Research Report

Sports Cities of India 2024
Future destinations for global sporting events

Preface – Grant Thornton Bharat
At Grant Thornton Bharat, we are fully committed to
helping India emerge as a global sporting superpower.
Our efforts align with the country’s broader ambition of
achieving Viksit Bharat 2047 — a vision that sees sports
as a catalyst for national development. To achieve this,
adopting global best practices while leveraging India’s
unique strengths is key. Grant Thornton Bharat has
been a crucial player in providing advisory solutions
for India’s sports sector, focusing on strategy, athlete
and coach development, infrastructure, events, and
technology. Through our work, we aim to create a
positive, lasting impact on Indian sports by fostering
collaborations between key stakeholders—both in
Abhishek Binaykia the public and private sectors.This 2024 edition of the
report delves deep into the progress made by leading
Partner, Sports Industry Leader sports cities across India. It evaluates these cities based
Grant Thornton Bharat on criteria such as infrastructure development, event-
hosting capability, travel and hospitality standards,
advancements in sports technology, grassroots
initiatives, and athlete and coach development. The
The current decade is set to be a transformative one
analysis is detailed in the scorecard for each city.
for Indian sports, driven by an ambitious vision to host
global mega-events such as the Olympic Games in Between 2021 and 2024, India’s cities have not only
2036 and to cultivate world-class athletes. The Sports hosted prestigious international tournaments like the
Cities of India 2024 report by Grant Thornton Bharat, in ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and the FIH Hockey
collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry Men’s World Cup but have also significantly invested in
(CII), evaluates how cities across India are evolving into grassroots programmes like Khelo India. These initiatives
sporting hubs, laying the foundation for a new era of have enhanced funding, talent development, and athlete
sporting excellence. training, becoming the backbone of India’s sports
ecosystem. Government bodies like the Sports Authority
Over the last decade, the concept of sports as an
of India (SAI) are introducing sports at an early stage
industry has matured significantly. From a vague
in education, focusing on the development of athletes
idea, it has evolved into a robust and growing sector.
and coaches to nurture excellence from a young age.
The period between 2021 and 2024 has seen an
Furthermore, the private sector’s role in supporting
unprecedented surge in investments in areas such as
leagues, sports science centers, management institutes,
entertainment, sponsorships, manufacturing, media
and youth academies continues to strengthen the
spending, endorsements, and e-sports. Cricket continues
country’s sporting infrastructure.
to dominate the landscape, accounting for 85% of
total sports spending, primarily due to the ongoing Sports Cities of India 2024 is more than a report — it’s
expansion of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Meanwhile, a blueprint for India’s sporting future, designed to drive
investments in other sports like football, kabaddi, and discussions on creating cities capable of consistently
marathons are on the rise, capturing the remaining 15% hosting prestigious global events. The report celebrates
of the market. The industry hit a record 49% growth impactful success stories such as the Paralympics and
in 2022, reaching INR 14,209 crore, and continued to the rising participation of women in sports and outlines
expand by 11% in 2023, with total revenues touching INR actionable strategies to provide a roadmap for India’s
15,766 crore. While the disproportionate focus on cricket journey toward becoming a global sporting powerhouse.
remains a concern, it is encouraging to witness the Additionally, it encourages cities to refine their focus on
growth of niche sports like pickleball, kho-kho, and table infrastructure, talent development, and technological
tennis, supported by significant corporate investments. innovation as key drivers of success, bringing the nation
This diversified growth signals a shift towards a more closer to realising its bold sporting ambitions, including
inclusive sporting ecosystem in India. the dream of hosting the Olympics in 2036.
2 Sports Cities of India 2024

Foreword
It is my privilege to introduce the *“Sports Cities in India 2.0” *
report, prepared by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
and Grant Thornton Bharat. This report delves into the critical
role of sports cities as enablers of sports development, urban
transformation, and economic growth. The 2024 edition arrives
at a particularly significant time as India prepares to bid for the
2036 Olympics, aligning seamlessly with the nation’s larger vision
of *Viksit Bharat 2047*, where sports will play a crucial role in
elevating the country’s global stature.
The latest edition brings with it several important enhancements
that build on the foundation of its 2021 predecessor. A significant
focus of the report is on grassroots development, offering a
deeper look into each city’s sporting infrastructure from the
Chanakya Chaudhary ground up, thus painting a clearer picture of local ecosystems.
Chairman, CII National Inclusivity remains at the heart of this edition, with attention given
Committee on Sports to initiatives like Khelo India, the Paralympics, and the growing
role of women’s sports, ensuring that sports development in India
is truly equitable. Furthermore, the report expands its scope by
highlighting indigenous sports, locally celebrated athletic activities,
and emerging trends such as esports and pickleball, showcasing a
broader spectrum of the sporting landscape in India.
Overall, this 2024 edition presents a more detailed, inclusive,
and transparent assessment of sports cities in India. It not only
supports the country’s Olympic ambitions but also underscores the
pivotal role sports will play in creating a healthier and more vibrant
society. At the CII National Committee on Sports, we believe that
sports cities will be instrumental in India’s transformation into a
global sporting powerhouse.
I would like to take this opportunity to extend my appreciation to
the Grant Thornton Bharat team and the CII Sports secretariat
who have worked together in developing this project. I hope this
report paves the way for policymakers, businesses, and sports
administrators to collaborate in building a sustainable, forward-
thinking sports ecosystem for the future.
Sports Cities of India 2024 3

