Cricket Killing Other Sports in India !

 

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Cricket, often referred to as the "religion of India," has been a dominant force in the world of sports for decades. It has captured the hearts and minds of millions, turning players into celebrities and elevating the sport to an unparalleled level of popularity. However, this unwavering cricket obsession raises a crucial question: is cricket overshadowing and undermining the growth of other sports in India?

Cricket's overwhelming dominance in India can be attributed to several factors. Media plays a key role in shaping public interest, and cricket receives extensive coverage and promotion. It is often celebrated as a festival, and its players are remembered for years, even after they retire. The passion for cricket is deeply rooted in the minds of the people, creating an atmosphere akin to a national obsession.

Cricket's financial success cannot be overlooked either. The sport attracts powerful sponsorships and investments, and the proliferation of cricket leagues, especially the Indian Premier League (IPL), has added to its allure. This not only sustains the interest of fans but also generates significant revenue for the cricketing ecosystem.

While cricket thrives, other sports in India face neglect and namelessness. Talented athletes in disciplines like hockey, tennis, badminton, kabaddi, archery, squash, athletics, chess, wrestling and football often struggle for recognition and resources. The distinction between attention and support is stark, with cricket overshadowing their achievements.

Hockey, once India's national sport, has languished in the shadows despite glorious past successes. The neglect of other sports is not only unfair but detrimental to the overall growth of the sporting culture in India. Many talented individuals go unnoticed, and the country's performance in international competitions outside of cricket remains subpar.

The media's role in cricket's triumph cannot be underestimated. Cricket's popularity skyrocketed after India's historic 1983 World Cup win. Television coverage brought cricket to every household, making players like Virat Kohli, Kapil Dev and Zaheer Khan household names. Even unconventional choices like Mandira Bedi contributed to cricket's expanding fan base.

Cricket administrators have also been adept at marketing the sport, especially with the advent of T20 cricket. While purists criticized the format, it attracted a new generation of fans, further cementing cricket's place as the king of Indian sports.

The disproportionate attention given to cricket in India needs to be addressed. Other sports deserve equal recognition and support. Athletes like Abhinav Bindra, Sania Mirza, Leander Paes, Anni Rani, Niraj Chopra, Avinash Chavle, Udham Singh, Dhyan Chand and Vishwanathan Anand have made India proud on the global stage but remain overshadowed by cricketing legends.

Cricket's popularity in India is unparalleled, but its dominance should not come at the expense of other sports. It is essential for India to diversify its sporting interests and provide equal opportunities, resources, and recognition to athletes across various disciplines. A well-rounded sports culture will not only benefit individual athletes but also contribute to the nation's overall development and success on the global sporting stage. Cricket should continue to thrive, but it should not be allowed to stifle the growth of other sports in this diverse and sports-loving nation.