New Delhi: Cricket events dominated Google India’s top sporting searches for the year 2024 with the Indian Premier League (IPL) leading the way though non-cricketing competitions like the Olympics, Pro Kabaddi league (PKL) also made it to the list.
After cricket, football emerged as the most sought-after sporting discipline with the Indian Super League, Copa America and Uefa European Championship being among the top 10 searches, as per data disclosed by the search engine giant.
A look at the most searching sporting events indicate that apart from enthusiasm for cricket, there is a growing popularity for kabaddi, football and other Olympic disciplines.
1. Indian Premier League (IPL)
The 2024 edition of the IPL witnessed some exhilarating action with Shah Rukh Khan co-owned Kolkata Knight Riders beating Sunrisers Hyderabad to win the title, their third since the glamour tournament began in 2008.
2. ICC T20 World Cup
India defeated South Africa in a thrilling final to win the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, to claim their second title after which skipper Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli retired from T20Is.
3. Paris Olympics
India claimed six medals at Paris 2024, including one silver medal from Neeraj Chopra in men’s javelin, making his second successive Olympic medal after the historic gold at Tokyo 2020. Shooter Manu Bhaker emerges as the other star, with two bronze while Swapnil Kusale also got a bronze. The men’s hockey team also ended up on the podium, claiming second consecutive bronze.
4. Pro Kabaddi League (PKL)
Puneri Paltan beat Haryana Steelers to become the champions of the 2023-2024 Pro Kabaddi League, cementing the games growing popularity across the country.
5. Indian Super League (ISL)
Indian football’s top-tier competition was dominated by Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan, who won their maiden league shield while Mumbai City bagged the cup as the tournament boosted the domestic game’s visibility.
6. Women’s Premier League (WPL)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the second edition of the WPL as women’s cricket received a significant boost in the country.
7. Copa America
Lionel Messi’s Argentina won the 2024 Copa America with the Argentina icon keeping Indian football fans tuned in to the developments as Lautaro Martinez and Emiliano Martinez emerged as the showstoppers.
8. Duleep Trophy
The domestic tournament remains a major platform for emerging cricket talents to make a mark as West Zone won the title.
9. UEFA European Championship (Euro)
Spain won the title, with Indian audience hooked on to their short-passing style, spearheaded by 17-year-old Lamine Yamal.
10. Under-19 Cricket World Cup
India might have lost in the final to Australia, but several talents made a name for themselves and are expected to play for the senior men’s team soon.
Cricket, football, Olympics and kabaddi emerged as the most sought-after sporting disciplines at Google India’s top sporting searches for the year 2024 Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