Contents
Section Page
Foreword 01
Preface 02
Chapter 1 - Setting the stage 06
Chapter 2 – Unveiling India's sports journey 12
2.1 Envision excellence: India's quest to host the Olympics in 2036
2.2 Sports City survey methodology and parameters
Chapter 3 - Sports cities of India 17
3.1 India's top marvels
3.2 Rising stars
3.3 Regional champions
3.4 Exploring indigenous sports, E-sports, adventure sports, and tourism
Chapter 4 34
4.1 Stories of impact: Success stories and sports developments
4.2 Event calendar for 2024-2025

01
Setting the stage

The global sports industry has undergone a significant transformation from 2021
to 2024, marked by technological advancements and shifts in business models.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital technologies, leading
to innovations like virtual fan experiences and enhanced data analytics. Major
events, such as the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021) and the FIFA World Cup
2022, showcased the resilience and adaptability of the industry. Additionally, the
rise of athlete influencers and their engagement on social issues has reshaped fan
interactions and media consumption.
The traditional methods of sponsorships, ticket sales, merchandising etc are actively
undergoing digital transformation, through improved analysis and utilisation of fan
data.
Top global sports industry trends include
The traditional methods of sponsorships,

ticket sales, merchandising, etc., are actively
undergoing digital transformation, through
improved analysis and utilisation of fan data.
Generative AI is revolutionising the sports industry

by enhancing content creation, personalising fan
experiences, improving athlete performance, and
streamlining operations.
Expect innovation around applications involving

content generation and management, live sports
coverage, player evaluation, fantasy sports, fan
engagement and back-office operations.
A wide range of investors, globalisation, the rise

of women’s sports, and innovative real estate
projects are creating new opportunities.
Sports organisation and leagues are investing

significant time and effort in building and
managing proprietary fan databases.
Trends revolutionsing the way we play, watch and

experience E-Sports. The rise of mobile E-sports,
the integration of E-sports with traditional sports,
and the adoption of AR and VR technologies.

India’s journey in sports:
Celebrating milestone achievements
Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021):

India celebrated its best-ever performance,
securing seven medals, including Neeraj 2021 test series in Australia: The Indian cricket
Chopra’s historic gold in javelin. The Indian team made headlines with a memorable test
women’s hockey team reached the semi- series win, demonstrating remarkable resilience
finals, showcasing their growing progress and and depth.
determination on the international stage.
Asian Games 2022 (Hangzhou, China): India

achieved a historic milestone by winning 107
Commonwealth Games 2022 (Birmingham,
medals, including 28 golds, marking its best
England): India won 61 medals, including 22
performance ever at the Asian Games. This
golds, 16 silvers, and 23 bronzes.
included standout performances in archery,
athletics, and shooting.
Thomas Cup (2023): India made history by

2023 ICC Cricket World Cup: India reached
winning its first Thomas Cup, defeating 14-
the final but finished as runners-up. Hosting
time champions Indonesia 3-0 in the final.
the tournament provided a platform for Indian
This victory is hailed as one of the biggest
cricket to shine, with strong performances
achievements in Indian badminton, showcasing
throughout the series.
the country’s growing strength in the sport.

Paris 2024 Paralympics: The Indian contingent Paris 2024 Olympics: India won 6 medals,
created history by winning a record 29 medals, including a silver in javelin by Neeraj Chopra.
including 7 golds, 9 silvers, and 13 bronzes, Additionally, Manu Bhaker became the first
finishing in the top 20. This achievement Indian woman to win an Olympic shooting
underscores the growing recognition and medal, achieving a remarkable feat by
support for para-athletes in India. securing two medals in a single edition of the
Olympics.
Hockey: The Indian men’s hockey team secured

ICC T20 World Cup 2024: India clinched the
consecutive bronze medals at the Olympics,
ICC T20 World Cup held in the USA, adding
marking a significant return to form after a 52-
another prestigious title to their cricketing
year gap for the men’s team. This resurgence
history. This victory highlighted India’s
reflects the strengthening of hockey as a key
dominance in the shorter format of the game.
sport in India.
Did you know?

