks and lacrosse balls. It. The National Lacrosse Association of Canada governs lacrosse and they established the first governing body of the sport in Canada in 1867.
Canada won the world Lacrosse Championship defeating the US in the final and breaking the record of 28 years of US winning streak. The Canadian Lacrosse teams including both men and women are said to be the world’s best teams.
5. Curling
Curling is considered one of the best winter sports where anyone from beginner to pro is allowed to participate. The game is all about sliding stones on the ice towards a given circled target area. It doesn’t have any gender restrictions as well, both men and women can participate.
Curling is said to be the most broadcasted women’s sport in Canada. Canada is mainly popular due to its national curling Championships and Olympic trials. One of the main sponsors of the national curling championship is Ford Canada since 1995.
4. Rugby
Rugby is another one of the most popular sports in Canada. The Royal Naval is said to have introduced this game in Canada in 1823. Running with a ball in hand is the recognition of this game or you could call it its vital element code.
Rugby has largely impacted the people of Canada and the Canadian Rugby teams are considered the best of all. Although it is not as big as Ice hockey making it to the list of most popular sports is an honour by itself.
3. Ice Hockey
Ice hockey, Canada’s national sport, is a winter team sport and is said to be the fastest team sport on ice. The National Hockey League (NHL) is the most popular and watched mainly among Canadians. This makes it stand on the top of the list of most popular sports in Canada.
If you are a Canadian, it might be an honour to know that some of the best hockey players belong to Canada. Both the USA and Canadian teams actively participate in the NHL. There are 7 NHL teams in Canada currently which include Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, and Winnipeg.
For people who love hockey, it would be a blessing to have hockey-related items. Hockey fans will customize accessories such as custom keychains, pins, etc. based on their favorite teams and athletes. Not only can they be worn while watching the game, but they can also add to the atmosphere and excitement of the game, making it a great way to get involved in the game. They can also be given as gifts to friends who are also hockey fans and are extremely popular among hockey fans.
2. Baseball
Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Canada and stands top on the list and when I say this it means it doesn’t even need any introduction in Canada. Baseball has earned huge respect all over the world, especially in Canada. The Toronto Blue Jays are the only major league Canada has that won a consecutive world baseball series.
Canada has given rise to many outstanding baseball players of all time. The first ever Canadian who made it to the Baseball Hall of Fame was Jenkins. The first Canadian who won the most valuable Baseball Player Award was Larry Walker of the Colorado Rockies.
1. Basketball – The Most Popular Sports in the World
Last but not least I have basketball on the list which has its roots in Canada and a huge fan following too. A Canadian, James Naismith introduced this game in 1891. It is most popular in colleges and high schools in a Canadian province, Nova Scotia.
Basketball in Canada has its governing body called Basketball Canada which was founded in 1928. The NBA of the United States awarded franchises to the two Canadian teams, Toronto Raptors, and Vancouver Grizzlies. This was the first-time basketball made its debut in Canada.
Conclusion
Sports have a great value in Canada and the majority of the famous athletes belong to Canada who has proved themselves many times and made their nation proud. I hope this article helped you learn about the most popular sports in Canada.
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