Cricket in India is more than just a sport; it is a passion that brings the nation together. From playing in the streets to watching international tournaments, cricket dominates the sports landscape. However, beyond cricket, India has a diverse range of sports that capture the interest of millions. So, what is the most popular sport in India after cricket?
While there isn’t a single definitive answer, several sports have gained traction, each with its unique appeal and growing fan base. In this article, we will explore the most popular sports in India after cricket, focusing on football, kabaddi, and field hockey, among others. We’ll also discuss factors such as viewership, participation rates, and regional preferences to understand their popularity.
Football: The Rising Giant
Football’s Popularity In India
Football, the world’s most popular sport, is rapidly growing in India. The sport enjoys a massive following, particularly in states like West Bengal, Kerala, Goa, and the North East. The Indian Super League (ISL) has been pivotal in boosting football’s popularity, attracting top international players and generating widespread fan engagement.
Key Statistics On Football’s Popularity
| Metric | Football in India |
|---|---|
| Number of Registered Players | Over 2 million |
| Most Popular Football League | Indian Super League (ISL) |
| Top Football Clubs | ATK Mohun Bagan, Kerala Blasters, Bengaluru FC |
| Most Popular Footballer | Sunil Chhetri |
| National Team Ranking | 104th in the FIFA World Rankings (as of 2023) |
The Indian national football team has made gradual progress, with players like Sunil Chhetri leading the charge. While the team has not yet reached the heights of global football powerhouses, its popularity continues to grow with each passing year. Moreover, European football (especially leagues like La Liga and Premier League) has a substantial fanbase in India, with millions following the international leagues.
Why Football Is Gaining Popularity
Global Influence: India’s young population is increasingly influenced by European football, with international stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi having a massive following.
Improved Infrastructure: With the development of football academies and stadiums, grassroots football is gaining traction, encouraging more young players to take up the sport.
Television and Digital Media: The broadcasting of major international football leagues and tournaments like the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Champions League has helped boost football’s viewership in India.
Kabaddi: India’s Traditional Sport
Kabaddi’s Popularity In India
Kabaddi, a sport that originated in ancient India, has been experiencing a revival in recent years. With the launch of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) in 2014, kabaddi has garnered massive attention. The league’s professional format and regional teams have sparked a fresh wave of interest, especially in states like Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
Key Statistics On Kabaddi’s Popularity
| Metric | Kabaddi in India |
|---|---|
| Number of Registered Players | Estimated 5 million |
| Most Popular League | Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) |
| Top Kabaddi Teams | U Mumba, Patna Pirates, Bengaluru Bulls |
| Most Popular Kabaddi Player | Pardeep Narwal, Ajay Thakur |
| National Team Achievements | Gold at the Asian Games 2010, 2014 |
Why Kabaddi Is So Popular
Cultural Significance: Kabaddi is deeply rooted in Indian culture, especially in rural areas where the sport is a traditional favorite. Its simplicity and low-cost nature make it accessible to people across the country.
Pro Kabaddi League: The PKL has revolutionized kabaddi’s appeal, bringing in star players and massive television viewership. The league has succeeded in bridging the gap between rural and urban sports culture.
National Pride: Kabaddi is one of the few sports in which India has consistently excelled on the global stage, particularly in the Asian Games and World Cup tournaments.
Field Hockey: A Historic Sport In India
Field Hockey’s Popularity In India
India’s national sport, field hockey, has a rich legacy of achievements, with India winning 8 Olympic gold medals in the sport (the most by any nation). Although field hockey’s popularity has somewhat declined in recent years, it still holds a significant place in the country’s sports culture, particularly in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
Key Statistics On Field Hockey’s Popularity
| Metric | Field Hockey in India |
|---|---|
| Number of Registered Players | Over 1 million |
| Most Popular Hockey League | Hockey India League (HIL) |
| Top Hockey Players | Manpreet Singh, Sardar Singh, PR Sreejesh |
| National Team Achievements | 8 Olympic Golds, 1 World Cup Gold |
Why Field Hockey Is Still Popular
Historical Legacy: India’s historical dominance in field hockey, especially during the mid-20th century, has left a lasting impression on fans. The achievements of players like Dhyan Chand are part of Indian sports folklore.
Success at International Events: India’s recent performances in major tournaments, such as the Tokyo Olympics 2020, where they won a bronze medal, have revived interest in the sport.
Grassroots Development: Field hockey still enjoys strong grassroots participation in rural and semi-urban areas, where it is often played informally by school children and youth clubs.
Other Popular Sports In India
Badminton
Badminton has become one of the most-watched sports in India, thanks to the success of players like PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal, and Kidambi Srikanth on the international stage. The Indian Badminton League (IBL) and India’s performance at the Badminton World Championships and Olympics have further propelled the sport’s growth.
| Metric | Badminton in India |
|---|---|
| Most Popular Player | PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal |
| Olympic Achievements | 2 Silver Medals (PV Sindhu) |
| Top National League | Premier Badminton League (PBL) |
Tennis
Tennis is another sport that has seen growing interest in India. While players like Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, and Sania Mirza have brought India recognition on the global tennis circuit, domestic leagues such as the Champions Tennis League (CTL) also contribute to the sport’s rise.
The Rise Of Multiple Sports In India
While cricket remains the undisputed king of sports in India, other sports such as football, kabaddi, and field hockey are gaining significant traction. Football is emerging as the most popular sport after cricket, driven by the global influence of European leagues and the growth of the Indian Super League. Kabaddi has a strong cultural connection and continues to thrive through the Pro Kabaddi League. Field hockey, though not as dominant as in the past, still commands respect due to its historical achievements.
India’s diverse sports ecosystem is evolving, with more fans turning to a variety of sports. With improved infrastructure, increasing media exposure, and the success of domestic leagues, it’s clear that sports other than cricket have bright futures in India.
While cricket remains at the forefront, the rise of these sports presents exciting opportunities for fans to explore and enjoy a wide range of athletic events.
Also Read: How To Calculate Batting Average In Cricket 2025?
