Asia is a diverse continent with a rich sporting culture, where a wide variety of sports capture the interests of millions of people. From traditional martial arts to modern team sports, each country in Asia has its own set of popular sports that resonate with its population.
Let’s explore some of the most popular sports in South Korea, China, Taiwan, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Nepal, India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, along with the availability of sports betting sites in the region.
Country | Popular Sport |
South Korea | Soccer |
China | Soccer |
Taiwan | Baseball |
Japan | Baseball |
Thailand | Thai Boxing |
Vietnam | Soccer |
Malaysia | Soccer |
Philippines | Basketball |
Indonesia | Soccer |
Nepal | Cricket |
India | Cricket |
Bangladesh | Cricket |
Pakistan | Cricket |
Most Popular Sports in South Korea
Soccer (football) is immensely popular in South Korea, with the K League being the top professional soccer league in the country. Baseball also has a significant following, and the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) showcases local talent. Esports, particularly games like League of Legends and StarCraft, have gained widespread popularity in recent years.
Most Popular Sports in China
Soccer is the most popular sport in China, with the Chinese Super League featuring local and international players. Basketball is also highly popular, with the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) being the top professional basketball league. Table tennis holds a special place in Chinese sports culture, and China has produced numerous world-class table tennis players.
Popular Sports in Taiwan
Baseball is the most popular sport in Taiwan, with the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) featuring competitive teams and passionate fans. Basketball is also well-followed, and the Taiwan Basketball League (TBL) showcases local talent. badminton and table tennis are popular individual sports in Taiwan.
Most Popular Sports in Japan
Baseball is deeply ingrained in Japanese sports culture, with the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league attracting a dedicated fan base. Soccer, particularly the J.League, is also highly popular. Sumo wrestling holds a special place in Japanese tradition, and Japan hosts grand sumo tournaments throughout the year.
Popular Sports in Thailand
Muay Thai, also known as Thai boxing, is the national sport of Thailand and enjoys immense popularity both domestically and internationally. Soccer and basketball are also popular sports in Thailand, with dedicated leagues and enthusiastic fan bases. Sepak takraw, a traditional Southeast Asian sport, is widely played and watched in Thailand.
Popular Sports in Vietnam
Soccer is the most popular sport in Vietnam, with the Vietnamese Football League showcasing local talent. badminton, volleyball, and martial arts, including Vovinam and traditional Vietnamese wrestling, are also well-followed in the country.
Popular Sports in Malaysia
Soccer holds a significant place in Malaysian sports culture, with the Malaysia Super League being the top professional league. Badminton, due to the success of Malaysian players in international competitions, is also highly popular. Sepak takraw and squash are other popular sports in Malaysia.
Popular Sports in the Philippines
Basketball is the most popular sport in the Philippines, with the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) being the top professional basketball league. Boxing has a dedicated fan base as well, with the country producing world-class boxers. Volleyball, billiards, and esports also have significant followings.
Popular Sports in Indonesia
Soccer is the most popular sport in Indonesia, with the Liga 1 being the top professional league. Badminton, due to the success of Indonesian players, holds a special place in Indonesian sports culture. Basketball and volleyball are also well-followed in the country.
Popular Sports in Nepal
Cricket is gaining popularity in Nepal, with the national cricket team achieving notable success in international competitions. Soccer and martial arts, such as karate and taekwondo, are also popular in Nepal.
Popular Sports in India
Cricket is by far the most popular sport in India, with a massive following and a thriving domestic cricket scene, including the Indian Premier League (IPL). Field hockey, with a rich history of success in international competitions, is also highly popular. Soccer, badminton, tennis, and kabaddi (a traditional contact sport) are other popular sports in India.
Popular Sports in Bangladesh
Cricket holds a special place in Bangladeshi sports culture, with the national cricket team competing at the international level. Soccer and field hockey also have dedicated followings in Bangladesh.
Popular Sports in Pakistan
Cricket is the most popular sport in Pakistan, with a passionate fan base and a strong domestic cricket structure. Field hockey, due to Pakistan’s remarkable success in the sport, is also highly popular. Soccer and squash have dedicated followings as well.
Sports Betting Sites
In Asia, there are several popular sports betting sites that cater to the diverse interests of sports enthusiasts. Here is a list of some well-known sports betting sites in the region:
- 12BET
- 188Bet
- 1xBet
- 22BET
- Bet365
- Betfair
- Betway
- CMD368
- Dafabet
- Fun88
- M88
- Pinnacle
- SBOBET
- SBOTOP
- W88