India is a country with a tremendous passion for sports, and its sporting culture is as diverse as its populace. There has been tremendous growth in the popularity of sports in India in the past few decades, thanks to media exposure, international stardom, and development at the grassroot level. Some sports boast enormous fan followings, while some sport will continue to push and develop to gain popularity and recognition. This article will examine some popular, and unpopular sports in India, as well some trends that influence its sporting development.
Top 5 Most Popular Sports in India
1. Cricket
There is no question that cricket is the most popular sport in India. Whether it be cities or a village, cricket is enjoyed across regions and generations. The Indian Premier League (IPL) has pushed cricket so far up the stratosphere it has become part of the multi-billion dollar entertainment industry. Legends such as Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni have made it an important part of India’s cultural history, and Virat Kohli, generally considered the most popular sports person in India, continues to be an enormous influence on and off the field.
2. Football (Soccer)
Wondering which is the second most popular sport in India? It’s football. While not as dominant as cricket, football enjoys a loyal fan base, especially in states like West Bengal, Kerala, Goa, and the Northeastern regions.
The Indian Super League (ISL) has significantly increased the sport’s visibility. Icons like Sunil Chhetri have inspired a new generation of fans and players.
3. Badminton
Badminton’s popularity has exploded due to recent international successes. Players like P.V. Sindhu and Saina Nehwal have returned with medals from the Olympics and world championships, and now badminton is among the most popular women’s sports in India. The explosion of female badminton players has also inspired countless young girls to participate in badminton at a professional level.
4. Wrestling
Historically deep-seated in Indian culture, wrestling connects generations of tradition and competitive excellence. With recent Olympic success and performer’s like Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat, wrestling is being embraced again as a popular and competitive sport among both rural and urban players.
5. Hockey
Once heralded as India’s national game, hockey will always have a special place in many people’s hearts. While it may not be in its golden age anymore, India’s recent bronze medal achievement at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics seemed to lighten the spirit of interest in hockey. Hockey may have seen better days, but it still remains firmly entrenched as one of the most popular sports in India.
Top 5 Unpopular Sports in India
1. Baseball
Although it’s one of the most followed sports globally, baseball remains virtually unknown in India. A lack of infrastructure, awareness, and professional leagues makes it one of the least popular sports in the country.
2. Rugby
Rugby has a small but dedicated following in some schools and clubs. However, without significant media coverage, funding, or professional opportunities, it remains far from the mainstream.
3. Ice Hockey
Given India’s largely warm climate, ice hockey has a very limited existence in the country, although there is some participation in colder parts of the country like Ladakh. It remains largely a niche sport and is under-resourced.
4. Golf
There have been some great golfers from India such as Anirban Lahiri and Aditi Ashok, but golf as a sport is almost unattainable for most citizens due to its cost of entry and its elitist nature. Golf does not have the same level of recognition as other sports partly because of the lack of opportunity for most Hindustanis to be able to break into golf in the first place.
5. Equestrian Sports
Horse riding and related activities are generally limited to the military and elite. Without mass appeal and little media coverage, it is no surprise that equestrian sport, and less so horse riding, remains unrecognised or undefined as a sport in its own right.
Changing Trends and the Road Ahead
The popularity of sports in India is slowly but surely evolving. Initiatives like Khelo India, improved digital access, and increased investment in sports infrastructure are changing the game.
Women’s sports, in particular, are experiencing a positive shift. Sports like boxing, shooting, and athletics have produced internationally recognized female athletes, boosting their status as some of the most popular women’s sports in India.
The younger generation is also gravitating toward non-traditional sports such as basketball, MMA, and esports, signaling a more diverse and inclusive sporting future.
Conclusion
India’s sports scene is undergoing a transformation. While cricket remains the most popular sport in India, followed closely by football, badminton, wrestling, and hockey, other sports are gradually finding their place.
Meanwhile, sports like baseball, rugby, and golf face challenges due to limited access and low visibility. However, with continued support, awareness, and development, there’s hope that India will embrace a broader sporting culture in the years to come.
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