The 10 most popular participation sports in the world.
Although it is quite difficult to estimate exact participation figures for sports around the world, it is possible to give a general idea of some of the most popular sports using the available research, although we appreciate that the list is open to debate.
Football.
Few things can compete with soccer as a spectator sport and this is also matched by the number of people who participate in the sport, whether at the grassroots level, in soccer 5-a-side leagues or just playing for fun with friends. In the latest world census carried out by the sport's governing body FIFA, it was estimated that there are 265 million people who practice this sport along with more than 5 million referees, which is equivalent to 4% of the world's population.
Badminton.
It may come as a surprise to some that badminton is among the top 10 sports with the highest participation in the world. But badminton is an extremely popular indoor sport, regularly played by an estimated 220 million people worldwide. It is particularly popular in Asia, where many of the best players in the sport hail from the continent.
Hockey grass.
This fast-paced sport is practiced by men and women in more than 100 countries on 5 continents around the world. A firm favorite at the Olympics, field hockey is a highly technical sport, played by 10 field players plus a goaltender and its rules differ from the ice hockey variant of the sport.
Volleyball.
Originating in the United States, volleyball boasts an impressive estimated global participation figure of 998 million people. Indoor and outdoor versions of the sport are played around the world, with more than 220 affiliated national federations registered with volleyball's world governing body, the 'FIVB'.
Basketball.
The Federation of International Basketball Associations (FIBA) estimates that at least 450 million people around the world play the sport, either recreationally or through organized competition. Celebrities in the basketball world like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant have helped the sport grow from its American roots to worldwide popularity.
Tennis.
Widely recognized as the world's most popular individual sport, tennis is played by an estimated 60 million men and women worldwide, according to a ranking by Top end Sports. The doubles version of the sport is also hugely popular around the world, which is why it features on this list of the top 10 most popular sports.
Cricket.
Most of the participants in the sport come from Australia, India, Pakistan, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, but cricket is also booming in other countries around the world. The International Cricket Council (ICC) identified that an impressive 125 countries around the world play the sport in the United Kingdom, but cricket is also booming in other countries around the world. The International Cricket Council (ICC) identified that an impressive 125 countries around the world play the sport.
Table tennis.
This indoor sport has become increasingly popular over the years, being integrated into schools, social clubs, and sports centers around the world. The Top end Sports ranking also estimated that 300 million people worldwide participate in table tennis.
Baseball.
Historically, baseball was more popular in the United States than anywhere else in the world, but now the sport is becoming increasingly popular in other countries like Japan. Softball is the women's version of the game, and the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) estimates that 65 million people play baseball or softball in more than 140 countries.
Golf.
Perhaps one of the most popular pastimes in the world, according to Golf Today, 60 million people around the world regularly participate in the sport. The definition of playing golf regularly in these figures is equivalent to playing one round of golf per year or using a facility such as a driving range.
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