There are sporting events created by those who live in smaller towns and villages that are related to pastoral activities. The people create their sporting activities as they go along, and of course, there are all the usual sports played in the playing fields such as cricket, football, hockey, basketball, volleyball, tennis, badminton, and of course, at the shooting ranges, skeet and clay-pigeon shooting. In the latter, in fact, Dr Karni Singh of Bikaner, the late maharaja of that state, held the honour of an Olympics medallist for several years. These are organised activities, but in rural areas, competitive events are more usually held during religious or social fairs. These can include camel races, or bullock races. Visitors may ask for demonstrations and then join in such local sporting events as kho-kho and gulli-danda, team events played in virtually all the lanes and streets of Rajasthan.
Polo :
Rajputs have been keen equestrian and they take to the horses like a fish to water. Their taking to polo in big way was only natural. Their association with polo dates back to the Mughal period and miniature paintings at the Mehrangarh Fort bear testimony to this early introduction to the game.
Trekking :
The hilly areas of Rajasthan provide several days of ideal trekking opportunities. The Mewar belt with the Udaipur-Kumbhalgarh-Chittaur combine, or the area around Mount Abu, or the Sariska-Alwar-Amber belt is best for trekking.
Golf :
The aristocracy were enamoured of the gentlemen's game that was so popular in British India. Unfortunately, the weather did not permit them the indulgence of creating golf courses in this arid wilderness, and it was only in Jaipur, as a part of the large scale palace renovations undertaken by Maharaja Man Singh that a course was added to the city.
Kite Flying :
The people of Rajasthan have adopted different sporting events over the years, and these have provided a great deal of variety to their lives. Interestingly, there is an eclectic quality to these sporting events that can range from more sophisticated sports such as golf to the well-known Rajasthani's passion for kite-flying.
Ballooning :
Visitors can travel short distances between towns or historic resorts in these hot air balloons. The best, of course, is to coast over fairs such as Pushkar or Baneshwar or Nagaur in a hot-air-balloon.
Vintage Car Rally :
When the first motorcars started coming to India, Rajasthan's princes and aristocracy were among the earliest to order them. These, in turn, have become the venue for various rallies.
Tonga Races :
The tonga or horse chariot provides an environment-friendly mode of transport in most towns of Rajasthan, though, obviously, it is also slower. However, just how fast these ponies can race is put to the test during fairs when tonga races are organised. With their owners astride the carriage, whip in hand, egging along their ponies, they make a wonderful sight as they cut a swathe through the sandy countryside.
Cart Races :
Similarly, cart races can be held, pulled by camels and, on occasion, even asses. However, knowing the donkey’s tendency for stubborness, most people decide more wisely to lay their bets on the camels. Camel cart races are held in sandy terrain, and the carts are especially decorated for the events, with streamers and buntings. Camels can be made to run fast, and as they lope ahead, the carts seem to jump behind to keep pace with the beasts. Camel cart races are fun, and give rise to a great deal of merriment among the gathered audience.
Bicycling :
The most popular mode of transport in Rajasthan could also provide the ideal leisure, since traveling on a bicycle is almost therapeutic, provides exercise without being exhausting, and is certainly inexpensive.
Camping :
Camping is a fine art in Rajasthan with established camps in set locations that would be fit for royalty. Especially created tents include those with bedrooms, a small hallway or leisure area, and attached bath.
Para Sailing :
A sport that is begging to be tried out in Rajasthan, with its open, sandy countryside, this has so far only been offered by operators who have brought in their equipment with them.
Water Sports :
Water sports may appear an alien concept in Rajasthan but the presence of large lakes has actually made the development of such sports possible.
