The year 2024 has been a thrilling one for sports enthusiasts, with a range of spectacular events like the Paralympics, Olympics, T20 World Cup, and more. The Indian Premier League (IPL) captured immense attention in India, while other major events like the T20 World Cup, the 2024 Olympics, the Pro Kabaddi League, and the Indian Super League also stood out. The Olympics in Paris were a highlight for global fans, though India faced several heartbreaking fourth-place finishes, overshadowing its medal count. On a positive note, the Indian men’s cricket team clinched the T20 World Cup, spreading joy among millions. Franchise leagues in Kabaddi and football also thrilled fans, while international tournaments like Copa America and the UEFA European Championships captivated Indian audiences with their exciting matches.
Most searched sports events in India in 2024
10. U19 Cricket World Cup
The U19 Cricket World Cup ranks as the 10th most searched sports event in India. The 2024 edition was held in South Africa from January 19 to February 11. Defending champions India couldn’t retain their title, losing to Australia in the final. Hosts South Africa finished fourth after a semifinal defeat to India. The tournament saw some thrilling finishes, with Pakistan securing third place after their loss to Australia in the semifinals. Four Indian players were named in the ICC Team of the Tournament.
9. UEFA European Football Championship
The UEFA European Football Championship, also known as Euro, ranks ninth. Euro 2024 captivated Indian football fans, with Spain emerging as champions after defeating England in the final, securing their fourth title. Hosts Germany were knocked out in the quarterfinals by Spain, while France and the Netherlands fell in the semifinals. Defending champions Italy were eliminated by Switzerland in the Round of 16.
8. Duleep Trophy
India’s domestic red-ball tournament, the Duleep Trophy, secured the eighth spot. The 2024 edition, held from September 5 to 22, featured teams India A, India B, India C, and India D. India A claimed the title, with India C finishing second, followed by India B and India D. Shubman Gill, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Shreyas Iyer captained the teams.
7. Copa America
The Copa America, South America’s premier football tournament, ranked seventh. Held in the USA, the 48th edition saw Argentina defend their title, winning a record 16th Copa America after defeating Colombia in the final. Hosts USA were eliminated in the group stages, while Uruguay finished third after a dramatic penalty shootout win against Canada. Lautaro Martínez was the tournament’s top scorer with five goals.
6. Women’s Premier League
The 2024 Women’s Premier League was held in Bengaluru and Delhi, where Royal Challengers Bangalore triumphed to win their first title after defeating Delhi Capitals in the final. This marked a second consecutive final loss for Delhi. RCB bounced back strongly after a poor debut season, lifting the trophy. Defending champions Mumbai Indians finished third, while UP Warriorz secured fourth place, and Gujarat Giants finished last for the second year in a row.
5. Indian Super League
The Indian Super League (ISL) is India’s top-tier football competition. In the 2023-24 season, Mohun Bagan FC claimed the ISL Shield, while Mumbai City FC won the ISL Cup, defeating the Shield winners in the final. This season was historic as Punjab FC, promoted from the I-League, became the first second-division team to participate in the ISL.
4. Pro Kabaddi League
The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), India’s premier Kabaddi competition, celebrated its 10th season in 2023-24, with Puneri Paltan emerging as champions after defeating Haryana Steelers in a thrilling final. The 2024 edition (season 11) kicked off on October 18 and has provided fans with plenty of excitement through close matches and high-energy encounters.
3. Olympics
The Olympics, held in Paris this year, ranked third on the list. The USA topped the medal tally with 40 golds and 126 overall medals, while China secured second with 40 golds and 91 total medals. Hosts France finished fifth with 64 medals. India had a disappointing campaign, finishing 71st with just six medals (1 silver and 5 bronze). Controversies surrounded the Games, including the disqualification of Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat just before her gold medal match and Algerian boxer Imane Khelif’s gender-related controversy, despite winning gold.
2. T20 World Cup
The T20 World Cup ranked second on the list, with India winning their first ICC title since 2013 by defeating South Africa in a thrilling final. Hosted in the USA and West Indies, the victory was particularly sweet for India after their heartbreaking loss in the 2023 ODI World Cup final. The tournament also featured some exciting matches, including the USA’s sensational win over Pakistan.
1. Indian Premier League
The Indian Premier League (IPL) continues to be the most searched sports event in India. In its 17th edition, Kolkata Knight Riders won their third title, defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final. The IPL 2024 edition and the 2025 player auction drove trending searches, with Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant breaking records as the most expensive players in IPL history.