Dreaming of a career that combines passion, fame, and big money?
In India, several sports have emerged as lucrative career paths for teenagers who start early and train consistently. From cricket stadiums to Olympic podiums Best High-Income Sports, Indian athletes today are not just making history — they’re making crores.
In this guide, we’ll show you the 7 best sports to start as a teenager in India that offer high income potential and real career growth in 2025 and beyond.
:Best High-Income Sports :
Cricket
- Start Age: 10–15 years
- Income Potential: ₹50 Lakhs to ₹100 Crores
- Path to Success: Local Academies → District → Ranji Trophy → IPL → Indian Team
- Example: Rinku Singh – from local fields to crores in IPL
Why it pays: BCCI contracts, IPL salaries, match fees, brand endorsements.
Example: Rinku Singh rose from poverty to IPL stardom in just a few years.
⚽ Football (ISL & International)
- Start Age: 10–14 years
- Income Potential: ₹10 Lakhs to ₹5 Crores
- Path: Academy → State League → ISL Draft → National Team
- Example: Sahal Abdul Samad – Kerala Blasters’ young star
Why it pays: ISL contracts + brand deals + international exposure.
Example: Sahal Abdul Samad, ISL star with national caps and endorsements.Football
🏃♂️ Athletics (Track & Field)
- Start Age: 12–16 years
- Income Potential: ₹5 Lakhs to ₹10 Crores
- Path: School Sports → Khelo India → Nationals → Olympics
- Example: Neeraj Chopra – Olympic gold, ₹50+ Cr brand value
Why it pays: Government bonuses for medals, fame, and endorsements.sports that make you rich in India-Cricket, Football, MMA, Badminton..
Example: Neeraj Chopra became a household name and millionaire post-Tokyo Olympics.
🏸 Badminton
- Start Age: 8–13 years
- Income Potential: ₹20 Lakhs to ₹10 Crores
- Path: Local Tournaments → Nationals → BWF Circuit → Olympics
- Example: PV Sindhu – ₹50+ Cr in prize & endorsements
Why it pays: Sponsorships, league appearances, prize money.
Example: PV Sindhu earned over ₹50 crores including endorsements.
🎾 Tennis
- Start Age: 7–12 years
- Income Potential: ₹10 Lakhs – ₹20 Crores
- Path: AITA Juniors → ITF Tour → ATP/WTA Rankings
- Example: Sumit Nagal – ATP breakthrough from India
Why it pays: Global tournaments and brand deals.
Example: Sumit Nagal got major exposure and prize earnings after qualifying for ATP events.
🎯 Shooting
- Start Age: 14–16 years
- Income Potential: ₹10 Lakhs – ₹5 Crores
- Path: District Events → Nationals → Olympic Squad
- Example: Abhinav Bindra – Olympic champion, entrepreneur
Why it pays: Govt rewards for medals + long-term stability.
Example: Abhinav Bindra, Olympic gold medalist and entrepreneur.
Other high paying Sports In India :
Chess
- Start Age: 7–14
- Income: ₹5 Lakhs – ₹1 Crore
- Example: R Praggnanandhaa, teenage GM with global recognition.
🏉 Kabaddi
- Start Age: 12–16
- Income: ₹10 Lakhs – ₹1 Crore (PKL contracts)
- Example: Pardeep Narwal, one of the richest kabaddi stars.
🎮 Esports (BGMI, Free Fire, Valorant)
- Start Age: 14–18
- Income: ₹5 Lakhs – ₹1 Crore+ (tournaments + streaming)
- Example: Mortal & Scout made gaming a full-time profession.
🧠 Final Thoughts
If you’re a teenager with passion and discipline, a career in sports can make you both famous and financially independent. Start early, choose the right sport, and go all-in. Remember — in the world of sports, those who begin early often finish on top.
📌 Suggested Read:
👉 Top Sports That Make You Rich in India