The 7 Most Popular Sports in India and How Long They Have Been Played

Source：AZ Animals Time：January 4, 2024

India has a great culture and history. There are so many things to do and explore. Like other Asian countries like China and Japan, there are many sports with a great history.

To analyze what are the seven most popular sports in India, you need to see how long they have been around. Additionally, you should see who is watching and who is playing.

7. Tennis

The 7 Most Popular Sports in India and How Long They Have Been Played — India loves tennis, as the sport has been around the country since the 1880s.
©kireewong foto/Shutterstock.com

India has won 11 medals over the years, including one bronze medal in the Olympic Games in tennis.

You will not go far in India without finding a tennis court. People in the country love tennis. The British Empire took the sport to India in the early 1800s. Now, it remains one of the most popular sports in India and continues to succeed today. India also has a website that tracks its players from around the world and allows people to see how their country’s best players are doing.

6. Wrestling

Wrestling is one of the oldest sports in India and has been around since ancient times.

When we talk about wrestling, we are not referencing WWE. But that is also popular in India, as there are several superstars currently on the roster and 4 million viewers in the last year. No, we are talking about the real thing, the mat-based, technique-involved freestyle sport. India hosts the World Wrestling Championships, where people come out from all over the world to participate. People from India watch the events on FloWrestling and other websites.

5. Soccer/Football

India did not see football until the 19th Century, but it has continued to grow over the years.

India builds stadiums for several sports. Significantly, football is one of them. The Indian Football Federation has spent decades trying to make football a big thing in the country. It has worked to build some steam. Currently, the country has four football leagues. India also hosts many tournaments. India has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup. However, they made it to the 2019 Asian Cup. They even won a game. Despite the lack of success from the national team, football remains one of the most popular sports in India.

4. Badminton

Badminton came to India in 1867 as British colonists introduced the game to the country.

India loves badminton. The sport is fun to play. Likewise, you get to hit a birdie across the court while running back and forth. The Badminton Association of India keeps track of some of the best players in the country. Additionally, people have streaming sites in India that allow them to keep track of the sport. People also enjoy playing the sport. Ultimately, you can play it indoors or outside.

3. Field Hockey

There is some disagreement about when field hockey began in India, but many believe it started around the 18th century.

Canada has iced hockey. Conversely, India has field hockey. Field hockey came to India around the 18th century. In the years since it has become huge. The Official Website of Hockey tracks the results and stats of the national team. Additionally, it also provides information about the tournaments, coaches, officials, and other important information related to field hockey. It continually makes its mark as one of the most popular sports in India.

2. Kabaddi

One of the original sports of India, Kabaddi, started in 1930.

The best sports are sports that started in this country. Therefore, Kabaddi had to make this list. Kabaddi started in 1930. It involves seven players on each side trying to score more points. The goal is for one player to “raid” the other side of the field while yelling “Kabaddi” and tagging one of the other seven players with some part of their body and running away back to your side without being touched.

The Raiders must get back to their side without being tackled, or they lose the point. Kabaddi is a fun game that can bring out the best in everyone and is similar to the game known as ‘tag.’ It is the definite game of India and one of the most popular games ever played in the country.

1. Cricket

The English introduced the game of Cricket to this country in the late 1700s.

Cricket is the most cherished sport in all of India. It is also possibly the inspiration for baseball, which makes it even more legendary. India has built entire stadiums for the sport of Cricket. Also, they have devised tournaments and plenty of resources. There is even a Cricket World Cup. Somehow, despite its popularity, the national team has only the World Cup twice. Regardless, it is still the most-watched sport in the country, with over 25 million viewers, according to PlayToday. Cricket continues to reign supreme and is one of the top sports in the world thanks to the efforts of India.