There’s More to Sport Than Just Cricket in India
India, the land of cricket fanatics, is often seen through the lens of its obsession with the game. The sport, with its deep-rooted connection to the country’s culture, has enjoyed an unrivaled dominance for decades. Yet, beyond cricket, India is brimming with a variety of sports, each with its own growing following, history, and potential. While cricket may command the lion’s share of attention, there’s a rapidly emerging landscape where sports like football, kabaddi, hockey, badminton, wrestling, and more are carving their own space, slowly but surely. These sports, though often overshadowed by cricket, have the potential to shape the future of Indian sports culture and entertainment.
The Cricket Obsession: The Status Quo
Cricket is the undisputed king of sports in India. From the Indian Premier League (IPL), which attracts millions of viewers globally, to the national team’s performances in ODIs, T20s, and Tests, the sport dominates headlines, stadiums, and public conversations. With cricketing legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and MS Dhoni achieving iconic status, the sport’s presence is undeniable.
The passion for cricket in India is not just a pastime but a cultural phenomenon. Every match is a nationwide event, and the excitement reaches its peak during major tournaments like the World Cup or IPL. It’s easy to see why cricket is often seen as the heartbeat of Indian sports. The extensive media coverage, sponsorship deals, and fanfare only amplify the game’s visibility, making it the go-to sport for fans and the primary source of entertainment for millions.
However, this overwhelming focus on cricket sometimes leads to the neglect of other sports that have equal potential to grow and inspire. While cricket has helped foster a robust sports culture in India, it has also resulted in the overshadowing of diverse talents across other disciplines. This is where the time has come for India to embrace and elevate sports beyond cricket.
The Growing Popularity of Football
Football has steadily gained popularity in India, particularly with the launch of the Indian Super League (ISL) in 2014. The league’s innovative format, along with marquee players and international coaches, has helped the sport carve out its niche in the hearts of fans. Cities like Kolkata, Goa, Bengaluru, and Kerala have seen passionate football fanbases, and the rise of clubs like ATK Mohun Bagan, Kerala Blasters, and Bengaluru FC has only amplified the demand for football content.
In addition to the ISL, India’s national team has had moments of pride, with the team’s performance in regional tournaments like the SAFF Championship and its steady rise in the FIFA rankings. Indian football, while not yet at the level of countries like Brazil or Germany, has enormous potential to grow with the right infrastructure, coaching, and investment.
Moreover, global tournaments such as the English Premier League (EPL) and La Liga have massive followings in India, with millions tuning in to watch matches and keep up with their favorite international clubs. As football continues to rise in India, it is only a matter of time before the sport becomes a mainstream force alongside cricket.
Kabaddi: The Hidden Gem
For centuries, kabaddi has been a part of Indian culture, especially in rural areas. Yet, its modern avatar in the form of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) has turned it into a professional sport with a rapidly growing fanbase. Kabaddi, with its unique combination of physicality, strategy, and speed, has managed to capture the imagination of fans across the country.
The PKL has successfully brought kabaddi to urban areas, with teams representing cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Jaipur. The league has attracted sponsorships from major brands and has garnered millions of viewers. The success of PKL is indicative of how sports that are deeply entrenched in Indian culture can undergo a transformation, making them attractive to the masses in a more structured, competitive format.
Kabaddi’s rise is a perfect example of how India can tap into traditional sports and give them the global exposure they deserve. If leveraged well, kabaddi has the potential to rival other sports in popularity and could one day be viewed as one of the major sporting spectacles in India.
Hockey: A Legacy of Glory
India’s love affair with hockey has a long and rich history. With eight Olympic gold medals and numerous international titles to its name, India was once the undisputed king of the sport. However, in recent decades, hockey has seen a decline in popularity, largely overshadowed by the rise of cricket.
Despite these challenges, there has been a resurgence in interest in Indian hockey, driven by the performances of the national team in international tournaments like the Hockey World Cup, Asian Games, and the Pro Hockey League. Players like Sardar Singh, Manpreet Singh, and Rani Rampal have become national heroes, reinvigorating the sport and inspiring a new generation of hockey players.
With India’s strong history in hockey, it is only natural that the sport should regain its status. Through a combination of improved grassroots development, better infrastructure, and corporate sponsorship, hockey in India can thrive once again. There is immense potential for India to emerge as a dominant force in global hockey, and fans are beginning to take notice.
Badminton: The Silent Giant
India has recently experienced significant success in badminton, with players like PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal, Kidambi Srikanth, and Lakshya Sen making a mark on the world stage. India’s badminton players have consistently performed well in Olympic Games, World Championships, and Asian Games, and their achievements have garnered widespread attention.
While badminton has not yet reached the level of mainstream recognition enjoyed by cricket, it’s clear that it’s steadily gaining ground. With the rise of leagues like the Premier Badminton League (PBL), the sport has become more accessible to Indian fans, and its viewership is steadily growing. The success of Indian players in international tournaments has also provided a massive boost to the sport’s popularity.
Badminton’s appeal lies in its accessibility, as it’s a sport that can be played in urban and rural areas alike. With the right infrastructure and investment, badminton has the potential to become one of the major sports in India, rivaling even cricket in terms of fan engagement and media coverage.
Wrestling: A Nation of Champions
Wrestling, particularly freestyle and greco-roman wrestling, has a deep cultural connection in India, with the country’s rich tradition of kushti (traditional wrestling) going back centuries. In modern times, wrestlers like Sushil Kumar, Yogeshwar Dutt, Vinesh Phogat, and Bajrang Punia have achieved global success and put India on the wrestling map.
The recent success of Indian wrestlers at the Olympics, World Championships, and other international events has reignited interest in the sport. Wrestling also holds a strong following in rural India, particularly in states like Haryana and Punjab. As the sport gains more attention, particularly through televised leagues like the Pro Wrestling League (PWL), it has the potential to attract a more urban audience as well.
The Road Ahead: Changing the Narrative
While cricket will always remain an integral part of India’s sporting culture, it is time to widen the lens and embrace the rich diversity of sports the country has to offer. The key to this transformation lies in creating platforms that allow non-cricket sports to thrive. From increasing grassroots development and better infrastructure to encouraging investment in sports leagues and improving media coverage, India has the potential to shape a future where multiple sports can coexist and flourish.
Furthermore, the government, corporate sponsors, and media must work together to elevate the profile of non-cricket sports. The growing digital consumption of sports content offers a golden opportunity to reach wider audiences. Documentaries, sports leagues, and grassroots initiatives can all play a pivotal role in reshaping how Indian sports are viewed and consumed.
India has an undeniable passion for sports, and with the right resources and strategic planning, there’s more to the country’s sports culture than just cricket. By championing and supporting diverse sports, India can not only create more opportunities for athletes but also build a rich sporting landscape that goes far beyond the boundaries of cricket.
