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Sports industry a key to sports development in India: CII-KPMG report
MUMBAI: KPMG under the aegis of CII released a report titled Business of Sports – Shaping a Successful Innings for the Indian Sports Industry. The report identifies key issues in the sports ecosystem and explores measures to develop a private-investment led sporting scenario in the country – one that helps imbibe a sporting culture and achieve the country’s vision of excellence in sports.
The report states that resource scarcity in India makes it difficult for the government to attain the above objectives and calls for collaborative efforts of both the government and private sector towards strengthening the sports ecosystem. Long term sustainability of commercial ventures in the Indian sports sector would require sustained audience interest driven by India’s winning performances at international sporting events.
Sports not only boost the youth and instil pride among citizens, but also facilitate social and economic development of a nation. Sports sector is seen to have a significant socio-economic impact worldwide contributing to 1-5 per cent of national GDP. This can be achieved by building a sporting culture in the country.
However, in India sports is not recognised as an industry yet, limiting corporate investments except in cricket and a few other leagues. Being home to various upcoming leagues and the youngest population in the world, India’s sports sector offers tremendous growth potential.
Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports Secretary Ajit M Sharan, released the CII – KPMG report at the Scorecard 2014, CII’s National conference on Sports.
Earlier CII National Committee on Sports and Group (Asia) president and Coca Cola Company chairman Atul Singh highlighted Industry’s role of ‘going beyond Sponsorships and CSR activity and the need for a policy shift to recognize Sports as an industry’. He said: “This would help actualise the India@75 vision for broad-basing sports in India, and promote excellence in Sports, by promoting infrastructure development, providing technical support for athletes, as well as grooming talented sportspersons”.
“Corporate funding in sports may be the answer to ignite sports development in India. The gestation period for realizing return on such investments may be long, but global experience shows us that it could be potentially rewarding”, added KPMG partner in India Jaideep Ghosh.
Global sports industry is estimated to be worth around $ 600 billion and growing at a rate higher than national gross domestic product rates around the world. While direct sports revenues are dominated by gate collections, sponsorships, media rights, the sports sector may comprise several segments such as sports tourism, sporting equipment manufacturing and retail, sports apparel, recreational sports, high school and college athletics, as well as associated businesses such as sports marketing, sports medicine, venues & infrastructure, hospitality and merchandising.
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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.
