Popular Sports to Play in India

Published on October 2, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

India, a vast country of striking contrasts, offers a rich array of captivating sports that fascinate and unite a passionate population. From the contagious fervor of cricket, elevated to the status of a religion, to ancient martial arts like kabaddi and kalaripayattu, each discipline tells the story and cultural diversity of this nation.

Through this article, explore how these iconic sports not only shape the country’s athletic identity but also the social bonds among different communities, and discover why getting introduced to these practices can be an unforgettable experience for enthusiasts of thrills and cultural discoveries.

Most Popular Sports in India

Cricket overwhelmingly dominates the Indian sports landscape, with approximately 462 million fans and a viewership rate reaching 93% of sports audiences. It benefits from exceptional infrastructure such as the National Cricket Academy and massive media coverage via the Indian Premier League (IPL). Figures like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli have elevated this sport to a cultural phenomenon, influencing Indian youth and stimulating government initiatives to promote access to academies and amateur practice.

Kabaddi, a long-marginalized traditional sport, is experiencing a meteoric rise thanks to the Pro Kabaddi League which attracts about 30 million fans. Supported by the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India, it now benefits from a strong network of local clubs as well as institutional support for its development in rural schools. The emergence of national stars has helped restore kabaddi to the heart of Indian sports heritage.

Soccer, followed by nearly 20% of the population, is gradually gaining ground in major metropolises, especially due to modernized infrastructure (renovated stadiums), a growing Indian Super League, and the impact of European leagues on urban youth. Public investments also aim to democratize its practice across the country.

Regarding badminton, it is estimated to gather nearly 150 million annual viewers in India. The creation of high-performance academies has enabled the emergence of international athletes such as P.V. Sindhu or Saina Nehwal, whose Olympic successes have massively boosted its popularity among both girls and boys.

Sport	Infrastructure / Initiatives	Estimated Number of Fans / Participants	Media Coverage / Recent Performances
Cricket	Elite Academies (NCA), IPL	462 million	Multiple ICC titles; IPL world leader
Kabaddi	Local clubs + Pro Kabaddi League	30 million	National growth; Asian medals
Soccer	Modern stadiums, Indian Super League	~20% pop., strong among urban youth	FIFA U-17 WC qualification; clubs progressing
Badminton	Structured academies	150 M annual viewers	Olympic medal P.V. Sindhu

Socio-cultural Impact:

• Cricket shapes national holidays, advertisements, and collective identity.
• Kabaddi is seen as a driver of rural revival.
• Soccer is becoming a cosmopolitan symbol favored by connected urban youth.
• Badminton promotes an egalitarian dynamic between men and women in Indian sports.

Government Initiatives:

• “Khelo India” programs to develop school/youth sports.
• Direct grants to major federations.
• Gradual modernization of non-cricket infrastructure.

Emerging Trends:

• Rapid growth of basketball, tennis, or e-sports among under-25s.
• Rise in individual fitness (urban running).

Generational Shifts:

Preferences are evolving towards greater sports diversity driven by:

• The young demographic explosion (over a quarter aged 15–29).
• Accelerated urbanization facilitating access to modern stadiums/multi-sports halls.

Notable Testimonials:

“As a child, I mainly played cricket, but today my friends prefer following Messi or playing badminton,” shares Ravi Sharma, a student in Mumbai.

“The Indian sports industry is poised to continue its growth… The focus is on expanding beyond cricket.” – Gaurav Vazirani

The Indian sports scene is thus undergoing a profound transformation where powerful traditions coexist with new aspirations driven by a youth eager for cultural and social innovation.

Where and How to Practice in India

Cricket

• Iconic Stadiums:
  • Narendra Modi Stadium (Ahmedabad): world’s largest cricket stadium, capacity of 111,000 seats.
  • Eden Gardens (Kolkata): historic stadium, former largest Indian stadium, unique atmosphere.
  • Wankhede Stadium (Mumbai), M. Chinnaswamy Stadium (Bangalore), DY Patil Stadium (Navi Mumbai), Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium (Hyderabad).
• Clubs and Academies:
  • Kolkata Knight Riders Academy, Mumbai Cricket Association, National Cricket Academy (Bangalore).
• Public Complexes:
  • Many local clubs, universities, and municipal complexes offer fields accessible via registration or hourly rental.
• Registration Methods:
  • Amateurs: annual membership or one-time registration at municipal or private clubs.
  • Professionals: selection through trials organized by top-division clubs or national academies.
• Best Seasons:
  • October to March (dry climate, moderate temperatures), avoid monsoon (June-September).
• Example Programs and Initiatives:
  • National Cricket Academy: intensive camps, technical and physical training.
  • Local Initiatives: school tournaments, inter-district leagues.

Kabaddi

• Key Venues:
  • Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex (Pune), Gachibowli Indoor Stadium (Hyderabad), indoor stadiums in northern India (Haryana, Punjab).
• Clubs and Academies:
  • Pro Kabaddi League franchises, state academies in Haryana and Maharashtra.
• Access and Registration:
  • Local clubs: open sessions upon presentation of a medical certificate.
  • Professionals: scouting during university or local competitions.
• Best Seasons:
  • Year-round indoors; outdoors, prefer winter for cooler climate.
• Training Programs:
  • Muscle strengthening, tactics, and endurance sessions.
  • Initiatives: summer camps, local leagues supported by state federations.

Badminton

• Venues and Complexes:
  • Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy (Hyderabad), Siri Fort Sports Complex (Delhi), Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy (Bangalore).
• Reputable Clubs:
  • Municipal clubs in Chennai, Mumbai, and Bangalore.
• Registration Methods:
  • Online or on-site registration for private academies.
  • Selection via application or trial for elite programs.
• Best Seasons:
  • Indoor courts: year-round.
  • Outdoor practice: October to March.
• Example Programs:
  • Intensive training camps, skill workshops, inter-club competitions.