1. According to Reuters, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has
skyrocketed to become the world’s second most valuable
sports league - with broadcasting and streaming rights
for the two-month long event being sold for USD 6.2
billion for the 2023-2027 period. On a per-match basis,
it worked out to be a jaw-dropping USD 16.8 million - the
second highest among major sports leagues. No wonder
cricket fans are over the moon.
2. Let’s not forget the Women’s Premier League (WPL),

which has made a splash with a media rights bid of INR
951 crore for its first five years. This incredible investment
highlights the booming market and growing enthusiasm
for women’s sports. The WPL media rights deal ranks as
the second highest globally for a women’s sports league
within the last 2-3 years.

Khelo India budget - YoY growth trajectory
880 900
764.28
596.29
338.06
2020-2021 2021-2022 2022-2023 2023-2024 2024-2025
The programme aims to promote sports at the grassroots level and

has been pivotal in identifying and nurturing young talent. Since
2018, Khelo India has expanded to include Khelo India University
Games (KIUG), and Khelo India Winter Games in 2020, and the
Khelo India Para Games in 2023. The establishment of the Khelo
India State Centers of Excellence across the country provides
training facilities for promising athletes.
There has been a marginal increase in budget for National Sports
Federations, marking an increase of INR 15 crore, from INR 325
crore in 2023-24 to INR 340 crore for the upcoming fiscal year.
Sports Authority of India (SAI) has received a slightly enhanced
allocation of INR 822.60 crore, up from INR 795.77 crore in the
previous year. The SAI manages sports infrastructure and oversees
the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), a key initiative for
supporting elite athletes.
The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) and the National Dope
Testing Laboratory (NDTL) both received slight increases in their
budgets. The NADA’s budget rose from INR 21.73 crore to INR 22.30
crore, while the NDTL’s budget increased from INR 19.50 crore to
INR 22 crore.
While budget allocations may appear minimal in certain areas,
state investments in infrastructure have significantly levelled the
playing field. States like Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh are leading
the way with record-breaking investments. Figure 1.0 illustrates the
state-wise allocations of funds for sports infrastructure.

Figure 1.0- State-wise allocation of funds for sports infrastructure under Khelo India Scheme
New Delhi
INR 69.99 Crore
Haryana
Gujarat INR 69.99 Crore
INR 426.13 Crore
Uttar Pradesh
INR 438.27 Crore
Odisha
Madhya Pradesh
INR 34.25 Crore
INR 94.06 Crore
Maharashtra
INR 87.43 Crore
Goa
INR 4.24 Crore
Karnataka
INR 109.11 Crore
Tamil Nadu
INR 20.40 Crore
*The map depicted is just for illustrative purpose

02
Unveiling India’s
sporting journey

India knocked it out of the park with its stellar hosting of the
2023 ICC Cricket ODI World Cup. Matches were held across
Envision excellence: India’s
10 cities, and the opening and final matches were held at the
Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the largest stadium
quest to host the Olympics
in the world, with a capacity of 132,000. The economic in 2036
impact of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup is expected to be
approximately USD 1.39 billion, making it the biggest Cricket India is emerging as a strong contender to host the 2036
World Cup in history. Olympics. In the 2024 Independence Day speech, Prime
Minister Narendra Modi railed the nation with an inspiring
In addition to cricket, India hosted the FIFA U-17 Women’s
vision to host the Olympics and highlighted ongoing
World Cup 2022 at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar marking
preparations. He emphasised India’s capability to organise
the second major football event in the country within five years.
major international events and its renowned hospitality,
The 44th FIDE Chess Olympiad was inaugurated by the Prime
stating:
Minister at the Indoor Stadium in Chennai, attracting over
2,000 participants from 188 countries, the highest ever in the
event’s history. This Olympiad featured a ‘Torch relay,’ which
travelled to 75 iconic locations across India over 40 days before
reaching Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, the competition’s venue.
Our goal is clear: to host the 2036
The 2022 WADA Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) symposium Olympics on Indian soil, and we are making
also took place in New Delhi, gathering over 200 participants
significant progress towards this.”
from 56 countries. The event focused on discussing recent
trends and challenges in anti-doping, highlighting the ABP as a
crucial tool for detecting and deterring doping in sports.
While the ambition is strong, the Indian Olympic Association is
India’s sports leagues have made significant strides in
yet to formalise a potential host city.
enhancing infrastructure development. Leagues such as
Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT), Indian Super League (ISL), and The competition for the Olympics is becoming increasingly
Prime Volleyball League increasingly prioritise infrastructure fierce, with nations such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Indonesia,
preparedness. This focus not only supports their growth and and Turkey emerging as strong contenders. These countries are
development but also contributes positively to the overall sports ahead of the curve, driven by their rapidly growing economies
infrastructure ecosystem in the country. and significant investments in sports infrastructure. Moreover,
the number of interested parties bidding for the Olympics has
The Indian Oil Grand Prix of India, held at the Buddh
reached double digits, highlighting the intense competition.
International Circuit, marked a historic debut for MotoGP in
the country, showcasing India’s growing prominence in the In this context, India must take proactive steps. The Indian
motorsport arena. The championship’s commercial rights Olympic Association (IOA) must establish a formal bid that
holder, Dorna, has signed a new contract with the Uttar specifies the hosting city and initiate negotiations with the
Pradesh government, ensuring that the Indian GP will continue International Olympic Committee (IOC). This initiative is
at least until 2027. equally crucial for the 2030 Youth Olympics.
Additionally, India recently hosted the Davis Cup tie against The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has established
Sweden at the Royal Tennis Hall in Stockholm. This event important elements to consider when drafting a proposal for
underscores India’s commitment to international tennis despite hosting the Olympics 2036. Important parameters include
facing challenges in securing victories. Together, these events geopolitical, socio-economic, human development and
reflect India’s evolving landscape in sports, highlighting environmental factors, vision and venue masterplan, alignment
achievements and the potential for future growth. with existing long-term development plans, envisaged
sustainability and legacy impacts, political and public support,
funding strategy, sports event experience, accommodation
capacity, transport infrastructure, and safety and security.

