A significant sport in India, which is competitive in international terms, as well as in Korea and Turkey. Some minor interest across a number of countries.

30 Speed Skating

36 Indycar

Very regional sport, but a huge sport in Australia, with considerable interest also in the UK. Lesser global appeal means it remains to some extent in the shadow of it's larger cousin Rugby Union, which some its major starts have defected to.

13 Badminton

2 Basketball

Biggest Global Sports A statistics-based analysis of the world's most popular sports

Dominant sport in: Germany, France, UK, Italy, Brazil, Russia, Mexico, Spain, Turkey, Netherlands, Nigeria. S. Arabia, Poland, Thailand, Kenya, Argentina, Colombia, Algeria Huge sport in: China, Japan, S.Korea, S. Africa, Sweden, Kazakhstan Major sport in: Australia, India, Canada, Pakistan, Phil Medium sport in: US, Indonesia

1 Association Football (soccer)

High interest: All months

The following list of the world's biggest sports is based on data collected on amount of coverage from major online sports news websites on a daily basis across some of the world's biggest countries, with amount of coverage weighted by country size to evaulate a true list of the world's biggest sports.

Soccer is the biggest global sport and a top 10 sport in all countries measured, as well as the dominant sport in South America, Europe and Africa. The world cup final is watched by an estimated 600 million people. More than 200 countries take part in the world cup qualifying. Has 5 of 10 worlds highest attended leagues and stars Messi and Ronaldo in top 10 paid sportsmen.

Dominant sport in: Philippines Huge sport in: US, China, Turkey Major sport in: Italy, Germany, France, Russia, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, Spain, S.Korea, S.Arabia, Indonesia, Poland, Argentina, Kenya Medium sport in: Australia, Japan, Nigeria, Netherlands, S. Africa, Thailand, Sweden, Colombia, Algeria Minor sport in: UK, Kazakhstan Fringe sport in: India, Pakistan

High interest: November to June

A massive sport in US and China, as well as major across continental europe and South America, making it one of the biggest global sports. NBA finals broadcast in over 200 countries, with over 10 countries represented on the the rosters. Over 200 national basketball federations. Has 4 of top 10 paid sportsmen

4 Cricket

Dominant sport in: India, Pakistan Huge sport in: UK, Australia, South Africa Medium sport in: Kenya Minor sport in: Nigeria Fringe sport in: France, Germany, Spain, Turkey, S.Korea, Neth. S. Arabia, Indonesia, Thailand, Sweden

High interest: All months

Dominates sports media coverage for around a quarter of the world's population in the Indian sub-continent. Also huge in UK, Australia and South Africa. 2015 world cup and 2011 semi-final between Pakistan and India watched by more than 1 billion people. Indian hero Dhoni earns more than $30 million per year

3 Tennis

Major sport in: France, Germany, Italy, UK, China, Brazil, India, Russia, Mexico, Canada, Spain, Turkey, S.Arabia, Indonesia, Netherlands, S. Africa Australia, Pakistan, Poland, Argentina, Colombia, Sweden, Philippines Medium sport in: Japan, US, S.Korea, Nigeria, Kenya, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Algeria

High interest: May to September and January

Probably the world's most universal sport being in the top 7 sports in every single country measured and a major sport of interest in Asia, Europe, Australasia, Latin and North America. Wimbledon finals in top 10 most watched annual events and Roger Federer 4th highest paid sportsman. More than 40 countries represented in top 100 players

6 Baseball

Huge sport in: US, Japan, S.Korea, Canada Major sport in: Mexico Medium sport in: Colombia Minor sport in: Netherlands, Philippines Fringe sport in: France, Ger, Italy, UK, Australia, China, India, Spain, Turkey, Brazil, S. Arabia, Indonesia, Nigeria, S. Africa, Thailand, Argentina, Kenya, Pakistan, Sweden

High interest: April to October

Huge sport in 2 economic powerhouses of US and Japan, being the biggest sport in the latter. Also a major sport in Canada, Mexico and Korea, although less interest elsewhere. MLB and Nippon league are the 2 most attended sports leagues in the world. Many of world's stars are also from latin american origin.

