India’s sports sector has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past few decades, evolving from a cricket-dominated landscape to a diverse arena that includes a wide range of sports. This shift has seen India not only embrace its rich sporting heritage but also make significant strides on the global stage, particularly in the Olympics and various international competitions.
A Historical Perspective on Indian Sports
The history of Indian sports is deep-rooted, dating back to the 4th century BCE with the origins of traditional games like Kho-Kho and Kabaddi. Ancient texts such as the Mahabharata also mention games like chess (Chaturanga) and snakes and ladders (Gyan Chauper). Despite the colonial introduction of Western sports like cricket, football, tennis, and golf, traditional Indian sports continued to thrive, particularly in rural areas where games requiring physical strength, like Kushti and arm wrestling, remained popular.
Cricket: The Heartbeat of Indian Sports
Cricket has played a pivotal role in the rise of Indian sports. Introduced during colonial rule, it quickly became a national obsession. The establishment of the first cricket club in 1972 marked the beginning of a cricketing era that would capture the hearts of millions. The historic victory in the 1983 Cricket World Cup, led by Kapil Dev, was a watershed moment that solidified cricket’s place in Indian culture. The launch of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the late 2000s further revolutionized the sport, introducing a franchise model that set new standards for growth and popularity.
The Rise of Other Sports: Badminton and Kabaddi
While cricket remains dominant, other sports have also seen a surge in popularity and success. Badminton, for instance, has emerged as a significant sport in India, thanks to pioneers like Prakash Padukone and later champions such as Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu, who have achieved remarkable success in the Olympics. The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), launched in 2014, transformed Kabaddi into a mainstream sport, drawing significant viewership and participation.
Football has been always a very popular sport in India, but the grass roots was limited to a few states where there was a domestic league. With the growth of IPL, football took a queue, and the Indian Super League (ISL)was formed in 2014. As a consequence, there is now vibrant grass roots interest and development of football. The ISL has attracted international players and coaches which has enhanced the domestic sport’s standard significantly.
The Growth of Domestic Franchise Leagues
The success of the IPL sparked a franchise revolution across various sports in India. The launch of the Hockey India League in 2005 was one of the earliest attempts to professionalize sports leagues in the country. Although it folded, it laid the groundwork for subsequent leagues. Today, India boasts over 15 domestic franchise leagues, covering sports such as badminton, table tennis, volleyball, handball, and even chess. The Global Chess League, featuring grandmasters like Viswanathan Anand and Magnus Carlsen, highlights the growing interest in intellectual sports.
Embracing a New Era of Indian Sports
The evolution of the Indian sports landscape reflects a broader cultural shift. Traditional games continue to coexist with newer, globally recognized sports, creating a diverse and dynamic sporting environment. This transformation has been fueled by increased investment, better infrastructure, and a growing recognition of sports as a viable career path.
A case in point is the wealth which has been created by the IPL and its valuation. In 2023 IPL’s valuation rose by nearly 80% to $3.2bn, with the overall business value now standing at $15.4 bn making it the 2nd richest global sports league, quite remarkable for a league which started only in 2008. The value of IPL brand is further illustrated by the fact that the most eminent and legendary Indian business house , Tata’s paid in 2024 $300mn for the title sponsorship for a 5-year period
Fantasy Sports and the larger future opportunity in a legalized sports wagering market
With the growing interest in sports with the league revolution has been one of the key factors for the mushrooming of the fantasy sports gaming industry in India which now extends beyond cricket.
Furthermore, overall interest in sports has grown to the masses both in terms of participation and viewership of both domestic and international sports, which has undoubtedly helped the fantasy companies cover the international sporting calendar, thus providing year-round games.
Given the fact that fantasy industry is booming at over 20% CAGR , India is clearly ready for innovative and disruptive sports fantasy offering and products from global markets.
Furthermore, the game changer will be when sports betting is fully legalized in India, which given the positive steps being made in creation of a formal regulatory environment in gaming, is hopefully more a question of when rather than if.
Conclusion: India’s Sporting Renaissance
India’s journey in sports is a testament to its ability to adapt and innovate. From ancient games to modern franchise leagues, the country has embraced a wide array of sports, achieving significant success on the global stage. As India continues to invest in and nurture its sporting talent, the future looks promising, with the potential for even greater achievements and recognition. The rise of sports leagues and the success of athletes in various disciplines signify a new era for Indian sports, marked by diversity, excellence, and a growing passion for all forms of athletic endeavor.
Gaming has been a clear beneficiary of these developments and offers a very viable commercial opportunity to domestic gaming companies who are taking full advantage of the same, and also to the International Gaming industry which needs to be guided further and for which WiseWays offers the necessary practical knowledge, experience and assistance from evaluation to formal set up in India.
