Lucknow: Lord Ganesha, the revered Hindu deity known as the Remover of Obstacles and the God of New Beginnings, holds a special place in the hearts of millions, including some of the most celebrated sports stars in India and beyond. His universal appeal as a symbol of wisdom, prosperity, and success resonates deeply with athletes who often face high-stakes challenges and seek divine blessings to overcome hurdles. While direct evidence of “diehard” devotion to Ganesha among sports stars is often anecdotal or inferred from cultural practices, several prominent athletes from India and the global diaspora are known to express reverence for Ganesha, particularly during festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi. This feature highlights notable sports personalities who have publicly or culturally demonstrated their devotion to Lord Ganesha, exploring their faith, achievements, and the intersection of spirituality and sports.
Indian Sports Stars and Ganesha Devotion
India, the epicenter of Ganesha worship, has produced numerous sports icons who integrate their spiritual beliefs into their professional lives. While explicit declarations of being “diehard Ganesha loyalists” are rare, many athletes participate in Ganesha-centric rituals, visit temples, or share festival greetings, reflecting their cultural and spiritual connection to the deity. Here are some prominent Indian sports stars associated with Ganesha devotion:
1. Sachin Tendulkar – Cricket Legend Sachin Tendulkar, often called the “God of Cricket,” is one of India’s most iconic sports figures, with a record-breaking career that includes being the first player to score 100 international centuries. A devout Hindu, Tendulkar has frequently expressed his faith through visits to temples and participation in festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi. As a Maharashtrian from Mumbai, where Ganeshotsava is a cultural cornerstone, Tendulkar has been spotted at famous pandals like Lalbaugcha Raja, offering prayers during the festival. His social media posts often include Ganesh Chaturthi greetings, such as sharing images of Ganesha idols with captions like “Ganpati Bappa Morya,” reflecting his devotion. Tendulkar’s reverence for Ganesha aligns with his disciplined approach to cricket, where he sought divine blessings for success in high-pressure matches.
2. Virat Kohli – Cricket Superstar Virat Kohli, a former captain of the Indian cricket team and a global sports icon, is known for his aggressive batting and leadership. With a brand value of $227.9 million in 2024, he is India’s most marketable athlete. Kohli, married to Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, has a strong spiritual side, often seen visiting temples with his family. During Ganesh Chaturthi, Kohli has shared heartfelt messages on social media, wishing fans prosperity and invoking Ganesha’s blessings. For instance, in recent years, he posted images of eco-friendly Ganesha idols, reflecting his support for sustainable celebrations. His visits to Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple, a prominent Ganesha shrine, before or after major tournaments suggest a deep connection to the deity, seeking wisdom and strength for his cricketing endeavors.
3. MS Dhoni – Captain Cool Mahendra Singh Dhoni, known as “Captain Cool,” led India to victories in the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup, and 2013 Champions Trophy. A devout Hindu, Dhoni’s spiritual practices include temple visits and festival celebrations. Hailing from Ranchi, Jharkhand, Dhoni has been associated with Ganesh Chaturthi through his participation in community events and social media posts. In 2025, Dhoni shared a Ganesh Chaturthi greeting on Instagram, featuring a minimalist idol with the caption, “May Ganpati Bappa remove all obstacles.” His calm demeanor, often attributed to his spiritual grounding, resonates with Ganesha’s role as Vighnaharta (Remover of Obstacles). Dhoni’s brand value of $91.3 million reflects his enduring popularity, partly fueled by his relatable faith.
4. PV Sindhu – Badminton Star PV Sindhu, India’s badminton sensation with Olympic silver and bronze medals, is a prominent figure among women athletes. Hailing from Hyderabad, where the Khairatabad Ganesh idol draws massive crowds, Sindhu has often spoken about her cultural roots. During Ganesh Chaturthi 2024, she visited the Khairatabad pandal, offering prayers and sharing a post on X, saying, “Blessed to seek Ganpati Bappa’s blessings in Hyderabad. May He guide us all.” Her participation in the festival, coupled with her disciplined training, reflects Ganesha’s attributes of wisdom and perseverance. Sindhu’s brand value of $28 million underscores her influence, and her public expressions of faith make her a role model for young athletes.
5. Saina Nehwal – Badminton Trailblazer Saina Nehwal, the first Indian woman to reach World No. 1 in badminton, has been a pioneer in the sport. Raised in Haryana and Hyderabad, Nehwal is deeply connected to Indian traditions. She has frequently shared Ganesh Chaturthi wishes on social media, often posting images of Ganesha idols or visiting temples like Siddhivinayak during her Mumbai visits. In 2023, she tweeted, “Ganpati Bappa Morya! May Lord Ganesha bless us with success and happiness.” Her faith in Ganesha aligns with her trailblazing career, overcoming obstacles to win multiple international medals, including a bronze at the 2012 Olympics. Nehwal’s brand value of $20 million highlights her marketability, enhanced by her cultural resonance.