5 Formula 1

Huge sport in: US Major sport in: Canada, Mexico Minor sport in: UK, Germany, Spain, Turkey, Brazil, Japan, Nigeria and S.Korea, Thailand, Argentina, Colombia, Philippines, Sweden Fringe sport in: France, Italy, Netherlands, China, Russia, Australia, S. Arabia, S. Africa, Indonesia, Poland, Kenya

High interest: August to February

The biggest sport in the US, with popularity fueled by the US domestic market, where the Superbowl is regularly the most watched annual event. Also big in neigbouring Canada and Mexico. Whilst less successful in globalising than other US sports, it maintains some interest as a minor sport in most of world.

8 American football

Major sport in: Germany, UK, Italy, Spain, Brazil, Mexico, Netherlands, S. Arabia, Indonesia Medium sport in: Japan, China. India, France, Russia, Turkey, South Africa, Poland, Argentina, Kenya, Sweden, Colombia Minor sport in: Australia, Canada, Nigeria, Pakistan, Thailand, Philippines Fringe sport in: US, S.Korea, Algeria, Kazakhstan

High interest: February to November

Has a major following in Europe and Latin America, but also has strong interest across the developing world. Races broadcast to over 200 countries with a reported estimated viewing figures of around 500 million per race. Around $3 billion spent annually by the F1 constructors.

Huge sport in: Kenya Major sport in: Nigeria, Sweden Medium sport in: China, Japan, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Brazil, India, Russia, Spain, Mexico, Turkey, S. Africa, Netherlands, S. Arabia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Poland, Argentina, Thailand, Algeria, Colombia, Kazakh Minor sport in: US, Australia, Canada, S.Korea, Philippines

High interest: May to August

A very global sport with significant interest across all countries measured. Most watched sport in world's biggest event, the summer Olympics, with 100m final an iconic global event gaining an estimated audience over a billion. More than 40 countries gained medals at the last olympics from all continents.

7 Athletics

Major sport in: US, Japan, UK, S.Korea, S. Africa Medium sport in: Australia, Germany, Italy, France, India, Canada, Netherlands, Spain, Argentina, Kenya, Thialand, Philippines, Sweden, Colombia Minor sport in: China, Mexico, Turkey, Nigeria, Indonesia, Pakistan Fringe sport in Brazil, Russia, S. Arabia, Poland, Kazakh

High interest: April to August

A major sport in US, Japan, Korea and UK, it also has solid interest in most of the rest of the world, including the rest of Europe and Australia. Heavy interest for 4 majors and Ryder Cup between US and Europe. Strong growth in 00s considered to be driven by global popularity of Tiger Woods. Annual Fedex Cup offers winner $10 million

10 Golf

Dominant sport in: Canada Huge sport in: Russia, Sweden Major sport in: US, Kazakhstan Medium sport in: Germany, Poland Minor sport in: France, S.Korea, Netherlands Fringe sport in UK, Italy, China, Japan, India, Brazil, Australia, Mexico, Spain, Turkey, S. Arabia, Colombia, Philippines

High interest: November to June

Biggest sport in Canada, 2nd in Russia and 4th in the US, making it the biggest "winter" sport. Some interest also in Western Europe. World championship gained cumulative audience of over 700 million in over 100 countries, despite limited participation of some major NHL stars.

11 Ice Hockey

Huge sport in: Kazkhstan Major sport in: Mexico, Russia, Indon, Thai, Philippines Medium sport in: US, UK, Germany, Spain, Japan, India, Brazil, S. Africa, S. Arabia, Nigeria, Poland, Pakistan, Kenya, Argentina, Sweden, Algeria, Colombia Minor sport in: France, Italy, China, Australia, Canada, S.Korea, Turkey, Netherlands

High interest:All year

Significant following in North and Latin America, much of Europe, central Asia and Japan. Floyd Mayweather paid more than $250 million for Paquiano fight. World champions from every contininent, particularly Japan, Mexico, US, UK and Russia. Less structured nature of sport considered to put popularity under threat from UFC.

