Sports play a significant role in shaping a nation’s cultural identity and fostering a sense of national pride. In a diverse country like India, with its rich history and traditions, numerous sports have gained immense popularity over time. From traditional games embedded in the country’s heritage to globally renowned sports, India boasts a wide range of athletic activities that captivate millions of enthusiasts. In this blog post, we will explore the most popular sports in India based on statistics, delving into the passion, fervor, and unparalleled following that these sports command in the country. Join us as we unravel the numbers behind India’s sporting landscape and discover the games that have captured the hearts of millions.
The Latest Most Popular Sports In India Statistics Explained
Cricket is the most popular sport in India, followed by football and kabaddi, as per an IFSG-KPMG report.
The statistic refers to the findings of a report conducted by the Indian Federation of Sports Gaming (IFSG) and KPMG, which highlight the popularity of different sports in India. According to the report, cricket is the most popular sport in the country, followed by football and kabaddi. This suggests that cricket has the largest fan base and attracts the most attention, viewership, and participation in India. Football and kabaddi rank below cricket but are still considered significant sports in terms of popularity. The statistic indicates the hierarchy of sports preferences among the Indian population, providing insight into their sporting interests and preferences.
According to a 2020 survey, 54.4% of Indians are cricket fans.
According to a survey conducted in 2020, 54.4% of people in India identified themselves as cricket fans. This statistic suggests that a significant majority of the Indian population has an interest in cricket, indicating the popularity and widespread appeal of the sport in the country. This information provides insights into the cultural significance and influence of cricket in India, highlighting its importance as a national pastime and form of entertainment.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) had an average of 8.34 million viewers per match in 2020.
The statistic “The Indian Premier League (IPL) had an average of 8.34 million viewers per match in 2020” means that, on average, there were approximately 8.34 million people who watched each match of the IPL during the year 2020. This statistic provides insight into the popularity and level of viewership of the IPL, suggesting that it was able to capture the attention of a significant audience.
The Pro Kabaddi League in India recorded a viewership of 328 million in 2019.
The statistic “The Pro Kabaddi League in India recorded a viewership of 328 million in 2019” refers to the total number of people who watched the Pro Kabaddi League matches in India during the year 2019. This viewership figure indicates the popularity and engagement levels of the league among the Indian audience. With 328 million viewers, the league had a significant reach and showcased its ability to attract a large and diverse fan base, making it one of the most-watched sporting events in India during that year.
More than 40% viewers of sports in India are women, based on a report by GroupM.
According to a report by GroupM, more than 40% of viewers who watch sports in India are women. This statistic implies that a significant proportion of the audience watching sports in India consists of females. This finding challenges the common perception that sports viewership in India is predominantly male-oriented. The substantial presence of women as sports viewers suggests a growing interest and active engagement of females in the sports industry, potentially indicating a shift in gender dynamics and breaking traditional stereotypes.
Football is the second most popular sport in India, with an estimated 155 million viewers in 2020.
This statistic indicates that football is the sport with the second-highest level of popularity in India. It states that around 155 million people in India watched football in 2020, making it a widely viewed sport in the country. This figure reflects the number of individuals who engaged with football through various platforms such as television, streaming services, and online platforms. With these high viewership figures, football emerges as a significant and influential sport in Indian society, garnering substantial attention and interest among the population.
The average viewership of the Indian Super League in 2021 was over 1.36 million.
The statistic “The average viewership of the Indian Super League in 2021 was over 1.36 million” indicates that, on average, more than 1.36 million people watched the Indian Super League matches throughout the year. This statistic provides an insight into the popularity and level of interest the Indian Super League generated among viewers in 2021. It suggests that a substantial number of people engaged with the league, highlighting its appeal and potential reach as an entertainment and sporting event.
India possesses the highest number of Chess Grandmasters in Asia, with 66 Grandmasters as of March 2021.
The statistic signifies that India has the largest number of Chess Grandmasters in the continent of Asia. This indicates that India has produced a remarkable number of highly skilled and accomplished chess players who hold the prestigious title of Grandmaster. As of March 2021, there were a total of 66 Grandmasters in India. This statistic highlights India’s strong presence and dominance in the chess world and underscores the country’s success in nurturing and developing talented chess players.
According to a Nielson report from 2020, 26% of children indicated badminton as a sport they play regularly.
According to a Nielson report from 2020, 26% of children surveyed reported that they play badminton as a sport regularly. This statistic suggests that a significant portion of children engage in badminton as part of their physical activities. The report provides valuable insights into the popularity and participation rates of this particular sport among children.
Wrestling is the most successful sport for India in Olympics history with 5 medals.
