Introduction

Sport is a rapidly growing industry worldwide. Sports as an industry contributed 1-5 percent of the GDPs of various countries. The global sports industry is estimated to be worth around USD 800 billion comprising a range of associated businesses such as sports manufacturing, media, tourism, sports medicine, events/venues & infrastructure, retail & hospitality, leagues and tournaments and merchandising. The “Sports Industry” in India is growing and diversifying and the sports canvas is vast. Sport is closely associated with other industries like education, real estate, infrastructure, tourism, manufacturing and retail. Sport in India is popular and this coupled with improved performance of Indian sportspersons in international competitions, success of hosting Sporting events has placed India in the league of countries witnessing fast growth in the sporting businesses and has prompted various international clubs and the international sporting community to invest in the country.

Aim

Given India’s increasing consumption potential, increasing disposable income and burgeoning middle class, media coverage of international and domestic sports, rising television and internet penetration, surge of leagues in various sports and the rising interest in sports and advent of leagues, the aim is to form an organized sports sector with requisite policy support that facilitates sports commerce and contributes to the nation in terms of both the GDP and sporting prowess.

Need

What is required in India is a well-developed sports ecosystem that can sustain broad-based sport and achieve excellence in them and strengthen the base of sports that’s India excels in. In fact, the commercial success of the IPL has inspired leagues in other sports as well. However, continued long term interest in sports and profitability of commercial formats such as leagues depends on a well-developed and self-sustaining ecosystem that is able to breed sports professionals and champions through presence of world class sports universities and academies and easily accessible world class equipment. The above maybe realized through advent of for-profit ventures in various segments of the ecosystem and identifying more revenue generating avenues.

Objectives

1.Develop a robust Sport-ecosystem in India

2.Formulate recommendations on imparting ‘Industry Status’ to the Sport sector in India

3.Generate awareness on the “Potential Factor” amongst Sports Authorities & Corporates

4.Promote National and International synergy in Sport sector

5.Development of skills in Sport

Benefits

1.Promote a culture of professionalism & competitiveness among and between teams and players across sports

2.Make both the Sports & Players more marketable

3.Encourage & demand higher levels of player investment and productivity

4.Help in Talent Search, Assessment, Acquisition & Development for various sports

5.Act as a catalyst in the promotion of sports facility development

6.Help transform some deserted Sports to desired Spectator sports

7.Support & strengthen Sports Authorities/Boards for developing and effectively implementing various policies & development programs

Influencers

1.Government, Policy Makers, Sport-governing bodies

2.Federations, Associations, Sport management organizations