What are the most popular sports in India? It’s no big surprise that the most popular sport in India is cricket, followed by Kabaddi. Of course, you can bet on all the most popular sports in India at Betbolt (review), which offers great welcome bonuses and free spins that you can use for fun and to win huge prizes. So don’t hesitate and test your skills and predictions with Betbolt.
- Cricket (IPL) Cricket is by far the most beloved sport in India and is an integral part of the country’s culture. It was first introduced during British rule in India and has since become deeply embedded in the nation’s history and traditions. The Indian Premier League (IPL), a professional Twenty-20 cricket competition founded in 2008, is currently the most-attended cricket league in the world. According to data from Duff & Phelps, the brand value of the IPL in 2019 was US $6.7 billion. The league is widely followed by Indians and significantly contributes to the country’s economy. The league’s governing body, BCCI, reported that the 2015 season contributed ₹11.5 billion (US$160 million) to India’s GDP. The national cricket team has won some of the sport’s most prestigious trophies, including the 1983 Cricket World Cup, the 2007 ICC World Twenty20, the 2011 Cricket World Cup, and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. Matches between India and Pakistan are among the most-watched television broadcasts in the country.
- Kabaddi (PKL) Kabaddi is a sport native to the Indian subcontinent and has been popular for centuries. The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) is the premier competition in India. Launched in 2014, the PKL has gained immense popularity among fans and viewers. The inaugural season attracted 435 million TV viewers, second only to the Indian Premier League’s 552 million. Since then, Kabaddi has been the fastest-growing sport in India. From 2016 to 2017, the league increased its viewership by nearly 100 million people. The Pro Kabaddi League has even attracted more Indian viewers than the last football World Cup. Investments and sponsorship deals have been rising, as have player salaries. Additionally, India’s favorite indigenous sport is gaining traction outside the country.
- Football (ISL and I-League) Football (soccer) was introduced in India during the British colonial period. However, unlike cricket, Indian football has not yet achieved comparable success. India has never participated in the World Cup, although it was invited to the 1950 tournament but did not participate (legend has it that India refused because they were not allowed to play barefoot). Despite the lack of significant international success, football remains one of the most followed sports in India, popular both as a spectator and a participation sport. The Indian Super League (ISL) and I-League represent the top levels of competition in the country. Founded in 2013, the ISL does not employ promotion and relegation but is instead developing through expansion, similar to Major League Soccer in the USA.
- Badminton (PBL) Badminton is currently the second most played sport in India, right after cricket, and it has been growing in terms of TV viewership. India has seen some international success, with players such as Saina Nehwal, Srikanth Kidambi, and Pusarla Venkata Sindhu ranking among the world’s top players. The Premier Badminton League (PBL), the country’s top competition, has been attracting an increasing number of viewers. In 2019, the TV viewership of PBL games soared to a record 155 million, up from 42 million the previous year.
- Field Hockey (HIL) Considered by many to be the national game of India, field hockey has long been one of the most popular sports in the country. The Hockey India League (HIL) is one of the most followed major sports leagues in India. Founded in 2013, the league currently consists of six teams, each playing 10 games during a two-month regular season, followed by playoffs.
