Superstar Akshay Kumar says even though cricket is considered as a religion in India, he wants more people to be aware of badminton and play the sport.

Akshay, who is the brand ambassador of Premier Badminton League (PBL) feels the sport needs encouragement.

"Our Country is coming up with a lot of sports.... Cricket is considered our religion but I want other sports to do well too. I associated with badminton because it is a sports which I want to do well in India.

"People should be aware about it. I was asked to be associated with other sports too but I found this good," Akshay told reporters at the red carpet event of PBL.

The actor, who has earlier worked in "Patiala House", a film based on the life of a cricketer, said he will give his "level best" to promote badminton as well.

"I'll give my level best to it, tell the audience to play this game. Because this game is also great for your calories. Today people are concerned about burning their calories. I think this is one of those sports which will help you with it."

Akshay said he used to play the game in school and would want to get back to it.

"To be honest, I used to play in school. After that I haven't been in touch with it. But it's never too late to go back and play. It is a very fast game, involves a lot of speed... You require vigilance for it."

Akshay will be seen in a negative role opposite Tamil superstar Rajinikanth in "Robot 2", but the actor did not divulge any detail regarding the film.

He will be next seen in "Airlift" releasing on January 22.