India is celebrating its best-ever performance at the
Asian Games. Record best in the event’s 72-year history.
The exceptional performances in track and field, including Ancy Sojan’s long jump, Neeraj Chopra’s javelin throw, Harmilan Bains’ 1,500-meter dash, and the impressive relay run by the men’s team have been a source of delight for spectators. India’s athletic prowess has propelled it to a commendable fourth place in the standings.
Despite facing challenges such as inadequate funding, training facilities, infrastructure, and technological resources, which might seem like mere excuses considering the Indian economy’s “sprints” and “long jumps”, these obstacles remain a harsh reality.
However, the landscape is changing.
Startups supported by the private sector have taken the initiative to mainstream
sports in India and bridge these gaps. They are utilising technology to analyse and monitor athlete performance while contributing to the development of both emerging and elite talents in the country. Solutions are pouring in rapidly, and so is the money!
A recent GroupM report reveals that the sponsorship for all sporting activities in India reached a staggering Rs 14,209 crore in 2022, representing a remarkable 49 percent growth compared to 2021. Notably, 85 percent of this revenue is attributed to
cricket, with the remaining 15 percent coming from emerging sports like kabaddi and football.
Over the past 15 years, India has witnessed the launch of 15 leagues, including the Indian Premier League, Pro Kabaddi League, Indian Hockey League, and Global Chess League, among others.
To delve into the strategies required for India to transition from respectable showings to sporting dominance on the global stage, CNBC-TV18 engaged in a conversation with three prominent figures: Deepthi Bopaiah, CEO of GoSports Foundation; Aparna Popat, former Indian Badminton Player and Co-Founder & COO of All Is Well; and Megha Gambhir, Co-Founder of Stupa Sports Analytics.
Watch the accompanying video for the entire discussion.