Sports have always been an integral part of Indian culture and society, with a long and rich history dating back to ancient times. However, in recent years, the popularity of sports in India has reached new heights, with a surge of interest and investment in various disciplines, such as cricket, football, badminton, and kabaddi. The emergence of popular sports leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Indian Super League (ISL) has played a significant role in boosting the popularity of sports in the country, while also providing opportunities for young athletes to showcase their talent and potentially earn a livelihood. Here is the list of the 10 most popular sports in India of all time.
Moreover, the growing interest in fitness and wellness among the Indian youth has also contributed to the increasing popularity of sports, as people look for fun and engaging ways to stay active and healthy. The success of Indian athletes in international events has also contributed to the growth of interest in sports, and the government has been investing heavily in promoting sports and building world-class infrastructure to support athletes.
Table
| Position | Sports Name |
| 10 | Wrestling |
| 9 | Field Hockey |
| 8 | Golf |
| 7 | Badminton |
| 6 | Swimming |
| 5 | Formula 1 |
| 4 | Kabaddi |
| 3 | Tennis |
| 2 | Football |
| 1 | Cricket |
10. Wrestling is the 10th most popular sport in India.
It has a rich history in India and is considered one of the country’s oldest sports. It is an integral part of the traditional Indian martial art of Kushti and has produced some of the country’s most successful athletes, including Olympic medalists Sushil Kumar and Yogeshwar Dutt. The sport has a huge following in rural India, where local tournaments and akharas (wrestling schools) are an important part of the community.
In recent years, the popularity of wrestling has spread to urban areas, with the establishment of professional wrestling leagues like the Pro Wrestling League (PWL) and the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) promoting the sport and providing opportunities for aspiring wrestlers to showcase their skills.
9. Field Hockey is the 9th most popular sport in India of all time.
It has a long and storied history in India and is considered the national sport of the country. India has been one of the most successful teams in the sport. Having won eight Olympic gold medals and one World Cup. The Indian team dominated world hockey in the 1920s, 30s, and 50s. And even though the sport has faced challenges and a decline in popularity in recent years, the passion for the sport remains strong in India.
Many talented players continue to emerge from the country, and with the advent of new leagues such as the Hockey India League, the future of field hockey in India looks promising.
8. Golf is the 8th-most popular sport in India.
It is a growing sport in India, with an increasing number of golf courses and players in the country. The sport has traditionally been played by a small elite. But efforts are being made to make it more accessible to the wider population. The country has produced some notable golfers, including Anirban Lahiri, who has played on the PGA Tour. And Aditi Ashok, who has had success on the LPGA Tour.
Major international tournaments such as the Indian Open and Hero Women’s Indian Open are held in India, which has helped to raise the profile of the sport in the country.
7. Badminton is the 7th most popular sport in India of all time.
The success of Indian badminton players such as Saina Nehwal, PV Sindhu, and Kidambi Srikanth in international tournaments. Has led to a surge in interest in the sport, particularly among the youth. The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has been actively promoting and developing the sport. And the government has been supporting the growth of badminton infrastructure and facilities in the country.
With the increasing popularity of badminton in India, the future looks bright for the sport, and many believe that India has the potential to become a dominant force in international badminton in the coming years.
6. Swimming is the 6th most popular sport in India.
It is a popular recreational activity in India, although it is not as widely practiced or supported as other sports. The lack of access to quality facilities and coaching. As well as a general lack of awareness about the benefits of swimming are some of the challenges that the sport faces in the country. However, Indian swimmers have achieved success on the international stage. Athletes like Virdhawal Khade, Sandeep Sejwal, and Sajan Prakash represent India in major competitions.
Efforts are being made to promote swimming and improve infrastructure, with the government. And private organizations investing in the development of swimming pools and training programs.
5. Formula 1 is the 5th most popular sport in India of all time.
This sport in India gained immense popularity when the country hosted its first and only Grand Prix in 2011. The event held at the Buddh International Circuit near Delhi saw a massive turnout of fans, who were thrilled to witness the high-speed action. And adrenaline-pumping races featuring the world’s top drivers. However, due to financial issues and bureaucratic challenges. The event was discontinued after just three years, much to the disappointment of Indian fans.
