If you were to go only by popularity levels, you would not hesitate to say that cricket is India’s national game. The level of support and enthusiasm it generates in India definitely cannot be matched by any other sport – in fact, it would stand up against any sport in the world.
In India, however, all other sports have had to take a back seat to cricket, including the likes of hockey. In this article, we will attempt to decipher why cricket is so popular in India than hockey.
Why Cricket Is So Popular In India Than Hockey?
Here are a few reasons why cricket is so popular in India than Hockey.
Cricket is much more easily accessible
One of the major factors as to why cricket is so popular in India than hockey is that cricket is much easier to play, especially in a country with India’s huge population and lack of space.
If you have a bat and a ball, then two people can enjoy a fun game of cricket. You don’t even need a bat and ball – just two items that are roughly shaped like them. Furthermore, cricket can be played on the streets, in a park, or on the terraces, and can be modified based on the available space as well as the number of players.
On the other hand, a game of hockey is not as easy to start on a whim. Three things that you do need for a game of hockey are a ball, hockey sticks, and level ground. Furthermore, to be a good hockey player, you require extremely high levels of energy, stamina, and speed, which need to be channelled in the right direction – something that is hard to do without proper guidance. Cricket is much more forgiving in that regard, as incredible physical fitness is highly useful but not a deal-breaker in the sport.