India’s ambition of becoming 'Vibrant Bharat' encompasses economic growth,
social equity, and global leadership. Sports play a crucial role in transforming
this vision into reality by serving as a powerful tool for soft power and
international influence.
Our vision of hosting the Olympics in 2036 could be a significant milestone in
propelling India towards becoming a sporting powerhouse. International events
could provide a platform to showcase our culture on a global stage, build
international relationships, and create role models.
Hosting sizable international events like The Olympics, Commonwealth Games,
Asian Games etc., depends on excelling in several domains like event hosting,
technology and infrastructure, athlete and coach development, grassroots
initiatives, fan engagement, marketing, hospitality and more. Take a closer look
at our report to track sports developments across various cities and discover how
your favourite city ranks.
Creating a vibrant sporting ecosystem is a dream for India, and Grant Thornton
Bharat is committed to supporting this grand vision.
Kunal Sood
Partner and National Transformation Consulting Leader, Grant Thornton Bharat
With a vision to support the growth of the Indian sports industry and its capacity to host large-scale international events,
including the Olympics 2036, the Sports City Report provides a comprehensive analysis of India’s preparedness for hosting mid-
to large-scale sporting competitions. Central to this report is an extensive survey that utilises relevant parameters, a targeted
questionnaire, effective polling techniques, and a scoring mechanism to evaluate the leading sports cities in India.
This survey gathers insights from various prominent sports professionals, including representatives from national sports
federations, associations, government bodies, leagues, clubs, academies, infrastructure developers, sports media, and event
management agencies.
By synthesising these perspectives, the report aims to paint a clear picture of India’s potential as a host for significant global
sporting events, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.
Don’t miss Chapter 4: Indigenous sports of India – A fusion of tradition and innovation. Discover five unique sports that set India
apart from the rest of the world.
Survey and methodology
Objective definition: The survey aims to comprehensively evaluate the best sports cities in India based on detailed parameters to
determine their suitability to host impactful international events. The goal is to assess each city’s readiness to host mid to large-
scale international events.
Parameters for evaluation
The survey, containing both qualitative and quantitative questions, will assess the readiness and preparedness of various states to
host mid to large-scale international events using the following evaluation criteria.

Parameters
Event hosting capacity Infra and tech Athlete development programmes
Federation collaboration Fan engagement initiatives Marketing and visibility
Grassroots sports support Coaching development Sports Franchise Engagement
Travel and hospitality hub
Nominations
To ensure a comprehensive and authentic outcome, the sports departments of various states and union territories in India will
confirm their participation through a self-nomination process. Each department will complete a detailed survey, gathering
accurate and representative data from all 28 states and 8 union territories. The states will nominate one to two cities, which will be
assessed on the above parameters, and the scores will be adjusted depending on weighted averages of various parameters. The
top 10 cities with the highest total scores are selected, ensuring a transparent and fair selection process.
Selection criteria
Phase 1
States are evaluated based on sports infrastructure, participation, and performance, athlete development programmes,
government support and fan engagement, and more. Each criterion is weighted and scored to rank the top 10 states. In the event
of no or limited response, secondary research will be used to evaluate the basis of the parameters listed.
Scoring criteria
Cities will be evaluated and scored based on their performance across the defined parameters. The total score interpretation will
guide the shortlisting process for the next round. The total score is out of 87. The scoring criteria are as follows:
Indicate a need for significant improvement in sports infrastructure, participation and performance,
0-20 points
development programmes, government support, and fan engagement.
Reflect a moderate level of sports development, with efforts to enhance sports infrastructure,
20-40 points
participation, and development programmes, but the room for improvement remains.
Represent a good level of sports development, characterised by considerable progress in sports
40-65 points infrastructure, participation, and development programmes, along with notable government support and
fan engagement.
Signifies an excellent level of sports management, showcasing top-notch sports infrastructure, high levels
65+ points of participation and performance, robust development programmes, extensive government support, and
active fan engagement.
Phase 2
In case of a tie post calculating weighted scores, a tiebreaker mechanism has been established to determine the final ranking.
Here’s a possible tiebreaker:
1. A secondary weighted score has been used for tied criteria, calculated using an alternative set of weights or by reassigning
weights to other criteria that were not initially given as much priority.
2. If the tie still persists, an already assigned expert panel will evaluate the tied criteria based on additional factors such as
potential for growth, historical performance, and other qualitative assessments.

