Sports are a major passion in Chennai, with cricket enjoying an almost fanatical following.
- **Cricket:** Home to the highly successful **Chennai Super Kings (CSK)** franchise in the IPL. The **M.A. Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk)** is a historic ground known for having some of the most knowledgeable and appreciative cricket crowds in the world. - **Chess:** Chennai is the chess capital of India. It has produced numerous Grandmasters, including five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand, and successfully hosted the 44th Chess Olympiad in 2022. - **Tennis:** The city hosted the Chennai Open (an ATP tournament) for over two decades at the SDAT Tennis Stadium, nurturing local talent. - **Football:** The **Chennaiyin FC** represents the city in the Indian Super League (ISL), playing at the multi-purpose Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.