Ever wondered what gets Taiwan’s adrenaline pumping?
It’s not just their mouth-watering street food and vibrant night markets!
Soccer reigns supreme, but what other sports capture Taiwanese hearts?
Discover the 11 most popular sports in Taiwan in our list.
Most Popular Sports in Taiwan:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Badminton
- Volleyball
- Table Tennis
- Swimming
- Skiing
- Taekwondo
- Golf
- Athletics
Table of Contents
#1 Baseball
- 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Taiwan: 1900s
- 🌟 Most Famous Player from Taiwan: Chien-Ming Wang (Taiwanese)
- 🌍 Estimated Number of Players in Taiwan: 600,000
Baseball is the most beloved sport in Taiwan, with a dedicated fan base and a rich history of talented athletes. The Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) stands as the country’s premier baseball league, providing thrilling action and intense rivalries for fans to relish.
Taiwanese pitcher Chien-Ming Wang, known for his time with the New York Yankees, has become a national inspiration. The memorable moments of Taiwan’s Little League World Series successes continue to fuel the passion for baseball in the nation.
With its cultural significance and ongoing investment in nurturing talent, baseball’s prominence in Taiwan only grows stronger.
For a deeper dive into Taiwan’s national sport and some fascinating facts about its history and significance, check out our article on Taiwan’s National Sport: Baseball (7 Facts).
Latest Posts about Baseball
#2 Basketball
- 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Taiwan: 1930s
- 🌟 Most Famous Player from Taiwan: Jeremy Lin (Taiwanese-American)
- 🌍 Estimated Number of Players in Taiwan: 500,000
Basketball enjoys immense popularity in Taiwan, with a vibrant local scene and significant global influence. The Taiwanese Basketball League (TBL) serves as the country’s top-tier professional competition, witnessing fierce battles and drawing massive audiences.
Taiwanese-American NBA player Jeremy Lin has become an icon, inspiring countless young basketball enthusiasts in Taiwan. The sport’s cultural impact extends beyond the TBL, as Taiwanese fans avidly follow NBA games and participate in local grassroots tournaments.
With its widespread appeal and growing talent pool, basketball’s position in Taiwan’s sports culture remains steadfast and influential.
Latest Posts about Basketball
#3 Soccer
- 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Taiwan: 1920s
- 🌟 Most Famous Player from Taiwan: Chen Po-liang (Taiwanese)
- 🌍 Estimated Number of Players in Taiwan: 300,000
Soccer, although not the most popular, has a growing audience and an increasingly competitive scene in Taiwan. The Taiwan Football Premier League (TFPL) is the country’s highest-level soccer league, featuring fierce competition among teams.
Taiwanese soccer player Chen Po-liang is a standout athlete, known for his skill and leadership. While domestic soccer continues to evolve, Taiwanese fans also show keen interest in international leagues and tournaments, such as the English Premier League and UEFA Champions League.
With rising popularity and ongoing development, soccer’s imprint on Taiwan’s sports culture continues to expand.
Latest Posts about Soccer
#4 Badminton
- 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Taiwan: 1960s
- 🌟 Most Famous Player from Taiwan: Tai Tzu-ying (Taiwanese)
- 🌍 Estimated Number of Players in Taiwan: 1 Million
Badminton has a special place in Taiwan’s sporting landscape as an exhilarating and widely accessible sport. Local clubs and courts host a plethora of amateur and professional games, with people of all ages participating.
Taiwanese badminton star Tai Tzu-ying stands as a shining example, having consistently ranked among the world’s top players. Taiwan’s badminton athletes regularly challenge the global elite at international competitions, including the World Championships and Olympics.
With roots firmly planted in the country’s sports culture and a constant influx of talent, badminton’s popularity in Taiwan shows no signs of slowing down.
Latest Posts about Badminton
#5 Volleyball
- 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Taiwan: 1950s
- 🌟 Most Famous Player from Taiwan: Chen Wan-ting (Taiwanese)
- 🌍 Estimated Number of Players in Taiwan: 400,000
Volleyball enjoys a growing popularity in Taiwan, thanks to its engaging gameplay, local leagues, and accessible nature. Both beach and indoor volleyball see active participation from various age groups.
The Women’s Volleyball League of Taiwan sees spirited contests among strong domestic teams. Chen Wan-ting, the current captain of the national team, is a standout player. In addition to local tournaments, Taiwanese fans closely follow international competitions like the FIVB Volleyball World Championships and Olympics.
With increasing interest and a thriving local scene, volleyball is spiking its way into Taiwan’s sports culture.
Latest Posts about Volleyball
#6 Table Tennis
- 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Taiwan: 1950s
- 🌟 Most Famous Player from Taiwan: Chuang Chih-yuan (Taiwanese)
- 🌍 Estimated Number of Players in Taiwan: 1.2 Million
Table tennis is a widely appreciated sport in Taiwan, known for its fast-paced gameplay, intense rallies, and strategic depth. The sport is played in schools, recreational centers, and competitive arenas across the country.