Field Hockey

• Stadiums and Clubs:
  • Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium (Delhi), Kalinga Stadium (Bhubaneswar), renowned clubs in Punjab and Odisha.
• Access and Registration:
  • Registration via state federations or trials at clubs.
  • Access to municipal fields for amateurs.
• Best Seasons:
  • October to February (moderate temperatures, dry fields).
• Programs and Initiatives:
  • Hockey India League: youth talent scouting.
  • State academies: technical and physical training, youth tournaments.

Soccer

• Stadiums and Complexes:
  • Salt Lake Stadium (Kolkata), Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Delhi, Kochi), Fatorda Stadium (Goa).
• Clubs and Academies:
  • Tata Football Academy (Jamshedpur), Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools (Delhi, Bangalore), historic clubs (East Bengal, Mohun Bagan).
• Registration Methods:
  • Private academies: online registration, selection via trial.
  • Local clubs: annual membership, access to group training.
• Best Seasons:
  • October to March (outside monsoon, pleasant temperatures).
• Example Initiatives:
  • Grassroots programs, inter-school tournaments, certified coaching training.

Sport	Iconic Stadiums	Recognized Academies & Clubs	Best Season	Registration Methods	Local Initiatives / Programs
Cricket	Narendra Modi, Eden Gardens	NCA, KKR Academy, MCA	Oct.-March	Clubs, academies, trials	National Cricket Academy, local leagues
Kabaddi	Shiv Chhatrapati, Gachibowli	Pro Kabaddi, Haryana/Maharashtra academies	Year-round (indoor)	Clubs, local competitions	Camps, regional leagues
Badminton	Gopichand Academy, Siri Fort	Prakash Padukone Academy	Year-round (indoor)	Online registration/trial	Camps, workshops, competitions
Field Hockey	Dhyan Chand, Kalinga	Odisha, Punjab clubs	Oct.-February	Clubs, federations, trials	Hockey India League, state academies
Soccer	Salt Lake, JN Stadium	Tata FA, BBFS, East Bengal, Mohun Bagan	Oct.-March	Academies, clubs, trials	Grassroots programs, school tournaments

Example of Amateur Registration Process

1. Fill out the membership form (online or on-site)
2. Provide a recent medical certificate
3. Pay registration fees (varies by club/complex)
4. Participate in an initiation or trial session
5. Join a training group suited to your level

Professional Pathway

1. Preselection at regional or national competitions
2. Invitation to specific trials organized by clubs/leagues
3. Comprehensive medical follow-up and physical evaluation
4. Integration into training center or reserve team

Key Takeaways:

The ideal seasons, renowned infrastructure, and diversity of local initiatives make India a fertile ground for practicing these five major sports, both for amateurs and future professionals.

Sports Budget for an Expatriate

The sports budget for an expatriate in India varies significantly depending on the discipline, location (major city vs. rural area), level of facility requirements, and use of private lessons. Here is a structured summary of these essential elements:

Discipline	Membership Fees (club/venue)	Specific Equipment Cost	Private Lessons/Coach	Observations Cities/Rural Areas
Cricket	10,000 to 30,000 INR/year (urban clubs)	2,000 to 10,000 INR (bat, gloves, protections)	1,000 to 3,000 INR/session	Prestigious clubs in cities, public grounds in rural areas
Badminton	5,000 to 20,000 INR/year (clubs, halls)	1,000 to 5,000 INR (racket, shoes)	800 to 2,000 INR/session	Easy access in cities, fewer options in rural areas
Yoga	3,000 to 10,000 INR/month (urban studios)	500 to 2,000 INR (mat, accessories)	1,000 to 3,000 INR/session	Group or individual classes, affordable local options
Soccer	5,000 to 15,000 INR/year (clubs)	2,000 to 5,000 INR (shoes, ball)	1,000 to 2,500 INR/session	Frequent public fields, less coaching in rural areas

Cost Details by Geographic Zone:

Major Cities (Mumbai, Delhi):

• Elite private clubs (e.g., National Sports Club of India, The Club Mumbai) with very high membership fees, potentially exceeding 1,000,000 INR per year for the most prestigious clubs.
• Varied offerings of modern gyms, yoga studios, specialized fields, and high-level private coaches.
• Presence of community clubs at intermediate rates, but often with waiting lists.
• State-of-the-art equipment and regular sporting events.

Rural Areas:

• Often free or very low-cost access to public facilities (cricket grounds, community stadiums, parks for yoga).
• Less qualified supervision, basic equipment, but strong culture of informal practice.
• Rare and less expensive private lessons.

Economical Options to Consider:

• Free or low-cost municipal facilities (parks, public cricket or soccer fields, playgrounds).
• Community groups or local teams organizing collective sessions at reduced prices.
• Participation in local sporting events or school/community competitions, often free or with minimal fees.

Cultural Dimensions Influencing Expenses:

• Participation in major sporting events (cricket matches, local tournaments) can represent an additional budget, especially in big cities where ticket purchases or registration for official competitions is common.
• Private clubs regularly organize parties, galas, and internal competitions, which can add social costs (outfits, fees, meals).
• Some sports like cricket or badminton are socially valued, which may encourage investing in better equipment or specialized lessons for integration.

Summary of Main Expense Items:

• Club/Venue Membership: most variable item, from free (public) to very high (private elite).
• Equipment: moderate, but can rise for international brands.
• Private Lessons: affordable for an expatriate, but quickly cumulative if frequent.
• Events and Competitions: to budget if aiming for social and sports integration.

Tip: To optimize the budget, prioritize public facilities or community groups, while reserving a budget for a few private sessions to progress quickly in the chosen discipline.