Neeraj Chopra's gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics has sparked a huge interest in javelin throw across India. After his win, the number of javelin throw classes in the country has increased by 825%. Many young athletes are now inspired to take up the sport, thanks to Chopra's success, which has captured the nation's imagination and led to a surge of enthusiasm for javelin throw.
According to a report that highlights consumer search trends, searches for various sports training facilities have substantially increased during the Olympic period (July 26th to August 12th) compared to the previous month (June 26th to July 12th).
Nationwide, searches for sports training centres experienced a remarkable 110% increase during the Olympics. This surge was particularly pronounced in metropolitan cities, with a 133% increase in searches compared to non-metropolitan areas, which saw a 92% rise.
Among the major cities, Delhi witnessed a 157% increase, Mumbai recorded a 171% surge, Pune saw a 203% jump, Chennai experienced a 60% increase, Bangalore saw a 69% rise, Hyderabad recorded a 94% surge, Kolkata witnessed a 224% increase, and Ahmedabad saw a 154% jump in searches for sports training centers. The trend was equally impressive in non-metropolitan areas, with Dehradun reporting a 281% increase, Patna at 263%, and Guwahati at 246%.
The Olympics' impact was evident across various sports categories. Javelin throw classes saw a phenomenal 825% increase in searches, likely fuelled by the star performer Neeraj Chopra. Pistol shooting and rifle shooting training centres also experienced significant growth, with searches increasing by 282% and 230%, respectively. Archery, sword fencing, badminton, table tennis, and hockey coaching classes also witnessed notable spikes in search interest.
Specific cities showcased exceptional enthusiasm for certain sports. Pune emerged as a hotspot for rifle shooting training centres, with a 1013% increase in searches. Delhi and Hyderabad led the way in archery classes, recording 747% and 733% increases, respectively. Mumbai dominated searches for pistol shooting training centres with a 921% surge. The city-wise spikes for the javelin throw were particularly impressive, with Mumbai leading the way at 4332%, followed by Pune at 3942% and Delhi at 1085%.
As India continues to embrace sports and fitness, the Olympics have played a pivotal role in inspiring individuals to take up new sports and enhance their athletic abilities. The surge in searches for sports training centres reflects the growing interest and enthusiasm for sports among the Indian population.
Category-Wise Spikes
Javelin Throw Classes: 825%
Pistol Shooting Training Centers: 282%
Rifle Shooting Training Centers: 230%
Archery Classes: 193%
Sword Fencing Classes: 162%
Hockey Coaching Classes: 81%
Badminton Clubs and Classes: 78%
Table Tennis Classes: 73%