Sports is not just a physical activity, it is meant to be enjoyed, a way to make good use of the time, interact with others, be competitive and learning that winning is not everything.

When we think of sports in India, we associate it with cricket, hockey, football, tennis, badminton etc., the fact is that there are many sports that began in India that have not been recognised because they are not well known and are played by a minority in the country.

Here are some of the unique sports that have originated and played in India:

A) Elephant polo is an ancient game, that was the preferred sports activity of the rulers of Rajasthan and was a prestigious sport with great importance given to winning the game.

 Unfortunately, not only have people lost interest for the game, animals rights activists are concerned about the welfare and safety of the animals and are trying to get the government to ban the sport.

B) When it comes to unique sports in India, kite flying is a competitive game where the winner is one who can reach for the skies, it is a game mostly played by children where the kite strings are made of a material that allows the players to get rid off their opponents by cutting through the kite strings.

The amazing thing about the sport is that it is easy to lose track of time because it is fun and exciting to watch as the kite fliers try everything possible to outdo each other.

C) Martial arts is well known and was made popular by numerous martial arts movies with superstars like Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan etc., what most of us don't know is kalarippayattu, which comes from Kerala, it gives new meaning to combat techniques of martial arts, the flexibility and unique mix of hands and feet as weapons has to be seen to be believed.

In fact, it is a spectator sport that is much more fun to watch because the competitors come up with innovative ways to prove themselves, which is what makes it all the more incredible when you are part of a live audience.

D) When we think of rugby, we do not associate it with India, the reality is there is a game called Yubi Lakpi that is played in Northeastern states of India particularly Manipur.

It is a game with an unusual twist as it is played using a coconut which brings out its own brand of aggressiveness and participation that cannot be compared to any other game.

E) One of the most unique competition in India is Maut Ka Kuan also known as the Wall of Death, it cannot be called a game, it is more of a circus act done during exhibitions where stunt people perform dangerous acts using cars and bikes.

Nowadays, these types of stunts would be done in reality tv shows, you might have seen them in India's Got Talent, these stunts are extremely risky and there have been instances of people losing their lives.

Finally, we need to recognise the hard work and efforts of the athletes who strive to give India its place among the best in the world of sports.