Phase 3: Public polling criteria
Objective: To gather diverse stakeholder opinions through
public polling, ensuring minimal biases and accurate rankings
of the top 4-5 chosen cities based on the survey results.
Sample size: The public polling will include a sample size of
over 1000+ respondents.
1. Combatting biases: To mitigate biases, rigorous measures
are implemented, including:
• Ensured diverse representation in the sample to minimise
demographic biases.
• Used random sampling techniques to select respondents.
• Employed robust data collection and analysis
methodologies to identify and address any inherent biases.
2. Distribution: The survey is distributed through multiple
channels, including email, social media platforms, sports
organisations, government departments, and sports
federations. Collaborative efforts with local sports clubs,
associations, and community groups are made to reach a
diverse audience.
3. Data collection: Responses are collected anonymously over
a specified period, ensuring confidentiality to encourage
honest feedback.
4. Data analysis: Quantitative and qualitative methods are
being used to analyse the data, identifying trends, patterns,
and areas for improvement. Statistical tools and thematic
analysis will be employed to derive meaningful insights.
India is growing as an economy, we

Target audience weighted scores: are witnessing development across
sections and sports is no exception.
Fans
In the recent past, our country has
Federations and other interest groups seen some top performances in
multiple sports at the international
Athletes level, be it shooting, wrestling, hockey,
athletics, archery or badminton, to
Coaches and other support staff officials
name a few…
Government representatives I believe that hosting an event of the
scale of Olympics in India will surely
Weighted scores definition for tiebreaks: In the event of a tie, drive the development of sports
weighted scores will be recalculated based on the significance
of the stakeholder groups, as outlined above, to determine the
overall and undoubtedly fast track our
final rankings. evolution as a sporting nation and the
Data representation of reponses essential cultural change.
Reporting: A comprehensive report will be prepared, Mukul Choudhari

summarising findings, and presenting key insights, strengths,
Head of Sports Excellence Centres, Tata Steel
weaknesses, and actionable recommendations. Visualisations
and CEO, Jamshedpur FC
such as charts and graphs will be used for effective
communication.

03
Best sports cities
in India

India’s top marvels
The Indian marvels are truly in the big leagues, hitting it out of the park with their exceptional capabilities. Learn more about these
cities that are in the zone for setting the gold standard for sports excellence.
Bhubaneswar
A leader in sports promotion By taking the ball and running with it, Bhubaneswar has
successfully hosted the 2023 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup,
A special shoutout to Odisha for emerging as a leading state in showcasing top-tier hockey talent and enhancing global
India for sports promotion, with Bhubaneswar at the forefront visibility for the sport. The city also played a pivotal role in
of hosting major national and international sporting events. organising the Indian Super League, significantly contributing
This transformation is fuelled by state-of-the-art infrastructure, to the growth of football in India.
strategic planning, and robust support from both government
and private sectors. The Odisha government is dedicated to addressing athletes’
needs, alongside infrastructure development. The Kalinga
At the heart of Bhubaneswar is the Kalinga Sports Complex, the Stadium Sports Complex will soon include a Sports Science
largest sports facility in the city, spanning 80 acres. It features Centre for rehabilitation and recovery, equipped with world-
an athletics and football stadium with a capacity of 12,000 class machinery. Collaborations with corporate partners
people, a hockey stadium accommodating 15,000 spectators, such as Reliance, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India, Dalmia
and facilities for 350 athletes. The complex also includes 10 Bharat Group, JSW Steel Ltd, TATA, and Rungta Mines, along
high-performance centers established by the state government, with renowned sports personalities like Abhinav Bindra and
making it a central hub for athletic development. Pullela Gopichand, have facilitated the establishment of high-
performance centers and grassroots development programmes.
The Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology University
has been instrumental in promoting sports by establishing Prospects
high-performance centers for various disciplines. Notable
athletes like Tapan Mohanty and Rakesh Patra have trained Bhubaneswar is poised to become India's premier destination
here. Recent developments include the AIFF-FIFA Talent for major sports events. The successful hosting of events like
Academy, inaugurated in November 2023 by Arsène Wenger, the Hockey World Cup (2023 & 2018), the Asian Athletics
and a badminton high-performance centre currently under Championship (2017), and the FIFA U17 Women’s World
construction, which will feature eight courts, a seating Cup (2022) underscores the state’s commitment to sports
capacity for 500, a cafeteria, guest rooms, and a gymnasium. development.
Additionally, a gymnastics center is being developed that
Achievements
will include seating for 250 persons, a 10m shooting range,
a hockey stadium with two pitches, a weightlifting hall, a Looking ahead to the Paris 2024 Olympics, two athletes from
swimming pool complex, and a sports climbing wall. Odisha have qualified, along with three for the Paralympics. In
the 37th National Games, Odisha ranked 16th and secured a
Bhubaneswar moves ahead of the curve by building its first
total of 58 medals, including 10 gold, 18 silver, and 30 bronze
Indoor Athletics Centre, which includes a 200m athletics
medals.
track with a seating gallery for 2,000 spectators and facilities
for pole vault, shot put, long jump, high jump, and weight
training. This center will also provide 56 rooms for athlete
accommodation.