9 Boxing

Huge sport in; Indonesia Major sport in: China, India, Thailand Medium sport in: S.Korea Minor sport in: Japan, Nigeria, Pakistan, Algeria Fringe sport in: UK, France, Russia, Brazil, Canada, Spain, Turkey, S. Arabia, Netherlands, Philippines, Kazakhstan, Colombia, Sweden

High interest:August, April

Huge population reach being a top 5 sport in China Indonesia and India. Players such as Lin Dan in China and Saina Nehwal in India are considered major sporting figures, with richest stars having a net worth of more than 30 million dollars. More limited interest in Europe and America

12 Volleyball

Major sport in: Brazil, Turkey, S.Korea, Thailand, Poland Medium sport in: China, Japan, France, Italy, Russia, Argentina, Kenya Minor sport in: Germany, Netherlands, S. Arabia, Nigeria, Indonesia Fringe sport in: UK, US, India, Mexico, Canada, Spain

High interest:August to December

Big in the developing world, particularly Brazil, but also asia and parts of Europe. More national federations than any other sport at more than 200 and some estimates place it as having the most number of participants. World championships screened live across Europe and Asia.

18 Snooker

Major sport in: China Minor sport in: UK, Pakistan, Poland, Thailand Fringe sport in: Germany, India, Brazil, Spain, Turkey, Netherlands

High interest:October to May

High in the rankings primarily due to huge interest in China, where it is the number 4 sport. Also some interest in UK, where it was traditionally based. Now a large part of tour is played in China, whilst world championship has a prize pot of over $1 million

16 Swimming

Medium sport in: France, Italy, Australia, China, Japan, Brazil, S.Korea, Neth, S. Africa, Indonesia,Algeria, Sweden Minor sport in: UK, Germany, US, India, Russia, Turkey, Canada, Mexico, Spain, S. Arabia, Pakistan, Poland, Kenya, Thailand, Argentina, Philippines, Kazakhstan,Colobmia Fringe sport in: Nigeria

High interest:April to September

Global sport being top 20 in almost every country measured, although no higher than 8th in any country. Second highest interest sport in Summer Olympics, with champions from US, Asia, Europe and South America, although more limited interest for regular events.

GII Score: 3001

GII Score: 1394

GII Score: 1170

GII Score: 914

GII Score: 552

GII Score: 381

GII Score: 449

GII Score: 500

GII Score: 426

GII Score: 446

GII Score: 350

GII Score: 299

GII Score: 325

GII Score: 168

GII Score: 189

17 Mixed Martial Arts

Major Sport in: Brazil, Kazakhstan Medium sport in: US, Japan, Canada, Argentina, Poland, Thailand, Philippines Minor sport in: Russia, S.Korea, Mexico, S. Africa, Indonesia, Sweden, Colombia Fringe sport in: UK, China, Spain, Turkey, Nigeria. Netherlands, S. Arabia, Pakistan, Kenya

High interest:All months

Big in Brazil, but also with strong following in US Canada and Japan. Driven by strong popularity of Ultimate Fighting Challenge (UFC), but also covers popular Japanese mixed martial arts events. Star Anderson Silva reported to earn more than $500,000 per event.

GII Score: 190

14 Cycling

Huge Sport in: Colombia Major Sport in: France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands Medium sport in: UK. Germany, Australia, Mexico, Turkey, S. Africa, S. Arabia, Poland, Algeria, Sweden, Kazakhstan Minor sport in: Russia, US, Brazil, India, China, S.Korea, Canada, Indonesia, Nigeria, Argentina, Kenya, Pakistan, Thailand, Philippines Fringe sport in: Japan

High interest:May to July

Big in Europe, particularly France, Spain and Italy, where major tours are held as well as in Colombia, although failed so far to get a strong foothold in the US. Tour De France finale is one of the most watched global events, with interest in the sport focussed on the tours of Italy and France.

