Indian cricket fans in Ahmedabad in January 2008. Cricket rules in India and golf will never be as popular despite surging interest, according to two of the country's leading players.
©AFP/File - Sam Panthaky

NEW DELHI (AFP) - Cricket rules in India and golf will never be as popular despite surging interest, according to two of the country's leading players.

Arjun Atwal and Jeev Milkha Singh hope this week's inaugural Indian Masters, the first European Tour event to be held in the country, will further boost interest in golf but admit cricket is king.

"Cricket is a religion in India. I don't think golf will catch up with it but I think it can become the second most popular sport in this country," said Atwal, the first Indian to play on the US PGA Tour.

"Especially with the youngsters taking so much interest in it, I think definitely it could be the second most popular sport."

Organisers of the Masters at Delhi Golf Club this week have decided to offer free admission in the hope that fans will flock to the course, and keep coming back in years to come.

But like Atwal, Singh doesn't see cricket losing its grip in the popularity stakes.

"I think cricket is far ahead of golf, and maybe if you get close to cricket, I think that's going to be fantastic," he said.

"I think we can't compare the two because cricket is a massive sport, and golf is a little bit different.

"I think it's two different ways we are looking at it. But if we can get close to cricket, I think in the next 10 years or so, I think that will be an achievement."