Gaming
India’s sports tech market to hit Rs 49,500 crore by 2029, fantasy sports growth slows
MUMBAI: India’s sports technology market, currently valued at Rs 26,700 crore, is projected to grow at 13 per cent annually to reach Rs 49,500 crore by 2029, according to a new report by the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS) and Deloitte.
The report, Beyond the Field: India’s Sports Tech Revolution, unveiled in New Delhi yesterday by minister of state for youth affairs and sports Raksha Khadse, reveals that fantasy sports, the largest segment, faces headwinds due to recent GST changes.
“The fantasy sports industry has seen revenues touch Rs 9,100 crore in FY24 but is expected to decline by 10 per cent in FY25,” said FIFS director general Joy Bhattacharjya.
The sector’s growth forecast has been revised down to seven per cent CAGR through FY29, from an earlier projection of 30 per cent.
“Technology is creating immersive fan experiences and opening newer business avenues,” said Deloitte India partner Prashanth Rao. However, he noted that investments in fantasy sports dropped 90 per cent in 2023, with no new investments in 2024, primarily due to GST impacts and retrospective taxation concerns.
The report identifies three key subsectors: fan engagement, sports data and analytics, and foundational technologies. Despite current challenges, the industry’s GST contribution is expected to more than double to Rs 3,520 crore in FY24 from Rs 1,480 crore in FY23..
The report highlights significant consumer adoption, with 89 per cent of Indian sports fans reporting that emerging technologies have enhanced their viewing experience. Between 2018 and 2023, the sector attracted cumulative investments of Rs 27,500 crore, with fantasy sports securing Rs 10,800 crore of this funding.
India’s current one per cent share of the global sports technology market and four per cent of the APAC region suggests substantial growth potential. However, industry leaders elaborate that realising this potential requires a supportive regulatory framework, stable tax policies, and industry-wide standards for responsible gaming.
Minister Khadse emphasised the government’s commitment to the sector, stating, “The integration of technology with sports is crucial as we enter the era of AI. Sports technology will be particularly important in analysing and developing our athletes for the future.”
The sector is expected to create 17,500 direct and indirect new jobs by FY27, marking its growing importance in India’s digital economy.
Gaming
Konami concludes successful eFootball India campaign
Campaign featuring Rinku Singh, Varun Chakravarthy and other stars boosts engagement ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026.
MUMBAI: When cricket meets football in the virtual world, even the biggest fans can’t help but score and Konami’s latest eFootball campaign in India has clearly hit the back of the net. Konami Digital Entertainment has successfully wrapped up its India campaign for eFootball, which brought together cricketers Rinku Singh and Varun Chakravarthy, actors Naslen Gafoor and Chandu Salim Kumar, and footballers Sahal Abdul Samad and Shubhasish Bose. The multi-star campaign generated strong excitement across gaming, football, and creator communities through social content, fan participation, and in-game engagement.
Building on the initial launch that featured a limited-time Lionel Messi card, the campaign united fan communities, lifestyle creators, football creators, and competitive eFootball influencers. It significantly expanded the game’s visibility and deepened engagement with fans across the country.
The campaign also saw thousands of entries submitted as part of its social media engagement challenge, reflecting high levels of community enthusiasm and active creator involvement.
Looking ahead, Konami plans to build on this momentum with more eFootball experiences for Indian fans as the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches. With global attention on the tournament set to rise, India will remain a key market for deepening community engagement and bringing fans closer to the action.
In a country that lives and breathes sport, Konami has shown that mixing real-world stars with virtual thrills is a winning formula leaving fans eagerly waiting for the next goal.
