India’s sporting culture is very diverse because there are several different types of sports played in India. Here is a list of the most popular sports in India.

Popular Sports in India: What Indians Play

India is a land of diverse cultures, and this is reflected in the various sports that are played here. This article looks at the most popular sports in India and the reasons why these games have become so widespread.

Each of these sports has its own set of rules, regulations, and traditions; and there are as many as 204 recognized national sports or Olympic disciplines. However, not all of them are equally popular in India. Some sports have a dedicated following while others tend to remain confined to a few pockets in different parts of the country.

There are various factors that determine the popularity of a sport in India. The following section takes you through some of those factors:

Cricket is India's favorite sport

Cricket is India's most popular sport by a distance. It is played across the country, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, from Pune to Pondicherry.

Cricket is almost a way of life in India, and it is not uncommon to see the game being played or discussed at any given time during the year. Some of the biggest stadiums in the world are in India, and the Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the most-watched domestic tournaments in the world. Cricket is also one of the most profitable sports for betting in India.

The governing body for the sport in the country is the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The popularity of cricket in India is not surprising, given that the country has been one of its traditional strongholds.

India is one of the few countries where cricket is played at every level: from school cricket to the Indian Premier League (IPL). Indian cricketers are household names, and they are often compared to film stars.

The cricket craze in the country is so intense that it has been compared to a religion. You can enjoy watching the match- England vs Australia who will win? Let’s see!

Football is catching up fast in India

This sport has seen a rise in popularity in the last few years. Football is the most popular sport in the world and in a country of 1.3 billion people, there is bound to be a sizable chunk of fans.

The Indian Football Team has been steadily improving its performance over the last few years and is a dark horse at every FIFA tournament. Football is also the most watched sport in the world and is expected to expand its viewership in India as well.

In India, the most watched football leagues are the English Premier League and the Spanish La Liga. Even though this sport has a long way to go before it catches up with the cricket in India, it is growing in popularity, especially among the youth.

Hockey: Indians love playing hockey

Hockey is one of those sports that has a special place in the hearts of the people of India. The Hockey India League (HIL) is one of the most popular hockey leagues in the country. The popularity of the sport is so widespread that there is a Hockey India Award every year to honor the best hockey players and coaches.

The Indian Hockey Team has been the reigning Asian champions for over a decade, and it has also been in the top-five positions at the Hockey World Cup. The team has been steadily improving its performance, and the next decade could bring about a change in the hockey scenario in India.

Even though the sport is still not as popular among the masses as cricket, it plays a big role in the lives of a few people in India, especially those living in northern states like Punjab and Haryana.

Kabaddi and wrestling are extremely popular too

Kabaddi is a sport that is played by two teams of seven players each. The objective of the game is to raid the opponent's court and return with the prize, which is a football. The sport has a huge following in South Asian countries, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

Wrestling is a sport that is played in various forms across the world, but it is particularly popular in India. The sport has a rich history in India and has provided a lot of Olympic medalists to the country. There are many local variations of wrestling in India, including kushti in West Bengal, laamb in Punjab, and pehlwani in the entire country.

These sports are particularly popular in the eastern and southern parts of the country, where they are played as part of festivals and cultural events such as durga puja, navratri pooja, and ramlila. Wrestling and kabaddi have a strong following in the country and are played in schools and colleges, both as a sport and a part of a cultural event.

Badminton and tennis have a very strong following

Badminton and tennis are sports that have a strong following in India. Badminton is particularly popular in South India, especially in the state of Tamil Nadu. The Badminton Asia Championships are held annually in India, and the country has produced a number of talented players over the years.

A lot of world-class tournaments are held in India every year, with some of them being the Indian Open and the Indian Grand Prix Gold. Tennis has a strong following in the country, especially in the northern states. The Indian Open is one of the most popular tournaments in the world. These sports are popular among the youth of India and are played in colleges and schools.

Badminton and tennis are played at a professional level in India, and the country has produced a number of talented players.

India loves its chess and gaming too

Chess is one of the oldest sports in the world, and it has a rich history in India. The country has produced some truly amazing chess players over the years, with many of them qualifying for the World Chess Championship. India has a rich history in chess, with the game having been played in the country for centuries. To this day, chess remains a popular sport in India, with many tournaments being held throughout the year.

India has seen a rise in the popularity of gaming too, with many people taking up esports as a profession. At the international level, the country has been very successful in the past few years with a number of gamers qualifying for the world championship.

Conclusion

India has a rich sporting culture. There are so many sports that Indians love and follow with much enthusiasm. Each region, state, or city has its own sporting heroes and favorite games. Be it cricket, hockey, tennis, or badminton—almost every sport has an Indian fan base. If the number of sports enthusiasts is anything to go by, India has some of the most ardent fans when it comes to all things sporting.