From Europe to Asia: Exploring the Global Popularity of Hockey.

VI. Popularity of Hockey Around the World

Hockey is a sport that is loved and played by millions of people around the world. In this section, we will explore the popularity of hockey in five countries: Canada, the United States, Russia, Sweden, and Finland.

A. Canada

Hockey is deeply ingrained in Canadian culture, with many Canadians considering it to be the national sport. The country is home to the National Hockey League (NHL), the premier professional hockey league in the world. Canada has also won the most Olympic gold medals in hockey, with the men's team winning eight golds and the women's team winning four golds since 1998.

B. United States

Hockey has grown in popularity in the United States over the years, particularly in areas with colder climates such as the Northeast and Midwest. The country is home to 24 teams in the National Hockey League (NHL), and the sport has also been featured in the Winter Olympics since 1920. The United States men's team won the gold medal in the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" game, which is considered one of the greatest upsets in sports history.

C. Russia

Hockey is a popular sport in Russia, and the country is home to one of the premier professional hockey leagues in the world, the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Russia has also had success in international competitions, winning eight Olympic gold medals and 27 World Championships. Some of the best players in the world, such as Alexander Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin, come from Russia.

D. Sweden

Hockey is a popular winter sport in Sweden, with many young players aspiring to play professionally. The country is home to the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), which is the top professional hockey league in the country. Sweden has won two Olympic gold medals in hockey and has also had success in the World Championships, winning 11 gold medals.

E. Finland

Hockey is a popular sport in Finland, particularly in the winter months when outdoor rinks are set up across the country. Finland is home to the Finnish Liiga, which is the top professional hockey league in the country. The Finnish men's team has won one Olympic gold medal and two World Championships, and the women's team has won two World Championships.

F. Pakistan

Hockey is the national sport of Pakistan and has a rich history in the country. The Pakistan men's team has won the Olympic gold medal three times and the World Cup four times, making them one of the most successful teams in international hockey. The sport is also popular at the grassroots level, with many young players aspiring to play for the national team.

G. India

Hockey has a long and storied history in India, with the country winning six Olympic gold medals and one World Cup. The sport was introduced to India during the British colonial period and quickly became popular, with the Indian men's team dominating international competitions in the 20th century. While the popularity of hockey in India has waned in recent years due to the rise of cricket and other sports, the country remains a powerhouse in international hockey and has a strong tradition in the sport.


In conclusion, hockey is a sport that is loved and played by millions of people around the world. From Europe to Asia hockey has a rich and varied history in many different countries, and its popularity continues to grow with each passing year.