The dominance of these broadcasters combined with the limited broadcast spectrum meant that sports broadcasting had to complete with other forms of programming such as soap operas, game shows and other forms of popular entertainment. For this reason, very few sports were televised. Broadcasters such as the BBC and ITV took an interest in major sports such as football, cricket and athletics and this formed a significant part of their sports programming. For Channel 4, its interests were less mainstream and more esoteric as it brought to the public sports such as American football from the NFL and Kabaddi, an Indian team sport. The competition for limited broadcast space meant that many sports did not feature at all, or did so very infrequently on television. Some only featured during the four – yearly cycle of Olympic coverage on the BBC and only then did the public have the opportunity to view these