GII Score: 286

15 Rugby Union

Huge sport in: South Africa Major Sport in: France, UK, Australia, Argentina, Kenya Medium sport in: Italy, Japan, Spain Minor sport in: S. Arabia, Nigeria, Netherlands, Colombia Fringe sport in: Russia, Brazil, Germany, China, S.Korea, Turkey, Canada, Indonesia, Pakistan, Poland, Philippines, Algeria, Kazakhstan

High interest:September to May

A major sport for Australia, South Africa, France and UK, with some interest in the rest of the world. World cup is a huge global event, with attendance figures of 2 million+ across all games in recent versions, reportedly only surpassed only in scale by Olympics, football world cup and Tour de France

GII Score: 220

21 Nascar

Major Sport in: US Minor Sport in: Mexico, Canada Fringe sport in: Russia, Brazil, UK, Italy, Spain, Turkey, S. Africa, Indonesia, Argentina, Colombia, Philippines, Sweden

High interest:May to November

A major sport in its homeland of the US, but with limited international interest, particularly outside North America. In the US, it is the major motorsport and top driver Dale Earnhardt JR is reported to earn more than $20 million a year.

GII Score: 117

20 Field Hockey

Major Sport in: India, Pakistan Medium sport in: Netherlands, Argentina, Kenya Minor sport in: UK, Germany, Japan, Australia, S. Africa Fringe sport in: China, France, Russia, S.Korea, Spain, Canada, Turkey, Poland, Thailand, Colombia, Kazakhstan

High interest:December to July

Tradtionally considered the national sport in India, it is top 5 in interest there driving its top 20 position globally. Estimated to have more than 3 million worldwide playing field hockey. It maintains some interest in Western Europe, Australia and Japan.

GII Score: 132

24 Horse Racing

Medium sport in: UK, US, Japan, Australia, Sweden Minor sport in: Turkey, Canada, Kenya, Philippines Fringe sport in: China, Germany, Italy, Brazil, S.Korea, Mexico, Spain, S. Africa, Netherlands, S. Arabia, Argentina, Pakistan, Kazhkstan

High interest:March to June, October/November

Primarily a gambling sport, it maintains strong interest in US, UK, Sweden, Japan and Australia, although has more limited appeal elsewhere. Interest tends to focus on major races, such as the Kentucky Derby, the Grand National and the Melbourne Cup.

GII Score: 93

23 Table Tennis

Medium sport in: China, Nigeria Minor sport in: Germany, Japan, S.Korea, Netherlands, Pakistan, Sweden, Kazakhstan Fringe sport in: UK, France, Russia, Brazil, India, Spain, Turkey, Indonesia, Argentina, Thailand, Colombia, Philippines

High interest:January to May

A popular sport in China in particular, but maintains interest in Asia generally and in parts of Europe. One of the world's biggest participant sports, being played casually around the world.

GII Score: 98

25 Gymnastics

Medium Sport in: S.Korea Minor sport in: Japan, China, US, Germany, Russia, Brazil, Turkey, Netherlands, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Colombia, Sweden, Philippines Fringe sport in: UK, France, Italy, Australia, Spain, Mexico, Canada, Nigeria, Indonesia, Poland, Argentina

High interest:April to May, October

A consistent sport of interest across almost all of the countries tested (except India), although not a major sport in any. Particularly interest in Asia. Interest is focussed on certain events, such as the Olympics and world championships.

GII Score: 78

29 Figure Skating

Medium Sport in: Japan, Russia, S.Korea, Kazakhstan Minor sport in: China, France, Canada, Sweden, Philippines Fringe sport in: UK, Italy, Germany, US, Brazil, Turkey, Spain, Netherlands, Poland, Thailand, Colombia

High interest:November to March

High interest in Japan, Korea and Russia and one of the most watched winter olympic sports. It retains at least some interest in most of the major global countries in Europe, Americas and Asia.

GII Score: 65

27 Wrestling

Major Sport in: Kazakhstan Medium Sport in: India, Turkey Minor sport in: US, Russia, Japan, Pakistan, Algeria, Sweden Fringe sport in: UK, France, Germany, Australia, China, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Spain, Indonesia, Nigeria, S. Arabia, Poland, Philippines, Colombia

High interest:February to June, September

A traditional sport in a number of countries, particualrly in Central Asia and India, where it maintains strong appeal, but also in Japan, Russia and the US. Reinstated recently to Olympics after initially being removed.