Taiwanese table tennis players frequently make their mark on the international stage, participating in high-profile events like the World Table Tennis Championships and Olympics. Chuang Chih-yuan is a celebrated player with numerous accolades under his belt.
With a strong talent pool and enthusiastic fan base, table tennis has become an integral part of Taiwan’s sporting landscape.
Latest Posts about Table Tennis
#7 Swimming
- 📅 (Estimated) Year of Popularity Surge in Taiwan: 1980s
- 🌟 Most Famous Swimmer from Taiwan: Chen Kuan-jung (Taiwanese)
- 🌍 Estimated Number of Swimming Enthusiasts in Taiwan: 800,000
Swimming holds a special place in Taiwan’s sports culture, both as a recreational activity and a competitive sport. With numerous swimming pools spread across the nation, Taiwan boasts a thriving swimming scene.
Taiwanese swimmers continue to make waves in international competitions, including the Olympics and Asian Games. Chen Kuan-jung, a record-breaking breaststroke specialist, stands out as a prominent figure in the sport.
The popularity of swimming in Taiwan is further fueled by the country’s emphasis on water safety and obesity prevention, making it a valuable addition to the nation’s sports ecosystem.
Latest Posts about Swimming
#8 Skiing
- 📅 (Estimated) Year of Popularity Surge in Taiwan: 2000s
- 🌟 Most Famous Skier from Taiwan: I-Hsuan “Flora” Yang (Taiwanese)
- 🌍 Estimated Number of Skiing Enthusiasts in Taiwan: 100,000
Skiing, although not as widespread in Taiwan, has garnered a niche following and attracts vacationers seeking new thrills. With its lack of snowy mountains, Taiwanese skiing enthusiasts often travel to Japan, South Korea, and other destinations to hit the slopes.
Taiwanese skier I-Hsuan “Flora” Yang stands out as a trailblazer, having represented Taiwan at the 2018 Winter Olympics. Skiing holidays and overseas ski competitions are slowly gaining traction among the Taiwanese, attracting skiing enthusiasts looking for exciting experiences.
With a growing interest in winter sports, skiing continues to carve its niche in Taiwan’s sports scene.
Latest Posts about Skiing
#9 Taekwondo
- 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Taiwan: 1970s
- 🌟 Most Famous Player from Taiwan: Chen Wei-ting (Taiwanese)
- 🌍 Estimated Number of Players in Taiwan: 120,000
Taekwondo has steadily gained popularity in Taiwan, both as a martial art and a competitive sport. The discipline emphasizes power, speed, and high-flying techniques, making it an exhilarating watch for spectators.
Taiwanese taekwondo practitioners regularly compete in international events, such as the World Championships and the Olympics. Chen Wei-ting, a standout athlete, has earned multiple international medals and recognition.
The sport’s underlying values, such as respect and discipline, resonate with the local culture, further bolstering its appeal in Taiwan. As a result, Taekwondo continues to flourish in the nation’s sports scene.
Latest Posts about Taekwondo
#10 Golf
- 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Taiwan: 1920s
- 🌟 Most Famous Player from Taiwan: Yani Tseng (Taiwanese)
- 🌍 Estimated Number of Players in Taiwan: 300,000
Golf enjoys a dedicated following in Taiwan, with numerous lush courses and talented golfers calling the nation home. The sport combines precision, skill, and strategy, captivating players and spectators alike.
Taiwan has a rich golfing history, with local tournaments and the annual Taiwan Swinging Skirts LPGA event featuring top-tier golfers. Former world No.1 Yani Tseng is a national icon, having dominated the game in her prime.
With its combination of scenic landscapes and growing popularity, golf’s presence in Taiwan’s sports culture is on par with international standards.
Latest Posts about Golf
#11 Athletics
- 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Taiwan: 1930s
- 🌟 Most Famous Athlete from Taiwan: Chi Cheng (Taiwanese)
- 🌍 Estimated Number of Athletics Enthusiasts in Taiwan: 1 Million
Athletics is an essential part of Taiwan’s sporting heritage, with a multitude of disciplines catering to various skills and abilities. The nation has produced several world-class athletes, record holders, and distinguished coaches over the years.
Taiwanese track and field legend Chi Cheng gained global acclaim in the 1960s and 1970s, securing numerous Asian and international gold medals. Taiwan actively participates in regional competitions like the Asian Athletics Championships and the East Asian Games, fostering a vibrant athletics community.
With talent development programs and an increasing appreciation for the sport, athletics continues to stride forward in Taiwan’s sports landscape.
Latest Posts about Athletics
FAQ
What is the most popular sport in Taiwan?
Baseball is the most popular sport in Taiwan, deeply rooted in the country’s culture, featuring a dedicated fan base, a rich history of talented athletes, and the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL).
What is the national sport of Taiwan?
While Taiwan does not have an official national sport, baseball is widely considered the country’s favorite, with a massive following and a proud tradition of success in both local leagues and international competitions.
What are the most watched sports in Taiwan?
The most watched sports in Taiwan include baseball, basketball, soccer, badminton, volleyball, table tennis, and swimming, each enjoying significant viewership, fan bases, and local sports leagues across the country.
