India, a country where cricket is not just a sport but a religion, continues to sideline other sports, even in 2025. The stark difference in attention, recognition, and rewards between men’s cricket and other sports is appalling. The recent celebration of the Indian men’s cricket team’s Championship Trophy victory proves this yet again—streets flooded with fans, celebrities and politicians rushing to congratulate the team, social media filled with stories and statuses, and fireworks lighting up the sky.

But just a few days before, on March 8, the Indian women’s kabaddi team won the Championship, and barely anyone noticed. No grand celebrations, no breaking news, and for many, not even awareness that such a victory had occurred. How is this fair?

A System Rigged Against Other Sports

The discrimination isn’t just about media coverage; it runs deeper. Men’s cricket players in India earn crores, travel in luxury, vacation in London and Paris, and attend high-profile parties like Ambani’s. Meanwhile, athletes from other sports struggle for basic facilities. They train tirelessly but receive little financial support and are still expected to bring home gold medals. Many travel in local trains while male cricketers cruise in BMWs. How does this make sense?

Even within cricket, women’s cricket is neglected. The Indian men’s cricket team dominates headlines, while our women’s team barely gets the same respect, opportunities, or pay. Despite performing well internationally, they remain overshadowed by their male counterparts.

The Dark Side of Sports: Harassment and Disrespect

Beyond the financial and media neglect, female athletes also face harassment and misconduct. Whether it’s within stadiums, during training, or in public spaces, women in sports continue to struggle for basic respect and safety. It’s shameful that in a country worshipping sports heroes, female athletes still battle discrimination, objectification, and lack of security.

The IPL Effect: A Curse in Disguise

The rise of IPL (Indian Premier League) has further worsened the situation. It has turned cricket into a money-making machine, overshadowing every other sport. The glamour, betting, and corporate sponsorships have ensured that cricket remains the only sport that truly matters in India. While the nation cheers for their favorite IPL teams, many don’t even know the names of their national champions in other sports.

Time to Rethink Our Priorities

This bias is not just unfair, but harmful. Every sport requires dedication, discipline, and hard work. Every athlete who represents India deserves equal respect, opportunities, and financial support. If we continue this discrimination, we risk losing potential Olympic champions and world-class athletes who could bring India global glory in sports beyond cricket.

It’s time for our government, media, and citizens to break this cycle. The Prime Minister and celebrities must congratulate all sports champions equally, and the media must highlight every sporting achievement, not just cricket. Fans must expand their love for sports beyond just men’s cricket.

If we truly want India to be a sports powerhouse, we must stop treating other sports as second-class. Otherwise, we are failing our athletes and, ultimately, our country.

Beyond Men's Cricket: The Unseen Struggles of Other Sports in India

Why Other Sports and Women Athletes in India Deserve Equal Recognition and Support