GII Score: 67

28 Downhill Skiing

Medium Sport in: Sweden, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands Minor sport in: US, Canada, Poland, Kakakhstan Fringe sport in: UK, Russia, Japan, China, Brazil, Australia, Mexico, S.Korea, Spain, Turkey, Indonesia, S. Arabia, S. Africa, Nigeria, Philippines, Colombia

High interest: December to March

A significant sport in continental Western and Northern Europe, where the skiing world cup remains important. Recorded as the 2nd most watched sport at the winter olympics. It remains a fringe sport in most of the rest of the world, including Russia and Eastern Europe, where other winter sports are more popular.

GII Score: 67

31 Diving

Medium Sport in: China Minor sport in: Russia, Mexico, Colombia Fringe sport in: UK, France, Germany, Italy, Brazil, Japan, Australia, S.Korea, Turkey, Indonesia, Netherlands, Pakistan, Thailand, Sweden, Kazakhstan

High interest:July, August, October

Has good interest in China, where multiple Olympic gold medallists such as Guo JingJing have celebrity status. Has some interest across the world, including areas of Latina America, although more focussed on World Aquatic Championships and Olympics

GII Score: 53

19 Moto GP/Motorbike

Huge sport in: Indonesia Major Sport in: Italy, Spain Medium sport in: Netherlands, S.Africa, S.Arabia, Thailand Minor sport in: UK, Germany, France, Brazil, India, Australia, Turkey, Argentina, Pakistan, Colombia Fringe sport in: China, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, Kenya, Poland, Philippines, Sweden

High interest:March to October

Strong interest in Southern Europe where many of the recent champions have come from. Moderate interest across Europe, Australia, Brazil and India although no real traction in the US or Asia.

GII Score: 142

34 Rugby League

Huge Sport in: Australia Medium sport in: UK Fringe sport in: France, Spain, Kenya

High interest:May to September

GII Score: 41

22 Handball

Major Sport in: Germany, Spain, Sweden, Algeria Medium sport in: France, Poland Minor sport in: Russia, Brazil, S.Korea, Turkey, Netherlands, Kenya, Argentina Fringe sport in: UK, China, Japan, Nigeria. Kazkhstan, Colombia

High interest:September to May

Some global interest in set places, particularly continental Europe, although with some interest also in South America and Asia. No real coverage in US.

GII Score: 105

Major sport in: Netherlands Medium sport in: China, S.Korea Minor sport in: Germany, Russia, Japan, Colombia, Kazhkstan, Sweden Fringe sport in: US, Canada, S. Arabia, Poland, Pakistan, Thailand

High interest:November to March

Some significant interest particularly in Netherlands, Korea and China. Some interest particularly across Eastern Asia and central to Eastern Europe, although little to no traction in US.

GII Score: 57

Medium sport in: US Minor sport in: Brazil, Canada Fringe sport in: UK, France, Italy, Japan, India, Australia, Mexico, Netherlands, S.Africa, S.Arabia, Argentina, Colombia, Philippines, Sweden

High interest: March to August, particularly May

Indycar's interest remains primarily focussed on the US domestic market, particularly the Indy 500, although there remains interest elsewhere. It has slightly more international appeal than NASCAR racing, although lacks the domestic appeal to reach the same level on this list. Top drivers can earn more than $10 million annually.

GII Score: 39

37 Shooting

Minor sport in: India, China, Russia, S.Korea, Pakistan, Thialand, Kazahkstan Fringe sport in: UK, France, Italy, Australia, Spain, Turkey, S. Arabia, Argentina, Kenya, Sweden, Philippines, Colombia

High interest:September, January

Particularly big in India, where they have had previous Olympic success, but also significant interest in Russia, Korea and China, with strongest interest in Asia generally. Limited interest as a spectator sport in the Western World

GII Score: 39

38 Biathlon

Medium sport in: Russia, Germany, Sweden Minor sport in: France, Poland, Kazakhstan Fringe sport in: Italy, China, Canada, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia

High interest:December to March

Mixture of cross country skiing and shooting. Interest strongly focussed on Eastern and Central Europe, with Biathlon being the major winter sport in Russia and only behind Ice Hockey and Downhill skiing in Germany. Little interest however outside of Europe.