Nevertheless, the legacy of Formula 1 in India lives on, with several Indian drivers competing in various racing circuits around the world, and the passion for motorsports continuing to inspire the next generation of racing enthusiasts in the country.
4. Kabaddi is the 4th most popular sport in India.
It is a traditional contact sport that originated in India. And is now one of the most popular sports in the country. The Pro Kabaddi League, launched in 2014, has played a significant role in popularizing the sport. And today, it is followed by millions of fans across the country. The league has also provided a platform for players to showcase their talent. And has helped in the development of the sport at the grassroots level. Kabaddi has a unique mix of physical strength, speed, and agility, making it a thrilling sport to watch and play.
With the growing interest and investment in the sport. Kabaddi is set to become even more popular in India and beyond.
3. Tennis is the 3rd most popular sport in India of all time.
It has a growing presence in India, with several professional tournaments being held in the country. Including the ATP Chennai Open and the WTA Mumbai Open. Indian players such as Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, and Sania Mirza have achieved global success. Inspiring a new generation of tennis enthusiasts in the country. The All India Tennis Association (AITA) has been actively promoting the sport at the grassroots level and has invested in developing world-class tennis facilities across the country.
The future of tennis in India looks promising, with several young players showing immense talent and potential to make a mark on the international stage.
2. Football is the 2nd most popular sport in India.
It is one of the fastest-growing sports in India, with a passionate fan base and a growing number of professional leagues and clubs. The Indian Super League, launched in 2014, has brought more attention and investment to the sport, attracting international players and coaches and creating opportunities for local talent. The national team has also been making steady progress in international competitions, although there is still a long way to go to achieve consistent success.
Despite the challenges of infrastructure, funding, and competition from other sports, the future of football in India looks promising, with growing interest and support from fans, investors, and the government.
1. Cricket is the most popular sport in India of all time.
Millions of fans across the country follow and support the national team with passion and fervor. Indian cricket has a rich history, with legendary players like Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, and MS Dhoni, who have become cultural icons in the country. The Indian Premier League (IPL), a professional Twenty20 cricket league, has also become a global phenomenon, attracting top international players and massive audiences.
Cricket has a significant impact on Indian society and culture, and its success has inspired a generation of young Indian players to pursue careers in the sport.
Conclusion
India is a diverse country with a rich cultural heritage, and sports play a significant role in shaping its society. Cricket is the most popular sport in India, followed closely by football, tennis, kabaddi, and Formula 1. Cricket has been an integral part of Indian culture for decades, with a massive following and a rich history of legendary players like Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni. The Indian Premier League (IPL), a professional Twenty20 cricket league, has become a global phenomenon, attracting top international players and massive audiences.
Football is another popular sport in India, with a growing number of fans and players. The Indian Super League (ISL), a professional football league in India, has gained increasing popularity in recent years, with the participation of international players and teams. Tennis is also a well-loved sport in India, with the country producing several world-class players like Leander Paes and Sania Mirza.
Kabaddi, a contact sport that originated in India, has also gained immense popularity in recent years, with the launch of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). Formula 1, a motorsport that has a global following, has also found a growing fan base in India, with the hosting of the Indian Grand Prix between 2011-2013. Swimming, badminton, golf, and field hockey are other popular sports in India, with a significant number of followers and participants. Wrestling, a sport that has been an integral part of Indian culture for centuries, is also gaining increasing recognition, with Indian wrestlers winning medals in international competitions.
Overall, sports in India have a significant impact on the country’s society, culture, and economy, with millions of people participating in and following various sports activities. The government and private organizations have been investing heavily in promoting sports and building world-class infrastructure to support athletes.
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For making this list we used the help of Google Trends. If you want you can check our facts you can visit the site mentioned and confirm it by using the tools provided by the site. This list was the product of our research on that particular website.
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Question and Answer
Cricket is the most popular sport in India.
Cricket is the most popular sport in India.
