IPL 2024 is upon us and a new report from Ormax Media has revealed that cricket reigns supreme in the Indian sporting culture as the most popular game.

The sport - which is often termed as a religion in the country of more than 140 crore people - enjoys a fanfare, like no other but football and kabaddi are also holding fort. The report, titled The Ormax Sports Audience Report: 2024, dives deep into India's sports viewership habits, uncovering the nation's most popular athletes and the teams that capture their hearts.   India Emerging A Massive Sports Market With Diverse Tastes As per the report, India boasts a colossal sports audience base of 678 million, a testament to the nation's unwavering passion for sports. Headlining this fervour are perennial favourites Cricket, Football, and Kabaddi, commanding audience bases of 612 million, 305 million, and 208 million respectively. Based on a survey of 12,000 individuals across urban and rural India, the report reveals a massive sports audience base of 678 million. This highlights the immense popularity of sports in the country, transcending regional and socio-economic barriers. Cricket Continues To Rule The Roost In Indian Sporting Spectrum Cricket takes the top spot with a viewership base of 612 million, solidifying its position as the most-watched sport in India. The Indian Premier League (IPL), the country's premier cricket tournament, undoubtedly contributes to this immense popularity. Fans are deeply invested in their favourite franchises, with the report naming Chennai Super Kings as the most-recalled team, followed by Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore. The Rise of Football and the Enduring Allure of Kabaddi In India While cricket remains the king, football's popularity is on the rise. The report finds a strong 305 million viewer base for the sport, particularly in states like Kerala, Goa, West Bengal, and the Northeast. This growth can be attributed to factors like India's improving international performance and the growing accessibility of international matches through various sports channels. Kabaddi, a traditional Indian sport with roots dating back centuries, holds its own at number three with a dedicated viewership of 208 million. The popularity of the age-old touch sport can be attributed to the home-grown domestic kabaddi tournament, Pro Kabaddi League. The PKL completed its tenth edition earlier this month where Puneri Paltan defeated Haryana Steelers in the grand finale to emerge as the new champions. The report highlights Patna Pirates as the most popular kabaddi franchise, showcasing the team's success in capturing the hearts of fans.

Superstar Status: King Kohli Reigns Supreme

The report also unveils the most popular sports personalities. Virat Kohli remains the undisputed king, holding the title of India's favourite sportsperson. His consistent performances on the field and charismatic personality have cemented his place as a national sporting icon. Kohli will soon be seen in action in the upcoming IPL 2024 for his franchise RCB.

MS Dhoni continues to be a pan-India favourite

Even after his retirement, former India cricketer MS Dhoni continues to enjoy immense fan loyalty, ranking number two. Dhoni's leadership and legendary status continue to inspire millions of fans across the country. Dhoni - who is only active in the IPL - will be leading the Chennai Super Kings franchise in the seventeenth edition of IPL, starting March 22. Beyond National Idols: Regional Variations in Fan Culture While Kohli and Dhoni dominate national popularity, the report delves into regional variations. For example, hockey enjoys a passionate following in Odisha and Jharkhand, highlighting the rich tapestry of sporting preferences woven across the diverse Indian landscape. This information is crucial for leagues, franchises, and brands looking to connect with specific audiences. They can tailor their marketing strategies and outreach programs to resonate with fans in different regions based on their favourite sports and teams. The Ormax Report: A Roadmap for the Future of Indian Sports The Ormax Sports Audience Report offers valuable data for anyone involved in the Indian sports industry. Broadcasters can understand audience preferences across regions and demographics to create targeted content programming. Team owners can use the data to build deeper connections with their fan bases and explore targeted marketing initiatives. Similarly, advertisers can leverage these insights to create impactful campaigns that resonate with specific sports and viewer segments. With the Indian sports landscape constantly evolving, this report serves as a roadmap for navigating the exciting world of Indian sports. By understanding the who, what, and where of fan viewership, stakeholders can capitalise on the immense potential of the Indian sports market and foster a thriving sporting culture for years to come. Avinash Sharma Mykhel source: mykhel.com