GII Score: 38

32 Touring Cars

Medium sport in: Germany, Argentina Minor sport in: France, Brazil, Russia, Spain, Australia, S. Arabia, Nigeria, Thailand, C;olombia, Sweden, Philippines Fringe sport in: UK, India, US, , Italy, Japan, S.Korea, Turkey, Indonesia, Netherlands, S. Africa, Poland, Kenya, Kazakhstan

High interest:April to Novermber, particuarly June

DTM racing particularly big in Germany, as well as V8 in Australia, although World Touring Car Championship has appeal everywhere. Le Mans 24 Hour Race also a high-point in appeal, with some interest in touring cars in most countries measured.

GII Score: 52

35 Judo

Medium sport in: Brazil, Algeria, Kazakhstan Minor sport in: Japan, France, S.Korea, Netherlands, Pakistan, Colombia Fringe sport in: UK, Germany, China, India, Russia, Mexico, Spain, Turkey, Indonesia, S. Arabia, Poland, Thaiiland, Argentina, Sweden, Philippines

High interest:August

Interestingly now more popular in Brazil than its home country of Japan, whilst also being big in North Africa and Central Asia. It does mantain interest in Japan and Korea and in Western Europe, particularly France.

GII Score: 45

42 Australian Rules Football

Huge sport in: Australia Fringe sport in: UK, Spain

High interest:March to October

Interest almost entirely focused in areas of Australia, although here it is a huge sport. Australian league has 4th highest average attendance in global sport. There are a few international teams, with a small amount of interest in the UK, but no real interest elsewhere.

GII Score: 49

26 Rally

Medium sport in:France, Spain, Turkey, S. Arabia, Poland, Argentina, Kenya, Sweden Minor sport in: Brazil, China, Germany, Italy, Russia, Mexico, S.Africa, Netherlands, Pakistan, Algeria, Colombia Fringe sport in: UK, US, Australia, India, S.Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Kazakhstan

High interest:January

Sport's interest focuses on world rally championship in Western and Northern Europe and the Dakar Rally, which is particularly big in the devleoping world in January and has a number of different disciplines. Global interest, but particularly in Europe.

GII Score: 72

33 Weightlifting

Medium sport in: Kazakhstan Minor sport in: China, India, Mexico, Turkey, S.Korea, Nigeria, Indonesia, Pakistan, Thailand, Philippines, Algeria, Colombia Fringe sport in: Russia, UK, Japan, France, Germany, Spain, S. Arabia, Poland, Argentina, Sweden

High interest:September-January, April

Very big in Central Asia, with some interest in 2 main population centres of India and China, as well as in Korea and Mexico. The Olympic sport maintains a presence in Eastern Europe, across Asia and Africa.

GII Score: 41

47 Sumo

Medium sport in: Japan Fringe sport in: Russia, China, Germany, Brazil, S.Korea, Sweden, Philippines

High interest:Jan, March, May, July, September

Traditionally the national sport of Japan, it has in recent years been overtaken by major Western Sport. It does however maintain medium interest there, particuarly Grand tournaments held every two months

GII Score: 24

44 Sailing

Medium sport in: Italy Minor sport in: Brazil, France, Australia, Spain, Turkey, Netherlands, Sweden Fringe sport in: UK, Germany, China, Japan, Russia, S.Korea, Mexico, S. Arabia, S,Africa, Argentina, Poland, Pakistan, Philippines, Algeria

High interest:April to Decmeber

Interest in Europe, particularly Italy, Australia and South America in this sport. Interest comes from a mix of dinghy sailing as included in the Olympics and from major sailing events such as the Americas Cup.

GII Score: 20

43 Archery

Minor sport in: India, S.Korea, Turkey, Mexico, Indonesia, Colombia Fringe sport in: UK, Italy, US, China, Brazil, Spain, Netherlands, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Philippines

High interest:April to September

GII Score: 60

40 Kickboxing/Muay Thai

Major sport in: Thailand Minor sport in: Japan, China, Indonesia Fringe sport in: Russia, Turkey, Netherlands, Poland, Argentina, Algeria, Kazakhstan, Colombia, Philippines, Sweden

High interest:Ocotber to April

Interest largely based in Asia. Muay Thai form remains a major sport in Thailand, with some significant interest in China and Japan. Limited interest in Western World currently, where mixed martial arts and Boxing are more popular

GII Score: 33

49 Wushu (Kung fu)

Minor sport in: China, Indonesia Fringe sport in: S.Korea, Philippines, Thailand, Turkey, Spain

High interest:December

Interest limited largely to massive domestic Chinese market. No real interest as a sport in the rest of the world, despite entering popular culture as a discipline.

