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Sports in IndiaUnlike other countries, India is not a major sporting power. The lackadaisical attitude of the government results in just a medal or two in the Olympics and no trophies to boast of in sports other than Cricket. Here are the status of sports in India.
Cricket
Cricket is by far India's most popular sport. It outstrips all other sports combined which are played in India, in terms of viewership, media coverage and money involved. The rise in cricket's fortunes started in the early 90's after sponsorship of top players. By the turn of the century, it has become a billion dollar industry making it the country's unofficial passtime. Although the Indian cricket team has won a sole Cricket World Cup, hype over the team is due to excessive media coverage. Despite this India is not on the top 3 teams in the world. Recent victories however, over arch rivals Pakistan , have propelled India to #3. Cricket is played throughout India except in the North East states.
Football
Football (soccer) is a very popular sport in India. Although the Indian football team in ranked 139 in the FIFA rankings, the team had better days reaching the semifinals in the Olympics way back in the 1940's & 1950's. Most Indians keenly follow local clubs as well as South American and European club matches. The sport is most popular in Goa, West Bengal and Kerala
Field Hockey
Although India's national sport, Hockey has fallen into decline due to Cricket. From being an invincible team upto the 80's, the team has fallen on hard times. Recent victories haven't changed that perspective much, although it remains to be seen if India can reproduce its past magic and win trophies again.
Lawn Tennis
Tennis is popular among Indians. Many people do watch the Grand Slams. However India's fortunes in the Grand Slams are nil. The best result in Tennis for India has been placed 2nd in the Davis Cup (default as they refused to play against apartheid South Africa). However India have won quite a few doubles and mixed doubles Grand Slam trophies along with a bronze Olympic medal in 1996.
Chess
The board game of Chess originated in India in thousands of years ago. India's first Grandmaster, Viswanathan Anand helped popularise the sport en masse. After him there have been a further 7 more GM's from India. Chess today is a very popular sport all over India.
F1
The Formula One motor racing sports is catching up all over urban India. It is one of the fastest growing sports as far as viewship is involved. India however,does not have F1 circuit nor a test driver.
Badminton
Badminton is supposed to have originated in India. Although India is not among the top teams, it does produce players of high international ranking. Badminton is a popular recreation sport all over India.
Boxing
Boxing is one of the lesser profiled sports in India. Boxing does have school and national championship matches. However India is yet to produce a heavyweight champion.
Basketball
Basketball is primaraly a school sport in India. The game is popular in most urban schools. However at higher levels, the sport has a very poor profile.
Rugby
The British introduced Rugby to India. However it is not very popular in the country. It is mostly played in schools. Rugby is club based and national championships (South Asia) are held every year at the Bombay Gymnkhana, Bombay in August.
Golf
Golf is sport that is becoming popular in India. There are numerous golf courses all over India. However the sport is expensive and mostly corporates and the rich play the sport.
Billiards and Snooker
Billiards and Snooker are popular club sports in India. India has produced players of international ranking, Geet Sethi and Michael Ferreira to name some.
Volleyball
Volleyball is a sport played all over India, both in rural as well as urban India. It is a popular recreation sport but India does not have a world class team as yet.
Table Tennis
A popular indoor club sport Table Tennis is a popular recreation sport all over the country.
Squash
Squash is an 'elite' recreation sport, played in clubs in urban areas.
Swimming
Another summer sport.
Pool
A popular recreational sport
Bowling
A popular recreation sport
Polo
Supposed to have originated in India. Popular in the Indian army as well as in northern India
Horse Racing
The darby is held in many cities in the winter season.
Sailing
Popular among navy sailors and those attached to sailing clubs.
Gymnastics
Almost non existent after school level
Throwball
A woman's sport played mostly at school level.
Snow Sports
Except for sking, snow sports are non existent.
Others
Baseball, Ice hockey and American Football are non existent in India both in terms of viewership and profile.
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Indian Olympic Association
Official site with information on its activities and members.
http://indianolympic.hypermart.net/
Deccan Gymkhana
A premier sports institution in India, facilities and training for basketball, billiards and cards, cricket, gymnasium, swimming, table tennis, tennis, volleyball.
http://www.deccan-gymkhana.com
Dogs India
About dogs, breeds, including Indian breeds, animal welfare organizations, dog health, and puppy care. Classified ads for breeders, boarding kennels and other dog related businesses.
http://www.dogsindia.com/
Vision of India
Philately; aspects of the country illustrated through a display of stamps.
http://www.geocities.com/visionofindiaonnet
Ten-PinBowling.com
Site of the Bowling and Billiards Association of India. Information about bowling centre's across India, and bowling tips. Includes a bulletin board.
http://www.ten-pinbowling.com
Procam International
Organisers of sports and leisure events in India. Covers event, talent and player management.
http://www.procamintl.com
Otter Reserves
Angling programmes in the Garhwal Himalayas, Uttaranchal.
http://www.otterreserves.com
Youth Affairs and Sports Page
Official information provided by the Government of India.
http://yas.nic.in/
Bridge in India
National and international events covered. Includes relevant links, calendar, forum and articles.
http://www.bridgeinindia.homestead.com
Sports India
Site where users can discuss and update scores for tennis, football, and other sports.
http://www.sports-india.com
Cycle Polo Federation of India
Details of the association, and the rules of the game.
http://cyclepolo.com/
National Adventure Foundation
Information on the activities, eligibility, and charges of the Kerala chapter.
http://www.naftvm.org/
Sify: Sports
Informative resource about different Indian sports, news and players.
http://sify.com/sports/
Tambola on the Net
Offers an on line version of the popular Indian picnic game.
http://www.etambola.com/
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