Scorecard
8.68 /10
Quality of Federation Marketing and

Event hosting Fan engagement
infrastructure collaboration visibility
Excellent in event Top notch. Kalinga In the zone. Fan Good, but there is Shining bright.
hosting. Hosted Sports Complex engagement on significant scope for
impactful events and HPC are social media and improvement
demonstrating instrumental other outlets is
scale and event in promoting phenomenal, with
hosting capabilities. sports and content and visibility,
showcasing quality and involving fans.
infrastructure
Areas of improvement
• Coaching and athlete development: Needs boost. Enhanced coaching programmes are needed to build a stronger foundation
of talent. Athlete development can be strengthened with more focused programmes.
• Grassroot support: Need more investments in grassroots support can be increased to a higher level.
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Top pick by athletes, coaches, and together to celebrate their shared love for competition.
federations In an exciting poll by GT Bharat targeting athletes, coaches,

and federations, Chennai sprinted ahead as the top sports
In an exciting poll by Grant Thornton Bharat targeting athletes, destination in India, winning by a whopping 58.3%.The city’s
coaches, and federations, Chennai sprinted ahead as the top vibrant sports culture and world-class facilities have clearly
sports destination in India, winning by a whopping 58.3%. captured the hearts of the sporting community.
The city’s vibrant sports culture and world-class facilities have
clearly captured the hearts of the sporting community. Chennai has successfully hosted several significant
international events, showcasing its organisational prowess.
Chennai’s iconic sports culture is a vibrant tapestry of rich Notably, the 44th Chess Olympiad in 2022 attracted around
history, athletic passion, and community engagement. The 2,000 players from 188 countries, solidifying Chennai’s
city embraces diverse sports, fostering a strong sense of local status as India’s chess capital. The Chennai Open, formerly
pride. Iconic teams like the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and an ATP World Tour tennis tournament, has played a crucial
Chennaiyin FC serve as unifying forces, bringing people role in developing tennis in the region. At the same time, the

Chennai Challenger continues to provide exposure for aspiring facilities. The government is also focusing on improving support
players. The Chief Minister’s Trophy, organised by the Sports for para-athletes and upgrading existing sports facilities to
Development Authority of Tamil Nadu, and the Khelo India ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all aspiring athletes.
Youth Games further highlight Chennai’s capabilities in hosting The Tamil Nadu Champions Foundation, a public-private
diverse sporting events. The CM Trophy Tamil Nadu brought partnership initiated in May 2023, has already supported
together 25,000 participants for the state finals, reinforcing around 390 individuals, including approximately 250 para-
Chennai’s reputation as a premier venue for large-scale athletes. Various grassroots initiatives, such as the Khelo
sporting events. India Youth Games, engage young athletes and offer them
competitive exposure, which helps nurture talent early on.
Chennai is home to expansive venues catering to various
Additionally, the Kalaignar Sports Kit initiative aims to foster
sports. The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, with a capacity of over
grassroots talent by providing sports kits to 12,618 village
40,000, serves as a focal point for football and athletics, while
panchayats across the state. This initiative covers 33 sports
the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium is a historic cricket ground
items, including cricket, football, volleyball, and throwball,
that has hosted numerous international matches. In 2024, the
making equipment more accessible for young people in rural
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium underwent significant renovations,
areas.
including a new athletics track and upgraded seating,
enhancing the sporting experience for athletes and spectators Achievements
alike. The Tamil Nadu government has committed substantial
resources to sports development, allocating INR 1,000 crore for Tamil Nadu showcased impressive achievements in sports,
various initiatives, including facility upgrades. particularly at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where it had a strong
representation with 13 athletes, including seven para-athletes.
Plans for a Global Sports City on the outskirts of Chennai aim
to enhance the city’s sporting infrastructure, featuring a 500- The state ranked 10th in the 37th National Games and was the
acre complex with facilities for hockey, indoor cycling, athletics, runner-up in the Khelo India Youth Games 2023.
and multi-purpose arenas for volleyball, basketball, and boxing. Overall, Tamil Nadu excelled in these competitions, securing a
The 2024 sports budget of Tamil Nadu shows the state’s total of 77 medals in the National Games, comprising 19 gold,
commitment to enhancing its sports infrastructure and 26 silver, and 32 bronze, along with 98 medals in the Khelo
promoting athletic development. Four Olympic academies India Youth Games, which included 38 gold, 21 silver, and 39
are set to be established in Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchy, and bronze medals. This highlights Tamil Nadu’s commitment to
the Nilgiris, to provide elite athletes with advanced training fostering athletic talent and excellence.
Scorecard
8.62 /10
(All scores include weighted averages and are adjusted for marginal errors to
standardize and prevent biases)
Large scale Quality of Federation Marketing and

