Which Is Most Financially Rewarding Sports For Women In India?

 While the choice of sports is based on personal liking and preferences, financial aspects cannot be ignored completely

Jobs provide a stable income, but it may not appeal to folks who want a more thrilling and engaging life. Part of the latter group are athletes, who take sports as a full-time career. Since sporting careers are usually quite short in comparison to things like jobs or profession, athletes have to think about financial aspects. This is also relevant for women athletes. In this context, let us take a look at some of the most financially rewarding career opportunities for women in India.

Cricket - Even though India does not have an officially declared National Sports, it is quite apparent that cricket is the most popular sport in the country. Women's cricket has also started generating significant interest among fans. In top events such as WPL 2024, leading players like Smriti Mandhana earned around Rs 3.4 crore. If we add income from central contracts and endorsements, income of top women cricketers could easily be around Rs 5 crore to Rs 10 crore annually.

Badminton - This is not exactly a street sport, which is why it has relatively less fan following. However, the financial rewards can still be quite fulfilling. For example, top players like P.V. Sindhu and Saina Nehwal have achieved fame at the global level. It is estimated that top badminton players can earn in the range of Rs 5 crore to Rs 8 crore annually. Winning international events like BWF World Tour helps improve overall earnings. It is estimated that P.V. Sindhu has a net worth of around Rs 60 crore.

Tennis - This sport has still to produce leading Indian names that are recognized at the global level. While Sania Mirza is among the most widely known, her achievements are mainly in women's doubles and the mixed doubles at the Grand Slams. An Olympic medal is yet to be won by an Indian woman Tennis player. However, tennis can still be financially rewarding, especially in mixed doubles and women's doubles events. Earnings could be around Rs 1 crore to Rs 3 crore annually for top women tennis players in India.

Boxing and wrestling - While wrestling has always had a strong presence in India, boxing is also gaining popularity with achievements by leading athletes like Mary Kom. Mary has won medals at the Olympics and the World Amateur Boxing Championship. In women’s wrestling, popular names include Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat, who have won Olympic medals. If we include tournament earnings, government rewards and income from endorsements, top Indian women boxers and wrestlers can earn up to Rs 2 crore annually.

Athletics - Sporting stars like P.T. Usha (retired) and Hima Das have played a key role in promoting athletics among Indian sportswomen. Earnings can come from major events such as Asian Games, Word Championships and Olympics. Top women athletes can expect to earn up to Rs 2 crore annually. This will include the event earnings, along with government rewards and income from endorsements.