GII Score: 19

48 Fencing

Minor sport in: Germany, France, Italy, S.Korea, Kazakhstan Fringe sport in: Japan, Brazil, Russia, US, China, Turkey, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, Argentina, Algeria, Colombia

High interest: July to September, November

Global sport although interest highest in continental Western Europe and Korea. Interest mostly focussed on major championships such as olympics and world championships.

GII Score: 19

41 Ski Jump

Major sport in: Poland Medium sport in: Germnay Minor sport in: Japan, Nethelrands Fringe sport in: Russia, China, France, UK, Spain, Mexico, S.Korea, Saudi Arabia, Sweden

High interest: December to March

The 6th most popular winter sport and particularly big in Germany and Poland, but also in Japan. Elsewhere there is only limited interest.

GII Score: 17

45 Equestrian

Medicum Sport in: Sweden Minor sport in: Germany, France, Netherlands Fringe sport in: UK, China, India, Brazil, Mexico, Spain, S.Korea, S. Arabia, Indonesia, Kenya, Kazakhstan, Algeria, Philippines

High interest: July to October

Popular in Western and Northern Europe, particularly around major events and especially in Sweden, Germany and France. Some interest globally in India, China and Brazil.

GII Score: 22

50 Beach Volleyball

Minor sport in: Brazil, Thailand, Philippines, Netherlands Fringe sport in: UK, Germany, Italy, China, Russia, Japan, Poland, Argentina, Kenya, Spain, Turkey, Nigeria, Indonesia, Colombia, Sweden

High interest: April - August

Popular in South America, particularly Brazil and in areas of South-East Asia. Has minor interest across most of the world, including Europe, Africa and Asia

51-100 most popular sports 51. Speedway 52. Curling 53. Rowing 54. Kabaddi 55, Surfing 56. Pool/Billiards 57. Squash 58. Freestyle skiing 59. Triathlon 60. Karate 61. Bobsleigh/luge 62. Water Polo 63. Polo 64. Synchronised swimming 65. Darts 66. Snowboarding 67. Canoeing 68. Skateboarding 69. Motocross 70, Softball 71. Bull riding/rodeo 72. Trampolining 73. Drag Racing 74. Windsurfing 75. Tenpin Bowling 76. Lacrosse 77. Rollerhockey 78. BMX 79. Bandy 80. Floorball 81. Sepak Takraw (Kick Volley) 82. Mountain Biking 83. Waterski 84. Jujitsu (Brazilian) 85. Dragon Boating 86. Netball 87. Rollerskate Racing 88. Racquetball 89. Competitive Climbing 90. Pencak Silat 91. Competitive Dance 92. Orienteering 93. Rafting 94. Trial Biking 95. Competitive Paragliding 96. Nordic Combined 97. Jetski Racing 98. Wakeboarding 99. Padel 100. Kokpar

GII Score: 557

GII Score: 132

46 Taekwando

Minor sport in: S.Korea, Turkey, Mexico, Nigeria, Thailand, Philippines, Kazakhstan Fringe sport in: UK, France, China, Russia, Brazil, Spain, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, Argentina, Pakistan, Kenya, Algeria

High interest: May, July and August

Particularly interest in homeland of South Korea, still the most successful nation in the Olympic sport but also around the world in Europe, Latin America and Asia.

GII Score: 21

GII Score: 14

GII Score: 29

GII Score: 31

GII Score: 25

39 Cross-Country Skiing

Major sport in: Sweden Medium sport in: Poland, Kazakhstan Minor sport in: Germany, Russia Fringe sport in: France, Italy, Japan, Canada, Spain, Turkey, S.Korea, S.Arabia, Netherlands, Colombia

High interest:November to March

Massive sport in Nordics, where it is no.3 ranked in Sweden. Also big in North-East Europe and former Soviet states, but little interest outside this region.

GII Score: 34