Fan engagement
events infrastructure collaboration visibility
Tamil Nadu shows Sports facilities are Tamil Nadu’s fans Chennai’s got the Marketing is on point,
exceptional getting smarter, bring the heat, playbook. Stellar but there’s room
organisational but there’s room driving massive teamwork with for more innovative
prowess in hosting for more tech participation and local and national campaigns to keep
mega size events upgrades. community spirit. federations ensures the buzz alive.
top-notch events.
• Athlete and coaching development: It is time to up the game! Enhanced coaching and focused athlete programmes can build a
powerhouse of talent.
• Grassroot support: Future stars in the making! More grassroots programmes are key to long-term success and a thriving sports
culture.

Bengaluru, Karnataka
Bengaluru, known as the ‘Silicon Valley of India,’ has a sports from around the world, contributing to the city’s reputation
ecosystem as dynamic as its tech sector, making it a favoured as a tennis hub. Additionally, the Tata Bengaluru Marathon
destination for both national and international events. From its has become one of India’s most anticipated marathon events,
rich cricket history to its growing influence in football, tennis, drawing thousands of participants annually, including elite
and athletics, Bengaluru has solidified its place as a key sports runners. In football, Bengaluru FC has hosted numerous Indian
hub in India. Super League (ISL) matches at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium,
where passionate local fans create an electrifying atmosphere.
The city boasts several world-class sports venues catering to
various disciplines. The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium stands out Bengaluru has long been a nurturing ground for young sports
as one of India’s most iconic cricket grounds, regularly hosting talent, with numerous academies and grassroots programmes
international matches and Indian Premier League (IPL) games aimed at fostering the next generation of athletes. The city
for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). The stadium’s is home to several top-tier sports academies, including the
advanced drainage system and eco-friendly initiatives make Padukone Academy for badminton and the Dravid Cricket
it a leader in sustainable sports infrastructure. For athletics, Academy, both of which have produced national and
the Sree Kanteerava Stadium serves as the city’s primary international stars. The Khelo India Youth Games have also
venue, offering facilities for football, track and field events, played a vital role in Bengaluru’s sports development, giving
and other sports. The KSLTA Stadium is a top destination for young athletes the platform to compete at the national level.
tennis enthusiasts and has hosted international tournaments The Karnataka State Sports Development Authority (KSSDA)
like the Bengaluru Open. Other prominent facilities include the supports various grassroots initiatives, providing financial aid,
Bangalore Football Stadium, home to the Bengaluru FC football coaching, and facilities for budding athletes. The Bengaluru FC
team, which has brought significant attention to the city’s Youth Academy has been instrumental in promoting football
football culture, and the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports at the grassroots level, while initiatives like the KSCA Academy
Excellence, which provides top-tier training in badminton, focus on cricket talent, offering professional coaching and
cricket, football, and athletics. These venues, combined with mentorship to aspiring players.
the city’s emphasis on upgrading existing infrastructure,
have established Bengaluru as a key player in India’s sports The Karnataka government has been proactive in promoting
landscape. sports development through various initiatives. In the 2023-24
state budget, a significant allocation was made to enhance
Bengaluru’s sports infrastructure continues to expand, with sports infrastructure and promote athletic programmes across
several upcoming projects aimed at further elevating the Karnataka, focusing on Bengaluru. The Amrutha Bharathi
city’s status. The Karnataka government has announced the Sports Scheme was launched to identify and train athletes
development of a sports city in Devanahalli, near Bengaluru’s from rural and underprivileged areas, providing access to elite
international airport. This project will include a multi-sport coaching and modern sports facilities. Another key initiative
complex with cricket, football, hockey and athletics facilities, is the Bengaluru Sports City project, aimed at creating a
along with residential training academies. Additionally, the centralised hub for multiple sports disciplines. The government
Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has proposed has also been focused on building academies and training
building new stadiums on the city’s outskirts to accommodate centers for specific sports, including badminton, cricket, and
the growing demand for cricket and other sports. athletics, ensuring that young talent has access to top-tier
facilities. The Karnataka Olympic Association continues to work
Bengaluru’s track record of hosting high-profile sports events closely with state authorities to push for Bengaluru’s inclusion
is impressive. The city regularly hosts international cricket in the bid to host international multi-sport events like the Youth
matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, a key IPL game Olympics and Asian Games. With these projects and plans
venue. The stadium is also known for hosting the ICC T20 World underway, Bengaluru’s position as a top-tier sports city is set to
Cup and other international fixtures. Bengaluru’s Bengaluru strengthen in the coming years.
Open, an ATP Challenger tennis tournament, attracts top talent

