India is a country with diverse interests when it comes to sports. While cricket is the undisputed king of sports in India, there are other sports that have gained popularity in recent years. However, there are some sports that are still underrated, while others are overrated in India.
Underrated Sport: Football
Football is one of the most underrated sports in India. Despite being the most popular sport in the world, it has failed to gain a significant following in India. The Indian football team is ranked 105th in the world, which is a clear indication of the lack of interest in the sport. However, in recent years, the Indian Super League (ISL) has helped to raise the profile of football in the country. The league has attracted some big-name players and has helped to create a more significant interest in the sport. However, there is still a long way to go before football can match the popularity of cricket in India.
Overrated Sport: Cricket
Cricket is undoubtedly the most popular sport in India. The Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the most-watched sporting events in the world. However, the popularity of cricket in India has led to the neglect of other sports. The Indian cricket team is given a lot of attention and resources, which has come at the expense of other sports. While cricket is undoubtedly a great sport, it has been overrated in India, and this has had a detrimental effect on other sports.
In recent years, there has been a push to promote other sports in India. The government has launched several initiatives to encourage the development of other sports, and this has helped to create a more significant interest in sports such as hockey, badminton, and football. The success of athletes such as PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal, and Mary Kom has helped to raise the profile of sports such as badminton and boxing.
In conclusion, while cricket is undoubtedly the most popular sport in India, there are other sports that are underrated and overrated. Football is an underrated sport in India, and there is a need to create more significant interest in the sport. On the other hand, cricket is an overrated sport in India, and there is a need to promote other sports and provide more resources to other athletes. The government and sports bodies need to work together to create a more significant interest in other sports and provide the necessary resources to develop these sports.