What Are Some Popular Sports in India?

India is a land of diversity, and this is reflected in its people and their interests. While cricket is by far the most popular sport in India, there are a number of other sports that are enjoyed by the people of this great country. Here is a look at some of the most popular sports in India.

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Cricket

Cricket is one of the most popular sports in India and is played all over the country, from the streets to the professional level. The game is believed to have originated in England, but it has been adopted by many cultures all over the world, including India.

Cricket is played between two teams of eleven players each. The game is played on a large field, usually grassy, with a set of three wickets (a set of stumps and bails) at each end. The batsman defends the wickets at one end while his team-mates bowl deliveries (pitches) from the other end. The aim of the game is to score runs by hitting the ball and running between the wickets, and to prevent the opposing team from scoring runs.

The game is played in a number of different formats, but the most popular form in India is Test cricket. Test cricket is played between two national teams over a period of five days, with each team playing two innings (an innings is a turn batting or bowling). One-day cricket and Twenty20 cricket are also popular forms of the game, and are played over shorter periods of time.

Football

Football is one of the most popular sports in India. The game is played between two teams of eleven players each and is played with a round ball. It is believed that Football was first played in India in the late nineteenth century by British soldiers. The sport gained popularity in the country soon after and today, there are many football leagues and clubs in India.

Kabaddi

Kabaddi is a popular sport in India that is often compared to rugby. Two teams face off against each other, with each team trying to score points by sending one player across the field to tag as many members of the opposing team as possible. Kabaddi is a physical, fast-paced game that requires split-second decisions.

Tennis

Tennis is one of the most popular sports in India and has been gaining in popularity in recent years. The game is played on a rectangular court with a net stretched across the middle. The objective is to hit the ball over the net and into the opponent’s court. Players use a racket to hit the ball, and can serve, volley, or play groundstrokes.

Tennis is a popular sport for all ages and skill levels. There are many tennis clubs and facilities throughout India, and the sport is also played in schools and universities. Tennis events are held annually, including the Indian Open, which is part of the ATP World Tour.

Badminton

Badminton is a popular sport in India that can be played both indoors and outdoors. It is a racquet sport that is similar to tennis, but with a lighter Racquet and Shuttlecock. Badminton is usually played with two opposing players or teams of two players each. The player or team who hits the Shuttlecock over the net and into their opponent’s court wins the rally. The first player or team to reach 21 points wins the game.

Table Tennis

Table tennis, also known as ping-pong, is a popular sport in India. It is played with a small, round bat and a lightweightball. The game can be played indoors or outdoors. Table tennis is a great way to stay active and have fun.

Squash

Squash is a racquet sport played by two (singles) or four players (doubles) in a four-walled court with a small, hollow rubber ball. The players must alternate in striking the ball with their racquet and hit the ball onto the playable surfaces of the four walls of the court. The objective of the game is to hit the ball in such a way that your opponent(s) cannot play a valid return. A point is scored when a player fails to return the ball within the rules and it is now impossible for his opponent(s) to return it. The sport can be traced back to pre-Victorian England, with an early form of the game being played at Harrow School.

Boxing

Boxing is a popular sport in India, with a long and rich history. The sport is governed by the Indian Boxing Federation, which was founded in 1951. Boxing has been included in the Asian Games since 1951, and has been an Olympic sport since 1904. India has won a total of 20 medals in boxing at the Olympic Games, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games.

Volleyball

Volleyball is one of the most popular sports in India and is played at both the amateur and professional levels. The sport is governed by the Volleyball Federation of India (VFI), which is a member of the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) and the International Volleyball Federation (IVF).

VFI was founded in 1951, and its first president was G.D. Sondhi. The sport has been played in India since the early 20th century, but it wasn’t until the 1950s that it began to gain popularity. Indian men’s and women’s teams have participated in several international tournaments, including the Asian Games, South Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games.

There are several domestic competitions held in India each year, including the Senior National Volleyball Championship, which is contested by 24 teams from all over the country. The Indian men’s team has won the championship a record 15 times, while the women’s team has won it 5 times.

Horse Racing

Horse racing is one of the most popular sports in India. It is also one of the oldest, with a history dating back to the times of the Mughal Empire. Today, horse racing is held across the country, with some of the biggest events taking place in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru and Kolkata.