New Delhi: Indian youth are increasingly branching out beyond cricket and football, with newer sports gaining popularity, according to the latest data from Nielsen Fan Insights 2025. The study highlights a significant shift over the past six years: while cricket and soccer remain dominant, sports like motorsport, basketball, mixed martial arts (MMA), and golf are steadily gaining traction among younger audiences.
Cricket, historically the most-followed sport in India, saw a decline from 75% in 2019 to 70% in 2025, while football fell slightly from 59% to 57%. In contrast, motorsport (including Formula 1) rose from 38% to 43% and basketball from 39% to 43% during the same period, marking the sharpest upward trend among emerging sports. Golf and MMA also registered gains of 4% each, reflecting a broadening spectrum of sports interests among young fans. Badminton remained stable at 56%, while kabaddi witnessed a notable dip from 55% to 49%.
The study draws on data collected across two periods—August 2019 to January 2020 and December 2024 to May 2025—covering a sample size of 6,000 respondents aged 16–30 across 10 major Indian cities. The insights build on last year’s Nielsen Fan Insights 2024 report, which revealed that emerging sports like Pickleball have also skyrocketed in popularity in India, with 23% of Indians becoming fans of the paddle sport, largely driven by social media.
The findings signal an evolution in India’s sporting landscape, where global sports are beginning to rival homegrown ones, powered by increased streaming access, digital-first fan engagement, and the rise of star athletes. This shift also presents new opportunities for brands, broadcasters, and leagues to connect with communities of fans who are seeking fresh and diverse sporting experiences.
