2017 was a ‘big’ year for the business of sports in India. With Pro Kabaddi League emerging as the second-most popular league in India after the Indian Premier League, and the India edition of U-17 Football World Cup creating history in terms of audience attendance, sports sponsorship in India enjoyed a bull run. As popularity of sports grows in India, sports stars also expand their brand endorsement portfolios, with Virat Kohli leading brand endorsements (PV Sindhu lead the non-cricket endorsement space).
Indian sports business will continue to attract global investments says Deloitte India. The report states that smaller towns will play a vital role, especially with tier II leagues beginning to receive widespread attention. Data analytics will increasingly play a significant role in managing all aspects of sports, especially on initiatives such as fan engagement and viewership on digital platforms.
Government Pushes for Sports
“Globally, sports is the largest industry and sports business means different things to different people. But as we are surging ahead in sports, I believe we will become the largest sports industry in the world. I feel that the interest we are seeing in sports will see the industry grow further,” says Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Vijay Goel.
The government is taking measures to give fillip to India’s sports culture and it’s ecosystem. The industry can’t move forward without sports growing, but we need to improve our infrastructure to make this a reality. However, Infrastructure is not just the government’s prerogative too; it will need corporate and public support in order to grow. However, with proper action, India can become a superpower in sports, with an industry worth worth billions of dollars.
Governance-related matters will continue to be in focus in Indian sports ecosystem, and topics such as legalising betting will be discussed more than before.
Also Read: Sports Education in India
TOI Global Sports Business Show
Hosted by Times of India, the Global Sports Business Show saw several exhibitors, delegates, visitors & dignitaries come together. The inaugural event was held in Mumbai from Dec 21-23.
The Times of India – Global Sports Business Show is an attempt to bring together top leading stakeholders, policy makers, sports management companies under one roof to help India realize the dream of becoming a truly international sporting nation with world class infrastructure.
Sports federations, food and nutrition authorities, health club owners, sports teams, fitness experts, dietitians, nutrition and sports supplement manufacturers and fitness enthusiasts attended the event that was inaugurated by Indian football star Bhaichung Bhutia.
Asha Thacker, Sports Partnerships, Facebook India elaborated on the need for having more social media presence of sporting leagues as well as sportspersons. She gave an example of how a certain qualifying Table Tennis match had more than 2 million viewers because of the Facebook Live option on the platform.
The TOI Global Sports Business Show intends to build a better future for sportsmen and the sports industry in India.
Several National and international sports organisation, sports good and equipment manufacturers, technology and innovation providers, sports retailers, dealers, distributors, sports marketing professionals, sports media experts, sports federations, associations & governing bodies were invited for the event.
Website: http://www.globalsportsbusinessshow.com/
Dutch Sports Industry to do business in India
Netherlands has a strong sports culture and has world class sporting facilities. India is inviting the Dutch Sports Industry to do business in India and from India.
Indian Government is committed to facilitate cross border trade, ease of doing business and manufacturing in India. And its keen to improve the sports infra in India.
Top officials feel that India and The Netherlands can create a world class Sports ecosystem in India (not just in metros, but also in rural and semi rural areas), which will provide safe, smart and sustainable sports infrastructure for all age groups in India.
Besides developing sports culture in India, easily accessible, sporting and wellness infrastructure will make the cities more livable and people happier.
India and the Netherlands recently launched the Colourfield concept at JLN Stadium. Colourfield is a multi-functional, sustainable, mini sports arena that combines a social sports education programme with a high level innovative multi-sports facility, including a solar lighting centre, rain water harvesting and clean drinking water.
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