6. Sunil Chhetri – Football Icon Sunil Chhetri, India’s greatest footballer and captain of the national team, is among the top goal-scorers in international football. A devout Hindu from Secunderabad, Chhetri has expressed his faith through temple visits and festival celebrations. During Ganesh Chaturthi, he often shares greetings on X, such as in 2025, when he posted, “Wishing everyone a blessed Ganesh Chaturthi. May Bappa bring strength and unity.” His visits to local pandals in Bengaluru and Mumbai reflect his connection to Ganesha, seeking blessings for team success. Chhetri’s brand value of $18 million and endorsements with brands like Puma underscore his influence, amplified by his relatable spirituality.
7. KL Rahul – Cricketing Stylestar KL Rahul, known for his stylish batting and versatility, is a key player in the Indian cricket team with a brand value of $25 million. Hailing from Karnataka, a state with vibrant Ganeshotsava celebrations, Rahul has been spotted at pandals in Bengaluru and Mumbai. In 2024, he shared an Instagram story featuring a Ganesha idol at his home, captioned, “Ganpati Bappa Morya, bless us all.” His visits to temples like Manakula Vinayagar in Puducherry during IPL seasons suggest a personal devotion to Ganesha, aligning with his calm and focused approach on the field.
Global Sports Stars and Ganesha Devotion
While Ganesha worship is most prevalent in India, the global Indian diaspora and Hindu communities have carried the tradition abroad. Some international sports stars of Indian or Hindu descent, or those influenced by Hindu culture, also express devotion to Ganesha, particularly during Ganesh Chaturthi.
1. Sania Mirza – Tennis Star (India/Pakistan Connection) Sania Mirza, a former World No. 1 in doubles tennis, is a global icon born in Hyderabad, India, and married to Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik. Her cultural roots in Hyderabad, a hub for Ganesh Chaturthi, have shaped her spiritual practices. Mirza has shared Ganesh Chaturthi greetings on social media, such as a 2023 X post stating, “May Lord Ganesha remove all obstacles from our paths. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!” Her visits to Hyderabad’s Khairatabad pandal and Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple reflect her devotion. Mirza’s global fame, with a brand value of $20 million, and her cross-cultural appeal make her a prominent Ganesha devotee.
2. Dipa Karmakar – Gymnast Extraordinaire Dipa Karmakar, India’s first female gymnast to compete at the Olympics, hails from Tripura and is known for her Produnova vault. A devout Hindu, she has spoken about seeking divine blessings before competitions. During Ganesh Chaturthi 2024, Karmakar shared an Instagram post with a Ganesha idol, writing, “May Vighnaharta bless us with courage and success.” Her participation in community pujas in Agartala and visits to local temples underscore her faith in Ganesha as a source of strength for her groundbreaking career.
3. Non-Indian Hindu Athletes in the Diaspora While specific examples of non-Indian sports stars explicitly devoted to Ganesha are scarce, Hindu athletes in the diaspora, particularly in countries like Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, and Mauritius, often participate in Ganeshotsava. For instance, cricketers like Shivnarine Chanderpaul from Guyana, a former West Indies captain of Indian descent, have been associated with Hindu festivals. Chanderpaul, whose family maintains strong Hindu traditions, has been spotted at Ganesha pujas in Georgetown, reflecting the diaspora’s devotion. Similarly, athletes in Mauritius, where Ganesh Chaturthi is a public holiday, participate in community celebrations, though specific names are less documented.
Cultural Context and Challenges
For many sports stars, devotion to Ganesha is expressed through cultural practices rather than overt declarations. In India, Ganesh Chaturthi is a unifying festival, and athletes often participate in pandal visits, home pujas, or eco-friendly immersions, reflecting both faith and social responsibility. Mumbai’s Lalbaugcha Raja and Hyderabad’s Khairatabad Ganesh are popular pilgrimage spots for athletes, where they seek blessings before major tournaments. Social media has amplified these expressions, with stars like Kohli, Dhoni, and Sindhu sharing posts that resonate with fans, blending spirituality with their public personas.
Identifying sports stars as “diehard Ganesha loyalists” is challenging due to the private nature of religious beliefs and limited public documentation. While athletes like Tendulkar, Kohli, and Sindhu publicly acknowledge Ganesha through festival participation, temple visits, or social media, their devotion is often part of broader Hindu practices rather than exclusive to Ganesha. The term “diehard” suggests an intense, singular focus, which is rare in public expressions of faith. Instead, these athletes’ reverence for Ganesha is woven into their cultural identity, reflecting the deity’s universal appeal in Hinduism.
The devotion to Lord Ganesha among sports stars like Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal, Sunil Chhetri, KL Rahul, Sania Mirza, and Dipa Karmakar illustrates the powerful intersection of faith and athleticism. Their participation in Ganesh Chaturthi, temple visits, and social media expressions of devotion highlight Ganesha’s role as a source of inspiration, guiding them through the obstacles of competitive sports. Globally, Hindu athletes in the diaspora, like Shivnarine Chanderpaul, carry forward this tradition, adapting it to their cultural contexts. As Ganesha continues to inspire millions, these sports stars embody his blessings of wisdom, strength, and success, chanting “Ganpati Bappa Morya” as they conquer new heights.
