10 Most Popular Participation Sports In The World

Although it is difficult to determine specific participation figures for sports around the world, available research can be used to provide a basic picture of some of the most popular sports, though we recognize that the list is subject to controversy.

Soccer/football

Few sports can match football as a spectator sport, and the amount of individuals who participate in the activity, whether at the grassroots level, in 5-a-side leagues, or simply for fun with friends, is unrivaled. According to the most recent global census conducted by the sports regulatory body FIFA, the sport is played by 265 million people worldwide, with over 5 million referees, accounting for 4% of the global population.

Badminton

Some people may be surprised to learn that badminton is one of the top ten most popular sports in the world. However, badminton is a very popular indoor activity, with an estimated 220 million people playing it on a daily basis. It is especially popular in Asia, where many of the top players in the game's history have come from.

Field Hockey

Men and women compete in this fast-paced sport in over 100 nations across five continents. Field hockey is a highly technical sport played by ten outfield players plus a goalkeeper, and its regulations differ from those of ice hockey.

Volleyball

Volleyball, which originated in America, has a staggering global participation figure of 998 million individuals. Volleyball is practiced inside and outdoors all over the world, with over 220 associated national federations registered with the sport's worldwide governing body, the FIVB.

Basketball

The Federation of International Basketball Associations (FIBA) estimates that 450 million individuals worldwide participate in basketball, whether recreationally or in organized events. Basketball legends such as Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant have enhanced the sport's global popularity as it has grown from its American roots.

Tennis

Tennis is often regarded as the most popular individual sport in the world, with an estimated 60 million men and women participating, according to a Topend Sports list. The sport's doubles form is also immensely popular around the world, which is why it is in the top ten most popular sports.

Cricket

Cricket is most popular in Australia, India, Pakistan, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, but it is also gaining popularity in other nations across the world. According to the International Cricket Council (ICC), cricket is played in 125 nations throughout the world.

Table Tennis

This indoor sport has grown in popularity over time, with schools, social organizations, and sport centers all around the world including it. Table tennis is also played by an estimated 300 million individuals around the world, according to Topend Sports.

Baseball

Baseball has traditionally been more popular in America than anywhere else in the world, but it is also gaining popularity in other nations such as Japan. Softball is the female version of the game, and the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) estimates that 65 million individuals in over 140 nations play baseball or softball.

Golf

According to Golf Today, 60 million people throughout the world participate in golf on a regular basis, making it one of the most popular pastimes in the world. In these statistics, "frequently playing golf" is defined as playing one round of golf a year or using a facility like a driving range.

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