Sports have always been a big part of India’s culture, from street cricket in every neighborhood to cheering for the national team on TV. For millions of Indian families, switching on the television for a big sporting event is more than just entertainment—it’s a celebration. TV channels and live sports streaming apps have made it easy for fans to enjoy their favorite sports from the comfort of their homes. But which sports truly capture the hearts of Indian audiences? Let’s take a closer look at the top sports loved by Indians to watch on TV.
1. Cricket – The Undisputed King
When you talk about sports in India, cricket always comes first. For decades, it has dominated television screens across the country. Whether it’s a local T20 league, international test match, or the ICC World Cup, cricket matches attract massive viewership.
- Why Indians love cricket on TV:
- Easy to follow, with thrilling moments every over.
- International tournaments like the World Cup are treated as festivals.
- The IPL (Indian Premier League) combines cricket with glamour, entertainment, and suspense, keeping families glued to the screen.
Cricket has become more than just a game—it’s a unifying force. From kids to grandparents, everyone enjoys watching their favorite players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, or MS Dhoni perform on live TV.
2. Football – The Rising Star
Football has been steadily gaining popularity in India. European leagues like the English Premier League (EPL), La Liga, and UEFA Champions League have created a huge fan base. On top of that, India’s own Indian Super League (ISL) has added a local flavor.
- Why football attracts Indian viewers:
- Fast-paced and action-packed, keeping fans excited until the final whistle.
- Popular global stars like Messi, Ronaldo, and Neymar have massive fan followings in India.
- ISL has brought stars closer to Indian fans and created loyalty for home teams like Kerala Blasters, Bengaluru FC, and ATK Mohun Bagan.
For young Indians, especially in urban areas, watching football late at night on TV has become a common routine.
3. Kabaddi – A Traditional Sport with a Modern Twist
Kabaddi may be a traditional Indian game, but with the launch of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), it has found new life on TV. PKL has turned kabaddi into a prime-time spectacle, attracting millions of viewers each season.
- Why kabaddi is popular on TV:
- The game is easy to understand and filled with intense action.
- Short matches fit perfectly into a busy lifestyle.
- Strong regional connect—teams represent states and cities, building fan loyalty.
Kabaddi combines strength, strategy, and speed, making it a thrilling watch for Indian audiences.
4. Badminton – The Sport of Champions
Thanks to players like PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal, and Kidambi Srikanth, badminton has become one of the most-watched sports on TV in India. International tournaments such as the BWF World Championships and the Olympics attract high TRP ratings.
- Why badminton is loved:
- Fast rallies keep viewers engaged.
- Success of Indian players on the world stage has boosted interest.
- Short matches make it easy for TV audiences to follow.
With India consistently producing world-class badminton talent, this sport is becoming a household favorite.
5. Hockey – The National Game
Field hockey holds a special place in India’s sports history. Once the country’s most successful sport internationally, hockey still finds dedicated TV audiences, especially during events like the Hockey World Cup and the Olympics.
- Why hockey still shines on TV:
- Nostalgia and pride—India’s golden era of hockey is unforgettable.
- Matches are high-paced, offering continuous action.
- National team’s recent successes in men’s and women’s hockey have renewed fan interest.
Though not as dominant as cricket, hockey continues to be a proud part of India’s sports identity.
6. Wrestling – A Mix of Tradition and Modern Appeal
Wrestling has always been popular in Indian villages, but with TV coverage of international events like the Olympics, Asian Games, and leagues like the Pro Wrestling League (PWL), it has gained mainstream appeal.
- Why Indians watch wrestling on TV:
- The success of wrestlers like Sushil Kumar, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia.
- Relatable to rural and urban audiences alike.
- Combines power, technique, and passion.
Wrestling is deeply rooted in Indian culture, and TV has helped showcase it to wider audiences.
7. Tennis – A Growing Fan Favorite
Tennis has a strong following among urban Indian viewers. Grand Slam tournaments like Wimbledon, US Open, French Open, and Australian Open attract fans who admire legends like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Serena Williams. Indian doubles stars like Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, and Sania Mirza have also boosted its popularity.
- Why tennis is loved in India:
- Global appeal with legendary rivalries.
- Glamorous tournaments broadcast in high quality.
- Indian representation at the international level.
Though niche compared to cricket, tennis continues to have a loyal TV audience.
8. Athletics – The Olympic Connection
Athletics gains major TV viewership during events like the Olympics, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games. The success of Neeraj Chopra in javelin has sparked massive interest in track and field sports in recent years.
- Why athletics works on TV:
- Indians rally behind athletes representing the nation.
- Events like sprinting, long jump, and throwing events are short but highly exciting.
- Patriotism and pride amplify the viewing experience.
Whenever Indian athletes compete on the world stage, TV viewership soars.
9. Esports – The New-Age Phenomenon
With the rise of gaming culture, esports has started to attract Indian audiences, especially among the younger generation. Esports tournaments in games like PUBG, Free Fire, and DOTA 2 are streamed live and watched on TV channels and streaming platforms.
- Why esports is trending on TV:
- Connects with youth who are already gaming enthusiasts.
- Big prize pools and international recognition.
- Easy accessibility through TV and digital platforms.
Esports is expected to grow massively in India, and TV broadcasts are helping it reach mainstream status.
10. Basketball – An Emerging Sport
The NBA has made basketball popular in India, with more and more fans tuning in to watch matches. The speed, athleticism, and showmanship of basketball attract a younger urban audience.
- Why basketball has TV potential:
- Fast, high-scoring matches are exciting to watch.
- Influence of global stars like LeBron James and Stephen Curry.
- NBA’s active promotion in India is expanding its reach.
Though still developing, basketball is steadily climbing the ladder of popularity in India.
Television has been the biggest driver of sports culture in India. From cricket’s emotional dominance to football’s rising popularity, kabaddi’s revival, and even the entry of esports, Indians love watching a wide variety of sports on TV. Each sport brings its own flavor—cricket unites, football excites, kabaddi connects to roots, badminton inspires, and athletics sparks national pride.
As live broadcasts and digital streaming continue to expand, sports viewership in India will only grow. Whether it’s cheering for Virat Kohli’s six, Messi’s goal, PV Sindhu’s smash, or Neeraj Chopra’s throw, one thing is clear: sports on TV will always be close to Indian hearts.
