Top 10 trending sport in india.

         Top 10 trending in india.                             

India’s sports landscape is vibrant and rapidly evolving. While cricket remains far and away the most popular sport, a diverse mix of traditional and modern games also command significant followings across the country. Below is a detailed look at the top 10 trending sports in India in 2026, based on audience numbers, participation, media coverage, and overall growth trends. �

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1. Cricket

Cricket is not just a sport in India — it’s a cultural phenomenon. With an enormous fan base of around 612 million viewers, it dominates everything from casual street games to professional leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL), which consistently draws huge television and digital audiences. �

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The sport’s popularity spans all formats — Test, One-Day Internationals, and T20s — and its players (like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and others) are national icons. Cricket is deeply embedded in daily life, schools, and local clubs. Due to its unmatched mass appeal and commercial success, it remains the number one sport in India by a large margin. �

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2. Football (Soccer)

Football has surged as one of India’s fastest‑growing major sports. With around 305 million fans, it ranks as the second most popular sport in the country. �

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This growth is driven by the Indian Super League (ISL), increased accessibility to international leagues like the English Premier League, and grassroots initiatives. States such as West Bengal, Kerala, and Goa have especially rich football cultures, and hosting tournaments like the FIFA U‑17 World Cup has further boosted interest. �

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3. Kabaddi

Kabaddi is deeply rooted in Indian tradition and has seen a major resurgence thanks to the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). It boasts a massive fan base of over 280 million viewers and draws heavy TV viewership nationwide. �

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The PKL’s franchise model, fast‑paced gameplay, and local heroes have helped kabaddi become more commercial and spectator‑friendly, attracting fans especially in rural and semi‑urban areas. �

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4. Wrestling

Wrestling has a long heritage in India and enjoys strong cultural roots. With around 163 million viewers, it ranks high among India’s most followed sports. �

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Success at international competitions — including Olympic medals by Indian wrestlers — contributes to its visibility and youth participation. Regional wrestling akharas and competitions also support grassroots growth. �

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5. Field Hockey

Historically India’s national sport, hockey still enjoys significant popularity with around 154 million followers. �

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Although overshadowed by cricket in terms of media coverage, hockey remains important in several states and is part of India’s Olympic legacy, with numerous past international achievements keeping it relevant today. �

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6. Badminton

Badminton’s popularity has exploded over the last decade, thanks to stars like P. V. Sindhu and Saina Nehwal and strong performances at global events. �

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It attracts both spectators and participants, especially among youth, with viewership figures around 145 million. Domestic leagues and international success continue to energize grassroots interest. �

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7. Athletics

Track and field events have gained prominence recently, fueled by international medals and rising Indian stars in javelin, sprinting, and long‑distance events. �

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Athletics now features in major multi‑sport events like the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, inspiring participation among young athletes nationwide. �

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8. Boxing

Boxing has seen strong followings in India with around 10–11 crore fans, thanks to consistent Commonwealth and Olympic success by Indian pugilists. �

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The sport has developed a clear pathway for young athletes through state and national tournaments, contributing to its rise in popularity and respect among fans. �

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9. Volleyball

Volleyball is one of the most widely played recreational sports in India, particularly in schools and rural areas. It comes in around the top 10 by viewership and participation (over 10 crore people). �

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Its simple infrastructure requirements and team‑oriented gameplay make volleyball popular in local competitions and college sports events. �

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10. Emerging & Niche Sports (Padel & Pickleball)

Beyond the traditional top 10, new sports are trending rapidly:

Padel — A racquet sport blending tennis and squash, Padel is growing rapidly with new courts in cities like Mumbai and Delhi, appealing especially to young adults and fitness enthusiasts. �

Wikipedia

Pickleball — Originally from the USA, Pickleball is gaining traction across India, with increasing numbers of courts and players in states such as Maharashtra and Karnataka. �

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Though not yet at the scale of the major sports listed above, these are among the fastest‑growing activities and may soon enter mainstream rankings as participation accelerates. �

Wikipedia

Conclusion

India’s sports culture is dominated by cricket, but the landscape is diversifying quickly. Football, kabaddi, wrestling, hockey, and badminton lead as the most followed sports outside cricket, each with significant fan and participant bases. Traditional games like kabaddi and hockey coexist alongside global sports like football and badminton, while emerging games such as padel and pickleball signal an exciting future in Indian sports.

This blend reflects not just changing interests but also greater investment in sports infrastructure, media exposure, and international achievements by Indian athletes — trends that will continue shaping India’s sporting identity in the years ahead. �

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