Final answer:
Cricket is the most popular sport in the India sub-continent, surpassing field hockey, football (soccer), and kabaddi due to its cultural significance and accessibility.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sport that has been historically the most popular in the India sub-continent is cricket. The British game of cricket established deep roots in South Asia during the colonial period and has evolved into a significant aspect of the region's cultural and national identity. One of the most vivid examples of this popularity is the intense rivalry between the national cricket teams of India and Pakistan. Additionally, the Cricket World Cup, which is conducted every four years and governed by the International Cricket Council, has seen teams from South Asia securing the championship on multiple occasions, with India winning in 1983, Pakistan in 1992, and Sri Lanka in 1996.
Cricket's popularity typically surpasses that of field hockey, football (soccer), and kabaddi in the India sub-continent, although these sports are also enjoyed by many. The accessibility of cricket, requiring minimal equipment and space, allows it to be played in various settings from vacant lots to small parks. Small areas can serve as fields of play, with players often creating homemade goals and using improvised balls, which contributes to cricket's widespread appeal.