India is the hub for several renowned and well-known sports like cricket, kabaddi, badminton, etc, which have been influenced by players like Sindhu and Kohli and have paved the way for others to join the game as well. Though several countries are hosting several several sports leagues and the Olympics, India has uniquely intensified its culture through a higher success rate in sports, international sporting events, diverse sporting culture, emerging talent, a passionate fan base, as well as an increase in investment in sports infrastructure. All these factors paved the way for the emergence of the most popular sports in India. Scroll down the blog to know more.

Origin of Sports in India

India has a history of sports in India dating back to the Vedic period. During that period, India started being known for its unique and diverse sports culture. Yet it dates back thousands of years with proper evidence. India is known for its rich tradition of ancient games, which was known for its indigenous games and physical activities.

​Pachisi is considered the Royal Game of India, which is believed to have originated around the 4th century and is known to be the precursor of ludo. Several Malla Yudha sports were also depicted in the ancient texts and sculptures like martial arts, wrestling, and weapons. All these sports activities contributed to the overall growth of the sports activities. All these can overgo the modern sports and the physical activities.

Apart from all these, colonial rule is also one of the reasons for the formation of several Western games in India, including cricket, infield hockey, football and tennis. However, active participation and success in international competitions have helped fuel further interest and participation in sports across the nation. Despite this much development in the sports sector, the government is still ready to revive and preserve the traditional game in India, promoting its heritage.

Here is the list of several most popular sports in India;

Cricket

Cricket is undoubtedly the most amazing, interest-seeking, and loved game in India among both youth as well as adults. In India, it has a huge fan base, more than any other country. It is especially known for its fan base and the craze that the Indians carry in the core of their heart.

Players like Kohli and Pandya influence modern GenZ spectators. The sport even crossed gender boundaries, allowing women to be a part, and this is the reason that made it even the most popular sport in India. Even though there are several cricket stadiums across India

Hockey

Indeed, hockey is our national sport, but the fans are more for cricket. Hockey is another popular sport in India that drives players' interest after cricket. The larger landscapes and huge grass field lands are also one of the reasons that provoked the interest among the Indians. However, hockey isn't complicated as it has simpler gear. India portrayed its interest in hockey by establishing its first-ever hockey club in Kolkata in 1855. But after India got independent it reached peaks with its amazing performance. In the years between 1928 and 1980, India won 8 gold medals, and among the 134 matches, it won 83 in the Olympic games.

Football

Just like how India is known for its cricket fanbase, football lovers are mostly spotted in Brazil and Argentina, making it one of the most appreciated sports. But still, even in India, several players love watching football. It is currently ranked as 105th position in the entire world. With approximately 155 viewers in India, it is one of the most popular sports in India. Not only in television but overall and across several sports channels like online platforms. The sport has a high viewership figure that has gained interest among the people.

Badminton

Badminton had a reduced success rate in the earlier period. It has improved its way with the new generation players. With Badminton being another popular sport in India, especially among female candidates, it has paved the way and enhanced interest among the players to play the game.

Not only nationally but badminton has also peaked its performance at the international level with the fortunate players of our country like Saina Nehwal, P.V Sindhu, and Srikanth Kidambu among the world's other top players.

Wrestling

Wrestling is another, rural sport that seeks the interest of the viewers and is also one of the most popular sports in India. The Akhada style sport has now been transformed and renamed as wrestling with modernized rules and regulations. With influencers like the Dangal and the Sultan, wrestling has grown even more popular, inspired by the true events. Yet, the competition cannot be made with cricket; they still stand on the emerging line of events, making the game a more inspired and influenced one.

Kabaddi

Despite Western influences of games like cricket and football, there are still several viewers who are still amazed at their regional and traditional level sports. And Kabaddi stands first in this case. Kabaddi is a traditional sport with a higher fan base among both the rural as well as urban populations, making it the most popular sport in India. Kabaddi is an interesting game with a higher number of viewer influences.

Which Is the Top Most Loved Sport in India?

Undoubtedly cricket has the highest fan base among the players overall in India.

The Royal Challengers Bangalore are one of the most demanding teams in the Indian Premier League.

Who Are the Biggest Rivalries of the RCB?

The greatest rivalries of the Royal Challengers Bangalore are;

  • Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

  • ​Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

  • Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

  • Mumbai Indians (MI)

Despite every emerging sport, cricket stands first with undoubtedly

increasing and emerging spirit among the players. Well, all these sports depict Indian culture and identity.

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