10 Popular Online Betting Sports in India

Posted by: Garry Harrison

3 min

How often have you heard of a child dreaming of becoming the next Sachin Tendulkar or Saina Nehwal? When we talk about sports in India, it is more than just a game. It is an experience, a source of entertainment, and so much more. Sports have been an integral part of our childhood for different personal as well as professional reasons. However, this sports fever is not just restricted to one particular sport.

India has always admired playing sports, which can also be seen in the country’s history. When we talk about popular sports, quite often, major sports like cricket, tennis, golf, and widely popular football cross our minds. It is a happy realization day for you as we bring you a list of sports games that were already at the top and have recently emerged again. So, combine your admiration for unique sporting games with online betting sites and open doors of opportunities to earn real money with these sports in India.

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1. Formula 1

Formula 1 has a dedicated fan base in India, and the country even hosted the Indian Grand Prix from 2011 to 2013. While it might not be as popular as cricket, it has a significant following among motorsports enthusiasts and has further seen a surge in popularity in recent years. With a fan base worldwide, F1 races offer high-speed action, cutting-edge technology, engineering excellence, and fierce rivalries.

The sport has evolved beyond just racing, as teams and drivers engage with fans through social media, providing unprecedented access to the inner workings of the sport. Additionally, new races in countries like Saudi Arabia and Vietnam have expanded the reach of F1, introducing it to new audiences.
2. Boxing

Boxing has a strong tradition in India and has consistently produced excellent boxers who have excelled at international competitions. The sport has had a steady presence and following. Boxing has always been a popular sport, but it has experienced a resurgence in recent years thanks to charismatic fighters like Amit Panghal, Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, and Canelo Alvarez.

These fighters have captured the imaginations of fans worldwide and brought excitement back to the heavyweight division. Additionally, there has been a surge in women's boxing, with stars like Lovlina Borgohain, Claressa Shields, and Katie Taylor raising the sport's profile. The sport's future looks promising, with major promotions, pay-per-view events, and increasing international competition.
3. MMA

MMA is still relatively niche in India but has been steadily growing in popularity. With the emergence of Indian MMA fighters and the establishment of domestic promotions, the sport is gaining attention. Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has grown exponentially, transforming from a niche sport into a global phenomenon.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has played a significant role in this transformation, showcasing a wide range of fighting styles and athletes worldwide. MMA's appeal lies in its unpredictability, as fighters with diverse backgrounds compete in a cage, testing their skills in various disciplines. The sport's constant innovation, fast-paced action, and larger-than-life personalities continue to attract a broad audience.
4. Moto GP

The Indian motorcycle Grand Prix is a motorcycle race that is a part of MotoGP 2023. Set at the Buddh International Circuit situated at Dankaur near Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. The sport may not be as mainstream as some other sports, but Motorcycle racing in the form of MotoGP has a devoted following and is steadily gaining popularity.

The high-octane races feature riders on cutting-edge machines, leaning into corners at breakneck speeds. Iconic riders like Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez have become household names, while a global calendar of races introduces fans to various cultures and circuits worldwide. The sport's inclusivity and passionate fan base contribute to its rising global appeal.
5. Athletics

Athletics is timeless, and recently it has been experiencing a resurgence in interest. With a long history in India, the country has produced successful athletes at various international events. It has a stable presence in the sports scene. The Olympics and World Championships continue to capture the world's attention every few years.

The appeal of athletics lies in its simplicity – it's about running faster, jumping higher, and throwing farther. Usain Bolt's sprinting records and the dominance of athletes like Neeraj Chopra, Deepa Malik, Dutee Chand, and Eliud Kipchoge—popular for marathon running have made headlines and encouraged people of all ages to participate.
6. Badminton

The history of India with Badminton dates back to the colonial era when it was popularly known as ‘Poona.’ Badminton is one of the sports that has gained significant popularity in recent years, thanks to the success of Indian players on the global stage. The sport has also seen an increase in popularity in countries like India and China.

The fast-paced nature of the game, intense rallies, and the dominance of players like P V Sindhu, Saina Nehwal, Tai Tzu-Ying, and Kento Momota have made badminton a favorite sport of many. The sport's inclusivity, with singles, doubles, and mixed doubles events, ensures a variety of exciting matches to watch.
7. Cycling

Cycling is a medium of transportation and a very fit way of movement. In India, the sport was more renowned as a recreational sport than a professional sport. Cycling has been a niche sport in India but is gaining popularity with the emergence of cycling clubs and events like Jio Mumbai Cyclothon and more.

Moreover, the rise of the Tour de France and the emergence of new talents like Mahitha Mohan, Esow Alben, and Tadej Pogacar have rekindled global interest. Beyond road cycling, disciplines like mountain biking, BMX, and track cycling continue to attract audiences with their daring feats of athleticism and thrilling races.
8. Swimming

In ancient India, swimming was regarded as more of an activity and a basic skill that every adventurer should possess than a sport in particular. Following this, the country has produced many notable competitive swimmers who have competed at international events.

Swimming remains a widely popular sport, with the Olympics serving as a global stage for the world's best swimmers. The incredible feats of athletes like Srihari Nataraj and Michael Phelps and the ongoing rivalry between swimmers from different nations have kept the sport in the public eye. Moreover, open-water swimming and synchronized swimming showcase the versatility of aquatic sports.
9. Shooting

Shooting is an important Olympic sport in India. This sport, as well, has a strong following in India. The country has produced world-class shooters who have excelled at the Olympics and other international competitions. Shooting sports have been gaining popularity in recent years due to the increasing participation of countries like India and the USA.

The sport demands precision, concentration, and skill, making it both thrilling to watch and challenging to compete in. The sport has expanded to include various disciplines, such as rifle, pistol, and shotgun shooting, providing a diverse range of events for fans.
10. Wrestling

Wrestling has a rich tradition in India, and it continues to be popular, with the country producing successful wrestlers who compete internationally. Wrestling, with its rich history and cultural significance in many countries, attracts fans worldwide.

The Olympics and various international competitions highlight the sport's physicality, technique, and the enduring rivalries among top athletes. Additionally, the sport's increasing diversity, including women's wrestling and various wrestling styles, has broadened its global appeal.

To sum it up in a nutshell, above are the 10 popular sports that are gaining attraction in India. Many of these sports are already well established and come with multiple betting options for you to bet on. Betting markets on traditional sports like cricket, football, and basketball are widely known, but many of these online sports are also offering diverse betting experiences for fans and athletes, uniting people across borders and cultures. Enjoy your betting experience with these popular sports.