Sports are a major part of Karnataka’s identity, from traditional rural games to international franchises.
* **Cricket:** The most popular sport. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) operates the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The state team is a domestic powerhouse, and the city hosts the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) IPL franchise. * **Football:** Bengaluru FC (BFC), playing at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, is one of India's most successful modern football clubs. * **Hockey:** The Kodagu (Coorg) district is considered the nursery of Indian field hockey, producing numerous Olympians and hosting an annual family hockey festival featuring hundreds of teams. * **Traditional Sports:** *Kambala* (a traditional buffalo sprint through paddy fields) is highly popular in the coastal districts.