The statistic “Wrestling is the most successful sport for India in Olympics history with 5 medals” means that out of all the sports that Indian athletes have competed in at the Olympic Games, wrestling has been the most successful in terms of winning medals. India has earned a total of five medals in wrestling, which is more than any other sport that Indian athletes have participated in at the Olympics. This statistic highlights the historical success and significance of wrestling in the Indian Olympic context.
38% of the Indian population watched the IPL 2021.
The statistic “38% of the Indian population watched the IPL 2021” suggests that approximately 38% of the entire population of India viewed the Indian Premier League (IPL) matches in 2021. This implies that a significant proportion of the country’s population, which is known for its passion for cricket, was engaged in watching the prestigious cricket event. The statistic highlights the popularity and wide-reaching impact of the IPL, showcasing its ability to captivate a large portion of the Indian population.
80% of India’s sports sponsorship spend in 2020 was directed towards Cricket.
In 2020, a significant portion of India’s sports sponsorship budget, specifically 80%, was allocated towards the sport of Cricket. This suggests that Cricket enjoyed a substantial share of financial support and investment from various organizations and companies involved in sports sponsorship in India. The statistic highlights the immense popularity and relevance of Cricket within the Indian sporting landscape, as well as the significant financial backing it receives compared to other sports in the country.
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2020-2021 season saw an increase in viewership by 16% in comparison to the previous season.
The statistic states that the viewership for the Indian Super League (ISL) during the 2020-2021 season increased by 16% compared to the previous season. This means that the number of people watching ISL matches on television or through online streaming platforms grew by 16%. It indicates a positive trend for the popularity of the league, suggesting that more people were interested in and tuning in to watch ISL matches during the 2020-2021 season than in the previous season.
According to Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC), Cricket accounted for 85% of the total sports viewership in India in the year 2020.
The statistics from the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) reveal that cricket was the most popular sport among viewers in India during the year 2020. It accounted for a significant 85% of the total sports viewership in the country. This suggests that cricket had a dominant presence in terms of audience engagement, indicating high levels of interest and viewership for cricket matches compared to other sports.
The 2020 Indian Premier League (IPL) witnessed a total of 405 million viewers on television.
The statistic “The 2020 Indian Premier League (IPL) witnessed a total of 405 million viewers on television” indicates the number of people who watched the IPL matches on television during the year 2020. This figure suggests a significant level of interest and popularity surrounding the tournament, as it attracted a large audience across India. The IPL is one of the most-watched cricket leagues globally, and this statistic highlights its wide reach and appeal among cricket fans and viewers alike.
60% of the people in India who watch sports in India, watch it on their TV.
The statistic states that out of all the individuals who watch sports in India, 60% of them prefer to do so through their television sets. This suggests that the television remains the most popular medium for consuming sports content among the Indian population. This statistic indicates a significant reliance on TV as the preferred platform for accessing sports programming in India.
70% of India’s total sports industry revenue in 2019 came from cricket sponsorships and advertisements.
The statistic states that in 2019, a significant majority of the sports industry revenue in India, specifically 70%, was generated through sponsorships and advertisements related to cricket. This indicates that cricket holds a dominant position in terms of generating financial support and investment within the Indian sports sector. It implies that cricket is not only popular as a sport but also as a commercial entity, potentially attracting a substantial amount of funding and corporate interest.
Hockey viewership has increased by 10% during 2021.
The statistic “Hockey viewership has increased by 10% during 2021” means that the number of people watching hockey games during the year 2021 has gone up by 10% compared to the previous year or period. This indicates a positive trend and suggests that more people are showing interest in watching hockey matches. The increase in viewership could be attributed to various factors such as the popularity of the sport, marketing efforts, exciting matchups, or other external factors that have captured the attention of a larger audience.
A study made by KPMG in partnership with CII indicates football viewership in India has increased by 30% since 2016.
The statistic states that a study conducted by KPMG in collaboration with CII (Confederation of Indian Industry) reveals that the number of people watching football in India has grown by 30% since 2016. This implies that there has been a significant rise in the audience who actively engage with football as a sport and its associated events on television. The findings suggest that more Indians are now interested in watching football, indicating a potential growth in the popularity of the sport within the country.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the statistics clearly show that cricket is the most popular sport in India. Its overwhelming fan following and the huge revenue generated by the Indian Premier League (IPL) are testament to its unrivaled popularity. Football, despite its comparatively smaller fan base, has been steadily gaining ground in recent years. The success of the Indian Super League (ISL) and the increased participation in international tournaments signify the potential for football to become a major force in the Indian sports landscape. Other sports like kabaddi, hockey, and badminton also enjoy a significant fan following and have produced world-class athletes. Overall, the statistics highlight the rich sporting culture of India and the immense passion and enthusiasm of its people for a wide variety of sports.
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