Softball and Its Increasing Popularity in India

In the new era of sporting leagues, here's the latest addition - the 2016 Softball League. The capital hosted the inaugural edition of the Softball League with eight teams participating in the tournament.

Softball is growing in popularity in India with as many as 8-10 amateur clubs in the country. Sadly, what majority of Indians think of softball is pretty shocking!

A participants confessed that "people think it's something that's soft and played by girls". Another participant added that "people think it's cricket and you get a bat and a full toss ball. They only know that a catch means out and nothing else".

And this one takes the cake. Another contestant admitted that his entire family used to call it a 'Lallu Punju Game till very recently'.

These perceptions are, however, fast changing thanks to the efforts of India's new crop of softball players. Why? It's affordable, easy to play and in a way is a bit like cricket in a cricket-obsessed nation like ours. And digest this; there are eight different states where softball players even get government jobs.

So what exactly is softball? Here's a little crash course in the game. In very basic terms, it's a bit like baseball. The difference, it's got a bigger ball, a lighter bat and a smaller outfield. It's fast becoming popular in India with as many as 80 plus softball clubs.

What most do not know is that India has a recognised softball federation as well as an official team since 1983. While the Men in Blue may not have caused a stir in the international circuit, Team India has done well in various invitational tournaments over the years.

Softball was a part of the Olympics from 1996 to 2008 but was removed as a discipline for the 2012 and 2016 editions. There is a strong possibility of softball's return to the Summer Games in Tokyo 2020. A move that is sure to boost the sport not only in India but across the world.