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Top 10 Popular Sports in India 2023

India is a sporting nation. Several sports have raised the country’s flag in regional and international forums. As a home to a variety of cultures and traditions, sports is one of the oldest. It has successfully brought people together. People are not only into playing and spectating, but they also engage in sports betting. Several […]

India is a sporting nation. Several sports have raised the country’s flag in regional and international forums. As a home to a variety of cultures and traditions, sports is one of the oldest. It has successfully brought people together. People are not only into playing and spectating, but they also engage in sports betting. Several bookmakers are offering a variety of markets in the country. Among the popular platforms are the Trusted betting sites in India. They have attracted a huge number of punters for their reliability, handsome incentives, and the variety of markets that they offer. As the question “is betting legal in India” continues to elicit mixed reactions, especially on issues surrounding betting meaning, the number of platforms offering various odds has risen in the recent past. Experts have pointed out the popularity of sports in India as one of the main factors towards this development. So which sports as per the experts’ sentiment may have fueled this growth? In this article, we attempt to shed light on ten popular sports in India in 2023. 

1. Cricket

When you mention cricket, one country that comes to mind is India. Indeed, India is a powerhouse. The sport is not just popular; it is a lifestyle. As Kate Richardson, a betting analyst who has written several reviews on cricket and sports betting in India puts it, it is one of the most popular sports in the country. Fans flock to cricket stadiums and punters are always following their favorite teams to wager on their performance.

In her reviews, she describes cricket as an emotion for India where popular cricketers are seen as gods. One cricketer Sachin Tendulkar is a perfect example as stated by Kate, his lifetime achievement has made him be equated to a god. Kate describes these achievements as rare, you will not find them in any other sport. If you are interested in reading Kate Richardson’s reviews and profile, click here. Back to the cricket game and its popularity in India, it is interesting to learn that the game did not start here. It was introduced by the British but Indian adopted it with love and here we are now, the country is the powerhouse.

No other country has recorded great success in this game than India. Over the years fans have been treated to spectacular performances. In 2023, the 13th Cricket World cup, one of the major championships in the sport will be held in India. Going by the expectation, this will be an exciting tournament. Fans cannot wait for February, there is already excitement, similar to what was Qatar 2022.

2.Football

While India is not on the list of the top football nations, the country ranks as one of the largest fan bases. The number of people following football events is far much higher than in any other country. Also, several people engage in the game for fun. The national football team is currently ranked at position 105 an improvement from the previous rankings. Although the national team has not done well in the international arena, Indian football fans have not lost hope in the game, they have continued to follow the action elsewhere with European leagues being the favorite.

3.Badminton

It may not be as popular as Cricket and football but the sport has won the hearts of many Indians. The game has become popular in the country with a significant number of players have made it to international events. Locally, the game is played throughout the year both for competition and leisure purposes.  

4.Archery

Archery is a popular sporting activity in India. People not only engage in it for recreational purposes but also in local and international competitions. Ever since the game was formalized in 1973, India has been sending powerful teams into international competitions and the country has produced some of the best players in the world.

5.Boxing

Indian boxers have taken the world by storm; they have dominated international fixtures including the Asian and Commonwealth Games. The boxers have achieved tremendous success, especially in Amateur boxing. Among the big names in boxing include:

6.Hockey

Indian field hockey team has been one of the most successful in the world. The team has won several titles including in the major world tournaments. Also, the game is played and watched by a significant number of people, both as a leisure and competitive sport.

7.Golf 

Although it is not played by the masses, the sport remains popular among rich people. Indian players such as Jeev Singh and Anirban Lahiri have participated in different tournaments worldwide and have brought home several titles including European and Asian tours. The game is not just a preserve of players, a significant number of people also engage in betting where they wager on their favorite games and players.

8.Gymnastics

Although it is not widely played, the game draws huge attention. Many people flock to gymnasiums to watch athletes engage in their actions. Indian players have brought home several medals from major regional and global events.

9. Kabaddi

You may not have heard about the sport but in India, it is a household name. Although some years back it had been overtaken by hockey and badminton in terms of popularity in the country, Kabaddi has slowly reclaimed its position and is now recognized among the traditional games in India.

10.Basketball

Basketball is such a popular game that it is played in schools and on the streets. The national teams have continued to perform well in international tournaments. 

Sports will continue to be a major part of India in 2023 and beyond. It is intertwined with its traditions and culture. Likewise, the number of people participating in sports betting will continue to rise as they combine the fun that is brought by spectating and the thrill that is provided by wagering on a favorite team.

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