The Popularity of the Super Bowl in India

The craze for sports in India is at an unprecedented level. Support for sports, such as cricket, is on a cultural level and its impact cuts across many of India’s diverse climes in a great way. Sports, such as American football and basketball, may not be as popular as cricket in India. However, these sports’ lower popularity does not stop Indian people from exploring favorable Super Bowl lines. India is a big sports nation with a massive population behind its favorite sports.

When you think about India’s status as a sports nation, cricket comes to mind. And cricket in India operates on a massive scale comparable to the rush for Super Bowl odds in America. India’s enormous population provides tremendous advantages and opportunities for sports development.

The major challenge for most sports is getting the Indian population interested. This does not imply that other sports, such as football, basketball, American football, tennis or rugby are not enjoyed in India. These sports, and many more, are present in India. They pale significantly in comparison to the massive interest and structure behind cricket.

American Football in India

While cricket is leading the way, all other sports are jostling for attention in India. One sport that is giving cricket a run for its money is American football. Several American football enthusiasts recognize India’s population as a unique opportunity for the global expansion of American football.

The NFL has taken several essential steps to actualize a strong structure for American football in India. Other organizations, such as the Elite Football League of India (EFLI), have also established a strong presence for American football in India. The results achieved from these attempts are promising, and they predict a bright future for American football in India.

India’s Connections with American Football

American football shares a vital connection with India. Many direct and indirect links are shared between India and American Football. The NFL is the leading organization among them.

The Asian presence in American football is limited. Nevertheless, two top players in NFL history came from India. They are:

• Brandon Chillar

Brandon Chillar played as a Linebacker in the NFL. He is one of two Indian players to play American football in the NFL. He was born in Los Angeles, California, with Indian origins tied to his father.

Chillar started by playing college football for UCLA until he was drafted in the 2004 NFL Draft by St. Louis Rams. Chillar’s impressive NFL career saw him move to Green Bay Packers in 2008, where he won Super Bowl XLV in 2010.

Besides playing American football, Chillar has been at the forefront of bringing and establishing American football in India. Fresh from his Super Bowl victory, Chillar began to contribute as a primary investor and an adviser to the Elite Football League of India (EFLI) in 2011.

He also worked with other big names in the NFL to establish a league structure for American football in India.

• Sanjay Beach

Sanjay Beach was the first Indian player to play American football in the NFL. Sanjay played as a wide receiver for different teams, including the San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, and the New York Jets.

Beach also played an active role in the NFL’s expansion into Europe when he signed to play for Amsterdam Admirals in 1995.

The significance of the Elite Football League of India (EFLI)

When the Elite Football League of India (EFLI) launched in India in 2011, the league’s primary target was the Indian rugby community. Since Rugby and American football shared similarities, rugby players in India quickly acclimatized to American football, especially as the EFLI offered them better pay.

EFLI organized orientation programs for over 4000 interested rugby players and organized the first successful American football league in India.

Pune Marathas won the inaugural Elite Bowl (EFLIs version of the Super Bowl in India) in 2012. Since then, the EFLI has not been able to organize another league season in India even though it has spread its reach into other Asian countries.

The fact remains that the EFLI has established an American football structure in India. It is important to note that the EFLI made some big mistakes in promoting American football in India. As the NFL is actively pursuing the expansion of American football into India, it must be able to use the positives from EFLIs experience while avoiding a repeat of the negatives.

Conclusion

India is a ready market for American football. There is a lot of potential waiting to be tapped into, but the proper structure and approach are needed to make it a big success.

The fact that India loves rugby makes it more likely for the nation to fall in love with American football.

The big task for anyone interested in promoting American football in India is getting the Indian people to develop a natural passion for the sport without luring them with incentives.