India, a country with a rich sporting heritage, boasts a diverse range of traditional and modern sports. Two of the most prominent sports in the country are cricket and hockey. While cricket enjoys immense popularity and a massive fan base, hockey, despite being the national sport of India, has struggled to capture the same level of attention and enthusiasm. Several factors contribute to the relative lack of popularity of hockey compared to cricket in India.

Cricket is India's most popular sport, despite being the national sport. as Kapil Dev's triumph in the 1983 Cricket World Cup over the unbeatable West Indian team. Cricket gained popularity among Indians due to this victory.

Following that, cricket keeps on acquiring ubiquity. The performance of the players and the match has significantly improved; India has won various matches and series, and various Indian players have broken world records and achieved awesome accomplishments by overcoming other cricketing legends. India holds the championship in cricket at the moment.

While Hockey requires endurance and energy to pursue a ball consistently, making it a troublesome game for everybody even, few out of every odd youngster can play hockey without direction. Cricket, on the other hand, is popular because it can be played anywhere—narrow roads, community grounds, courtyards, or any empty space—because it doesn't always require proper fields and doesn't require much effort.

One significant factor in the popularity disparity between hockey and cricket in India is their historical significance and colonial influence. Cricket was introduced to India during the British colonial era and quickly gained favor among the ruling elite and the British population. The sport became a symbol of the colonial power, and Indians began adopting cricket as a means of assimilation into the British culture.

On the other hand, hockey, with its origins in ancient India, gained global recognition and became the national sport of India after the country's independence in 1947. However, the colonial legacy of cricket and its long-standing association with power and prestige continued to overshadow hockey's significance. Cricket's deep-rooted history and the emotional attachment it evokes make it more accessible and relatable to the masses, leading to its widespread popularity.

Media Coverage and Broadcasting

Another critical aspect that affects the popularity of sports is media coverage and broadcasting. In India, cricket receives extensive media attention, with matches being broadcasted on television and radio, and coverage in newspapers, magazines, and online platforms. The Indian Premier League (IPL), a domestic T20 cricket tournament, has further fueled the popularity of the sport, attracting star players from around the world and massive investments from corporate entities.

Hockey, on the other hand, has struggled to receive similar media coverage and broadcasting rights. With limited airtime dedicated to hockey matches and minimal coverage in newspapers, the sport fails to generate the same level of public interest and exposure. This lack of media attention makes it difficult for hockey to compete with cricket in terms of popularity and fan engagement.

Infrastructure and Grassroots Development

The availability of infrastructure and grassroots development opportunities play a crucial role in shaping the popularity of sports. Cricket enjoys a significant advantage in this regard. In India, cricket grounds, academies, and coaching facilities are widespread, particularly in urban areas. Young aspiring cricketers have access to quality coaching and competitive platforms from an early age, facilitating their growth and nurturing their talent.

In contrast, hockey infrastructure in India has faced neglect and inadequate investment over the years. While some major cities and states have hockey academies and training centers, they are far from being as accessible and well-established as cricket facilities. The lack of proper infrastructure, coaching, and grassroots development programs for hockey acts as a hindrance to its popularity and talent identification at the grassroots level.

Socio-cultural factors

Socio-cultural factors also influence the popularity of sports in any country, including India. Cricket aligns closely with the cultural fabric of the nation, making it more relatable to the masses. Cricket matches are often seen as social events, bringing together friends and families to cheer for their favorite team. The sport has become deeply ingrained in Indian society, with cricket legends idolized and celebrated as national heroes.

Socio-cultural factors also influence the popularity of sports in any country, including India. Cricket aligns closely with the cultural fabric of the nation, making it more relatable to the masses. Cricket matches are often seen as social events, bringing together friends and families to cheer for their favorite team. The sport has become deeply ingrained in Indian society, with cricket legends idolized and celebrated as national heroes.

Hockey, on the other hand, has faced challenges in capturing the imagination of the Indian public in the same way. The sport requires specialized knowledge and understanding of its rules, which may deter casual viewers who are not familiar with the game. Additionally, the fast-paced nature of cricket, with its explosive batting and thrilling moments, often attracts more attention and excitement compared to the slower pace of hockey.

Furthermore, the commercialization and endorsement culture surrounding cricket have significantly contributed to its popularity. Cricket players enjoy lucrative sponsorship deals, and the sport has become a major platform for brands and advertisers to reach a vast consumer base. This commercial aspect has further propelled cricket's visibility and made it a more attractive option for aspiring athletes and investors alike.

In contrast, the commercial viability of hockey in India has been limited. The sport has struggled to attract significant corporate sponsorship and investment, leading to financial constraints for teams and players. The lack of financial resources hampers the development of infrastructure, training facilities, and promotion of the sport, ultimately impacting its popularity and ability to compete with cricket.