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Indian sports media market to touch $13.4 bn by 2027: Report
Mumbai: The Indian sports media market is expected to grow to over $13.4 billion by 2027, as per a report by investment consultants Anand Rathi Advisors (ARAL).
The report finds that the global sports media rights market was estimated at $52.1 billion in 2021. Considering that the Indian sports media market was estimated at ~$1 billion in 2020, it shows a tremendous potential for growth in future, according to the report by investment consultants Anand Rathi Advisors.
The share of cricket in the global media rights mix grew from 2.7 per cent in 2019 to 3.0 per cent in 2020. However, football continued to occupy pole position in terms of media rights investments with 42 per cent share, earning just under $20.8 billion in 2021.
The Indian sports sector has seen a total of $4 billion in terms of investments between 2015-2021, out of which 30 per cent of the investments have gone to acquiring media rights. Over the past ten years, Disney-owned Star India has invested nearly $10 billion in cricket broadcasting rights. In 2013, Star India invested $325 million in the Indian Super League (ISL), while it recently renewed its Pro Kabaddi League rights at $24 million a year.
On average, 90 per cent of most-watched broadcasts in India are live cricket. Two other sports on the radar of the Indian consumer are soccer and kabaddi. The Indian Premier League with a record 9 million+ viewership per match has shown the path for successful commercialisation of sports in India, as per the report. The BCCI securing landmark multi-million-dollar media rights agreements earlier this month evidences the robust growth trajectory of Indian sports, it adds.
The report hypothesizes that the sports industry in India will be driven by its gigantic youth population of 400 million and rapidly improving economic conditions.
“At Anand Rathi, we aim to provide thought leadership and information that will assist the investment community in identifying macro trends and compelling investment ideas in consumption driven niche segments. In this regard, we have lined up a host of informative reports that will be released periodically,” said Anand Rathi Advisors CEO – investment banking Samir Bahl.
“We have taken a deep look at the Indian sports sector. We are confident that our report would provide potential investors with an incisive look into the potential of the country’s sports economy. We believe that it is poised for a giant leap. Undoubtedly, India would soon become a sporting superpower,” added Anand Rathi Advisors director – investment banking Atul Thakkar.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
