Sports is the biggest entertainment for Indian people.
India is a country where “SPORTS” hold a special place in the hearts of the people. There are many sports being played in India with full dedication and determination. India has produced so many great sportsmen in each and every sport. But all the sports are not equally popular in our country.
Article Highlights:
1.Cricket
2. Soccer
3. Hockey
4. Badminton
5. Tennis
6. Chess
7. Motor Sports
8.Wrestling
9.Table tennis
10.Basketball
We present you with the list of top 10 most popular sports in India. The popularity of a sport is determined by the number of people watching that sport and the amount of revenue it generates. It is by no means, a scale for its players’ overall success or skill. So let’s begin:
10) Basketball:
Basketball in India is played in most of the high schools, colleges, and universities. There is considerable patronage for the game among the younger generation. Basketball in India is played by both men and women of all ages and abilities.
Indian basketball follows the rules of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).
9) Table Tennis:
Table Tennis is on 9th spot in the list of most popular sports in India. It is a fabulous indoor attraction in India. Especially, the younger generation in different parts of India enjoys playing it. The Table Tennis Federation Of India handles this game officially.
In worldwide rankings, India is ranked on 30th spot and one of their best table tennis players is Sharath Kamal who is ranked in the top 50. The Table Tennis Federation of India is the official sports body to control table tennis in India.
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8) Wrestling:
Wrestling is on 8th spot in the list of most popular sports in India. It is mostly popular because most teenagers and youngster do love to watch wrestling on their television. The former Indian police officer, The Great Khali and Jinder Mahal also got promoted in WWE and that’s what attracted the Indian audience the most.
7) Motor Sports:
Motor Sports is on 7th spot in the list of most popular sports in India. Apparently, majority of Indian people have just began to take more interest in it. People usually don’t take part in it, but there is a lot of fans of this sport in India.
Formula One, in particular, has taken off in the country in the last few years, with the first-ever Indian Formula One driver competing in 2005 and the first-ever Formula One Indian Grand Prix that took place in 2011.
6) Chess:
Chess is on the 6th spot in the list of most popular sports in India. It really has got extreme popularity in the country because of former Indian Chess Master and World Champion, Viswanathan Anand.
Surely, the youngsters and teenagers are taking interest in this game because of this man who has gained a great reputation in the world. All-India Chess Federation handles the game officially in the country.
5) Tennis:
Tennis is the 5th most popular Indian sport in the list. It is true that India hasn’t got much greater rankings in Singles format of the game, but still, Indian players are doing well in Doubles.
Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna are the greatest Indian tennis players of all-time who have got fabulous career record so far.
4) Badminton:
Badminton is the 4th most popular Indian sport in the list. So far, it is widely played in India and it is been quiet successful as managed by Badminton Association of India. Indian Badminton player, Saina Nehwal has got much reputation in the game, she is also been ranked at 2nd spot in the world Badminton rankings, in 2010.
Prakash Padukone and Pullela Gopichand, both won the All England Open in 1980 and 2001 respectively. Saina is also the first Indian badminton player to have won an Olympic medal when she won the bronze medal at the 2012 Olympics.
Also Read: Top 10 Best Badminton Players Of All Time
3) Hockey:
Hockey (Field Hockey) is the 3rd most popular Indian sport in the list. It is the national game of India, along with Pakistan. India has got much success in Hockey around the world, especially in Olympics.
India has won 8 gold, 1 silver, and 2 bronze medals, more than any other team in the world. They also won the world cup tournament 1975 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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2) Soccer:
Soccer is the 2nd most popular Indian sport in the list. Soccer has gained more popularity in India. Despite of being on 156th rank in the FIFA rankings, still Indian people love to watch the national team playing.
1) Cricket:
On the 1st spot is Cricket, which is the most-watched and popular sport in India. On a global level, Indian Cricket Team has got a great reputation in the ranks and also The Board Of Control For Cricket has earned quite incredible profits. Indian Premier League is the most profitable and so far, successful cricket league in India.
Moreover, India has produced some fine legendary cricketers such as Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, Rahul Dravid, etc. India also has won numerous big ICC tournaments. It is my favorite game too!
Kabaddi and Boxing are the other two honorable mentions for the list of top 10 most popular sports in India. Feel free to tell us about your favorite sport in the comments down below.
Which one is your favorite game? Let us know! Give us feedback!
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I think you missed kabaddi.
Thanks for your feedback Abhidnya
As per our recent reports, Kabaddi has risen in India from last 2 years. We would cover kabaddi in the upcoming 2019-20 sports in India.
Keep well
NP
Kabbadi is best game