Most Popular Spectator Sports in India

India is home to a wide variety of interests and obsessions. Despite the varied population, a few regions in India captivate the interest of a broad part of society. Sport in India has always managed to unify a substantial part of the public. Some sports dominate others according to popularity. Let’s see which sports Indian spectators love.

Cricket

Cricket in India is unsurpassed in popularity compared to any other sport in other countries, which is why Cricket Betting Websites are so popular. Aside from leading sporting broadcasters routinely telecasting and promoting local and international cricket matches, India’s cricket performance significantly influences its continued popularity. 

Since the World Cup in 1983, India has been vying for the greatest reward in international cricket. Cricketers are among the most admired individuals in a culture obsessed with celebrity and exclusivity.

Kabaddi

Kabaddi, a traditional sport in India, has resurfaced in mainstream sports due to the growth of the PKL (Pro-Kabaddi League), which is hosted yearly in various locations across India. The PKL overtook the Indian Premier League in 2014 as the country’s second-biggest league. 

Kabaddi is increasing audiences in rural areas owing to its obvious appeal and cultivating new viewers who’re constantly learning more about the sport, having established a strong viewer base and sponsors.

Football

Football, the world’s most popular sport, is mainly popular due to spectators in India. While the Indian Super League (ISL) has a large Indian fan base, the massive fan base of European club championships provides the foundation of football’s appeal in India. 

The Premier League (PL) is India’s most prominent football sports league. Following in the European teams’ footsteps, India has established its own football competition, the Indian Super League.

Hockey

Hockey, India’s national sport, has its own league based on the IPL concept. The Hockey India League (HIL) was launched in 2013 to build a fan base for hockey among the general population.

Badminton

Badminton has always been a popular sport among the general population, even though international success has been more difficult. This pattern has shifted as new generations of Indian badminton players have established India and themselves on the world scene. India has emerged as a badminton powerhouse, winning medals at the last two Olympic Games.

Sport Is Important

In India, sports prominence is comparable to that of film, art or theater. In addition to providing entertainment, sports professionals act as role models for young Indians. This is one of the most significant contributions that sport gives to India.