Kabaddi remains a favourite among TV audience

The latest viewership data by the BARC unravels an interesting story. The opening day of the FIFA World Cup 2022 registered a reach of 9.7 million (BARC data: 2+U+R; including DD) and consumption of 0.48 billion minutes. Compare these figures with the opening day of Season 9 of the Pro Kabaddi League this year, and a stark difference arises. The opening day of PKL Season 9 registered a staggering reach of 46 million (2+U+R) combined with a consumption of 1.41 billion minutes, which is significantly more than the figures recorded for the global marquee sporting event.

The recent viewership figures are a testament to the growth of India’s indigenous sports, which have made great strides, even giving established global sporting a run for viewership in India. It is a fact that Indian sporting leagues are promoted over the years from a spectator lens with a laser-sharp focus on fan engagement, in-stadia quality experience, and hero building, thus, making sports such as Kabaddi more aspirational and widely followed in the hinterland.