Beyond the Boundary: Why India Must Wake Up to Sports Beyond Cricket
If you ask an average Indian about their favorite sport, there's a good chance they'll say cricket. In India, cricket transcends being just a sport; it’s almost a religion.
From a young age, we idolize cricketers, collect their posters, and engage in passionate discussions about every match. Streets, parks, and even vacant fields transform into makeshift cricket pitches where aspiring players dream of emulating stars like Virat Kohli or MS Dhoni. The enthusiasm is palpable, the excitement is undeniable, and the entire nation rallies together whenever Team India takes the field.
However, in the midst of this fervor, have we ever paused to consider the athletes from other sports?
Have we thought about the challenges faced by an archer, a wrestler, or a sprinter who trains just as rigorously—if not more so—than a cricketer but remains largely unnoticed? The reality is that India’s singular obsession with cricket has led to a significant imbalance in the sports landscape, leaving many talented athletes in the background.
Switch on any sports channel, and you’ll find that cricket dominates 90% of the coverage. Flip through a newspaper’s sports section, and it’s filled with articles on cricket tournaments, player controversies, and match forecasts. In contrast, sports like wrestling, boxing, athletics, and even our national sport, hockey, receive scant attention—often only highlighted when an athlete secures a medal at an international competition.
This blog isn’t meant to criticize cricket.
In fact, I enjoy the game just as much as anyone else. But as a concerned friend, I feel compelled to point out a truth we often overlook: our singular focus on cricket is stifling other sports and their athletes. These competitors devote their lives to representing our country, yet they face neglect, insufficient funding, and a continuous battle for basic resources. The pressing question is: Why? And more importantly, what steps can we take to bring about change?
The Harsh Reality of Indian Sports Beyond Cricket
Every four years, during the Olympics or Commonwealth Games, we suddenly become passionate supporters of sports like wrestling, boxing, weightlifting, badminton, and athletics. We celebrate when an athlete wins a medal, and social media is filled with hashtags and congratulatory messages. But what happens after the event? Silence.
The reality is that these athletes face challenges year-round. Many lack proper kits, training facilities, or financial backing. Unlike cricketers, who enjoy sponsorships, luxury travel, and hefty salaries, most Indian athletes must juggle part-time jobs or rely on crowdfunding just to afford their equipment.
Did you know that Dutee Chand, one of India’s leading sprinters, once sold her car to finance her training? Or that Rani Rampal, captain of India’s women’s hockey team, came from a background where she couldn’t afford a proper diet? These are just a few heartbreaking examples of how we, as a nation, neglect our non-cricketing athletes.
Think about the struggles of wrestlers like Bajrang Punia or boxers like Mary Kom, who have consistently raised concerns about inadequate training facilities and lack of recognition. They have brought pride to the nation, yet they continue to face an uphill battle against poor infrastructure, bureaucratic hurdles, and inconsistent financial support.
Even in team sports like football and hockey, the challenges are significant. Indian footballers earn only a fraction of what an average IPL cricketer makes. The Indian Super League (ISL) has helped draw some attention to football, but it still lags far behind cricket in terms of funding, sponsorships, and viewership.
For para-athletes, the situation is even more dire. Despite their remarkable performances on global stages, they grapple with accessibility issues, lack of funding, and minimal media attention. Many Paralympic medalists have had to rely on personal donations or government grants that come only after their achievements, rather than receiving support beforehand when they truly need it.
Where is the Support?
Some might say that the government supports sports. While it's true that athletes who win medals get recognition and rewards, what about those who are struggling to reach that level?
The government's focus often comes only after a victory, not before. Promises are made, but the follow-through is slow.
Now, let’s discuss infrastructure. Cricket stadiums in India are top-notch, but have you noticed the state of most hockey fields or athletics tracks?
Many are in disrepair, with athletes training on dusty grounds and lacking proper footwear. The gap is concerning.
Why the Media and Sponsors Only Love Cricket
1. Massive Fan Base & Viewership
Cricket enjoys a massive following, particularly in countries like India. Major events such as the IPL, World Cup, and various bilateral series draw in millions of viewers, making it a goldmine for media companies and sponsors.
2. Revenue Generation & Advertisements
Cricket matches generate billions through broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and advertisements. The high viewership allows brands to connect with a large audience, making it a smart investment. Other sports often lack this level of engagement, resulting in lower advertising revenue.
