The article first focuses on the definition of the popularity of the sport and presents an overview of the criteria for its assessment. The main ones include media viewer ratings, worldwide presence, the number of registered and amateur athletes, economic benefits (betting, athletes' rewards, facilities, services) and local significance and gender accessibility.
Furthermore, the development of the popularity of sports in the Czech Republic is presented and compared with the popularity of sports in the world. Unlike the world, successful winter sports such as ice hockey and biathlon are popular in the Czech Republic.
Finally, the contribution of sport in international relations and negative aspects of its commercialization are discussed.