India, with its diverse culture and passion for sports, has a rich sporting landscape. Here are the 10 most popular sports in India:
-
Cricket: Cricket is undoubtedly the most popular sport in India. It has a massive fan following and enjoys a status of near-religious devotion among Indians. The Indian cricket team’s successes, such as winning the ICC Cricket World Cup in 1983 and 2011, have only amplified its popularity.
- Kabaddi: Kabaddi, an indigenous sport, has gained immense popularity in recent years. The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) has played a significant role in promoting the sport, attracting millions of viewers. India has excelled in international kabaddi competitions, winning multiple gold medals at the Asian Games.
- Football: Football holds a strong following in certain regions of India, particularly in West Bengal, Kerala, and the northeastern states. The Indian Super League (ISL) and the I-League have helped promote the sport and generate interest among fans. The Indian national team’s performances have seen improvement in recent years.
- Field Hockey: Field hockey has a glorious history in India, with the national team winning eight Olympic gold medals, the most by any country. While its popularity has declined in recent times, the sport still holds a special place in the hearts of Indian sports enthusiasts.
- Badminton: Badminton has witnessed a surge in popularity in India, thanks to the success of Indian shuttlers like Saina Nehwal, PV Sindhu, and Kidambi Srikanth. These players’ achievements, including Olympic medals and World Championships, have inspired a new generation of badminton players.
- Tennis: Tennis has a dedicated following in India, with fans closely following international tournaments such as Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Australian Open. Indian tennis stars like Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, and Sania Mirza have achieved considerable success in doubles competitions.
- Wrestling: Wrestling, particularly the traditional form of wrestling known as kushti, has a long-standing tradition in India. With the rise of international wrestling events like the Pro Wrestling League (PWL), the sport has gained more visibility and attracted a larger fan base.
- Athletics: Athletics has always held a prominent place in Indian sports. Indian athletes have excelled in events such as track and field, long jump, and discus throw. Notable athletes like Milkha Singh, PT Usha, and Neeraj Chopra have brought glory to the nation with their exceptional performances.
- Chess: Chess has a significant following in India, and the country has produced several world-class chess players. Viswanathan Anand, the former World Chess Champion, is a household name in the Indian chess community. The game’s popularity has been further fueled by successful players in various international competitions.
- Table Tennis: Table tennis has gained popularity in recent years, with India producing talented players who have achieved success in international tournaments. Players like Achanta Sharath Kamal and Manika Batra have made significant contributions to the sport’s popularity in the country.
While these 10 sports are the most popular in India, it’s worth noting that other sports like basketball, volleyball, golf, and athletics also have dedicated followers and are growing in popularity. India’s sporting landscape is diverse and ever-evolving, with the potential for new sports to capture the nation’s attention in the future.