3. Historical & Cultural Influence
Cricket has been a part of society for many years, while other sports often struggle to maintain consistent mainstream support. Icons like Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli have transformed cricket into a passion rather than just a game.
4. Lack of Infrastructure & Promotion for Other Sports
Many other sports face challenges due to insufficient infrastructure, coaching, and financial backing. While leagues like the ISL (football), PBL (badminton), and PKL (kabaddi) are on the rise, they still lag significantly behind cricket's prominence.
5. Media Bias & TRP-Driven Coverage
News outlets and digital platforms often focus on TRP (Television Rating Points). Cricket consistently delivers higher TRPs, making it a reliable choice for coverage. Other sports typically receive attention only during major international competitions like the Olympics or when a player achieves something remarkable.
6. Sponsorship & Investment Trends
Brands tend to invest where they see the highest ROI (Return on Investment). Since cricket offers greater visibility, it attracts the majority of sponsorship deals. Sports such as hockey, wrestling, and athletics find it difficult to secure long-term corporate support.
7. Influence of Bollywood & Celebrity Endorsements
Cricketers like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Hardik Pandya are also prominent figures in the advertising industry, which further cements cricket's dominance. Additionally, Bollywood stars often collaborate with cricket leagues, enhancing the sport's mainstream appeal.
The solution lies in increased investments from both the government and private sector in sports infrastructure. We need to enhance marketing and storytelling efforts for non-cricket sports to capture audience interest. Schools and colleges should focus on developing multiple sports instead of concentrating solely on cricket. Additionally, creating more leagues similar to the IPL for other sports can help generate interest and revenue. While cricket dominates, other sports require ongoing attention, organized promotion, and financial support to achieve comparable success.
How Can We Bring a Change?
The good news is that change is possible, but it requires a collective effort from all of us:
- Support and Watch Other Sports:
If we can dedicate hours to watching the IPL, why not also catch a badminton or kabaddi match? Increased viewership leads to more sponsorships, which in turn boosts funding. Let's promote sports diversity in our schools and communities.
- Raise Awareness:
Share the stories of athletes who are struggling. Discuss their journeys on social media to amplify their voices. Create online petitions or forums that allow these athletes to reach policymakers.
- Push for Equal Funding:
The government needs to ensure that resources are distributed fairly across all sports. We should develop facilities, coaching, and grassroots programs for every sport, not just cricket. It's essential to advocate for transparency in how sports funding is allocated.
- Encourage Schools to Promote All Sports:
Our education system tends to prioritize cricket in sports programs. Schools should introduce and promote a variety of sports, allowing children to discover their potential beyond just batting and bowling. Parents should also support their kids' interests in different sports.
- Corporate Sponsorship for Non-Cricketing Sports:
Major brands should consider investing in sports like athletics, boxing, and wrestling. If companies provided sponsorship for these athletes similar to how they do for cricketers, it could significantly alleviate their financial challenges.
- Better Infrastructure for Non-Cricket Sports:
The government and private sector should work together to enhance stadiums, training centers, and sports academies for all sports. It's crucial to maintain existing facilities properly.
- Organizing More Non-Cricketing Tournaments:
Just as the IPL popularized T20 cricket, we should encourage and expand leagues for other sports, like Pro Kabaddi.
It’s Time for a Sports Revolution
Change doesn’t happen overnight, but every small step can lead to a significant transformation. If we, as a nation, can come together to celebrate cricket, we can certainly extend our support to other sports as well. Our athletes aren’t asking for blind loyalty—just acknowledgment, fair opportunities, and essential facilities.
If we want India to emerge as a true sporting powerhouse, we need to embrace all sports, not just one. The future of Indian sports relies on us—our choices, our voices, and our readiness to advocate for change. Let’s not wait for another medal to recognize our athletes. Let’s stand by them even before they step onto the podium.
It’s time to reshape India’s sporting story. Let’s push the limits. Let’s change the game.
To all the young athletes out there—keep dreaming, keep pushing, and keep breaking barriers. Your dedication will pave the way for future generations. And to my fellow readers, let’s be the change we wish to see.
Thank you for reading!
Your awareness and support can make a difference. Let’s give every sport the recognition it deserves and build a stronger, more inclusive sporting culture in India.
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