We now move to the list of the most popular sports in India. Before delving into the list, it is essential to first know that these sports have been ranked on the basis of their pure popularity in India. The placement of any sport on the list is not indicative of India’s performance in general.
Though cricket might dominate headlines for the clamor it creates in India, there are a number of other sports which have a decent following amongst many demographics in India.
1. Cricket
The popularity of cricket in India is unparalleled compared to interest generated by a particular sport in any other country. Brazil and Argentina do come close in terms of a similar obsession with football, but the sheer number of cricket followers in India tilts the balance eastwards.
2. Football
The most pop football remains an enigma in India. Famously called the ‘sleeping giant’ of the footballing world by former FIFA president Sepp Blatter, football is primarily a spectator sport in India. While the ISL has garnered a hefty base of followers in India, it is the huge following of European club tournaments which forms the roots of football’s popularity in India.
3. Kabaddi
While different sports in India like badminton and hockey would have nabbed the third spot a few years back, kabaddi has returned to the center stage of Indian sports.
4. Badminton
Though badminton had always been a sport of great interest amongst the general public, success on the international stage had been less forthcoming.
5. Hockey
The national sport of India, hockey is still trying to find a way back to the golden years when it brought back gold medals from every passing Olympic Games. Led by Dhyan Chand, India dominated the hockey world with over eight Olympic gold medals.
