India is a huge country with a population of well over 1.3 billion, more than twice as many as live in the whole of Europe. Despite this, the country is not well known in the world of sport – at least not internationally. So, what is the country’s relationship with sport? What is popular in the country and what is the interest among young people in sport?
Here, we take a look at the seven of the most popular sports you will find Indians going crazy for!
Cricket
We cannot start the list with Indias well-loved cricket. Cricket is loved all over the country, and you can find it being played casually from small groups in schools, all the way to the sports being played professionally at International Test games against some of the greatest cricket players in the world. India has also produced some of the best cricket players worldwide and is one of the giants in the world cup.
Needless to say, cricket is the favourite sport at some of the best betting sites in India, like those you find here https://www.sportsbetting24.in/betting-sites/.
Field Hockey
Field hockey is one of Indias national sports and the professional teams always do great playing at an international level. India has enjoyed countless medals over the years, including 8 golds straight from the Olympics. Both men and women teams represent India equally well when they step out on the pitch and start playing.
Football
While it is one of the most popular sports around the world, football is the second most popular sport in India. Just like cricket, football is well-loved by Indians, and you will frequently find football matches being aired on TV, whether these are Indian games or international ones. By taking a look at the football odds on popular betting sites in India, you can also see how games are progressing. While the national India team might not position itself very well, India has had the privilege of hosting other teams, thanks to the
Tennis
The Grand Slams have never taken place in India. However, there is still plenty to offer when it comes to the competitive game of tennis in India. It is very popular amongst the youth of the country and it is also played in many schools. The single tournaments are not the forte of Indian players. However, they can certainly hold a good game in doubles and mixed doubles.
Badminton
While football and field hockey are watched more in the country, badminton is the second most played sport by Indian players. The sport is managed by the Badminton Association of India and you can find some amazing players who know how to play the game very well. India has picked up several medals at the Olympics for badminton.
Basketball
Basketball in India is heavily played in high schools, colleges, and universities. As one can see, it is mostly popular with the younger generation and it is played by both men and women. Currently, Indian basketball follows FIBA International Basketball Federation rules when organising basketball championships.
Chess
In the last two decades, chess has been one of the most popular sports in India. This is due to the chess Grandmaster and former World Champion, Viswanathan Anand. Anand is considered a hero in India and his rise in the game of chess has inspired a whole generation of youngsters to take up the game of chess.
There you have it the seven top sports that Indians love to play and follow. Indians love their sports and, any chance they get, they will either play or watch their favourite games. We believe that cricket will always take the spotlight for Indias most-loved sports, but others have come a close second many times.
Disclaimer:
- As per the Public Gambling Act of 1867, all Indian states, except Goa, Daman and Sikkim, prohibit gambling
- Land-based casinos are legalized, with certain guidelines, in Goa and Daman, as per the Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act 1976
- Land-based casinos, Online gambling and E-gaming (games of chance) are legalized in Sikkim under the Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulation) Rules 2009
- Only some Indian states have legalized online/regular lotteries as per and subject to the conditions laid down by state laws. Kindly refer to the same here
- Horse racing and betting on horse racing, including online betting, is permitted only in a licensed premise in select states. Kindly refer to the 1996 Judgement by the Supreme Court Of India here and for more information
- This article does not endorse or express the views of Qrius and/or any of its staff.