Scorecard
7.21/10
Quality of Athlete
Event hosting Fan engagement
infrastructure development
Bengaluru is The city’s Fan engagement is Bengaluru is hitting

batting a thousand infrastructure currently at midfield. a home run in
when it comes to showcases top- There’s room to athlete development,
hosting events, notch quality and score more points providing excellent
consistently technological by actively involving support and facilities
knocking it out of advancements that fans and boosting to nurture future
the park with its would make any their participation. champions.
strong capabilities. sports fan cheer.
• Coaching development: Bengaluru needs to step up its coaching game to build a stronger foundation of talent. Think of it as
needing a better playbook to train the next MVPs.
• Marketing and visibility: The city needs to improve its marketing and visibility. It’s time to get off the bench and make noise to
enhance its presence and reach.
• Grassroot support: Grassroots programmes need more investment and focus.

Delhi
Social media sensation Delhi has proven itself as a premier venue for hosting large-
scale sporting events. The 2010 Commonwealth Games set
Delhi has emerged as one of India’s top sports cities, beloved new standards in event management, and the city regularly
by fans on social media. According to Grant Thornton Bharat’s hosts international cricket matches, FIFA-recognised football
social media outreach, 44% of the fans prefer Delhi to be the tournaments, marathons, and athletic meets. IPL matches at
best sports city, excelling in global sporting events. Arun Jaitley Stadium draw huge crowds, and events like the Pro
Kabaddi League and Hockey India League have also garnered
Renowned for its world-class infrastructure and history of significant interest. Annual events such as the Delhi Half
hosting major international events, Delhi’s transformation Marathon attract elite runners from around the world. In 2024,
began with the 1982 Asian Games. However, the most Delhi hosted the Junior Men’s Hockey World Cup, reinforcing its
significant leap came during the 2010 Commonwealth Games reputation as a prime sports event hub.
(CWG), when Delhi revamped its sports facilities, propelling
itself onto the global sports stage. Today, Delhi boasts over 20 Delhi is committed to nurturing young talent, with initiatives
state-of-the-art sports complexes, making it a prime location for like the Khelo India Youth Games regularly hosted in the
hosting both national and international sporting events. city, providing a platform for emerging athletes. The Delhi
Sports University, inaugurated in 2022, focuses on sports
The city’s sports infrastructure is anchored by iconic venues education and training, while private academies, such as those
like the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium for football and athletics, established by the Virat Kohli Foundation, provide opportunities
and the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, India’s largest indoor for grassroots talent development. Programmes like the Mission
arena, accommodating 140,000 spectators. The Arun Jaitley Olympic Cell and the Play and Progress Scheme offer financial
Stadium (formerly Feroz Shah Kotla), one of India’s oldest support and coaching to promising athletes. Additionally, the
cricket grounds, continues Delhi’s cricketing legacy by hosting Delhi Talent Search Programme, expanded in 2023, aims to
international matches. Other key venues include the Siri Fort identify and nurture talent from underprivileged communities,
Sports Complex, Thyagaraj Sports Complex, and the Major ensuring access to quality coaching for all aspiring athletes.
Dhyan Chand National Stadium. These venues, upgraded for
the CWG 2010, serve as training and competition sites for The Delhi government has invested heavily in sports
professional and grassroots athletes alike. Delhi’s geographical infrastructure and athlete development, with INR 118 crore
advantage over other cities, especially in the National Capital allocated in the 2023 budget for upgrading sports facilities.
Region (NCR) areas, such as Gurugram, Noida, and Faridabad, The Sports Authority of India (SAI), headquartered in Delhi, is
allows for future infrastructure expansion. establishing centres of excellence for various sports disciplines.
These venues not only host events but also serve as critical
With ambitious projects like the Delhi Sports University in training grounds for India’s top athletes. Looking ahead,
Ghevra, North West Delhi, Delhi’s sports infrastructure is set projects like the Delhi Sports University and Delhi Sports City,
for further growth. Spanning 79 acres with an ‘INR 1,000 crore under the Delhi Master Plan 2041, will position the capital to
budget ’, the university will provide cutting-edge sports facilities host major international events, further solidifying its status as
and focus on elite athlete training. As part of the Delhi Master a premier sports destination in India.
Plan 2041, the creation of a Delhi Sports City in Dwarka and
Rohini is also underway. This complex will support Delhi’s
ambition to host events like the Youth Olympics and Asian
Games. Another major project is the Dwarka Stadium, a 40,000-
seat multi-purpose venue set to open by 2025, enhancing the
city’s capacity to host international tournaments.

Scorecard
7.19/10
(All scores include weighted averages and are adjusted for marginal errors to
standardize and prevent biases)
Quality of Travel and

Event hosting
infrastructure hospitality
Delhi is like a Delhi has got a Delhi’s travel and

seasoned captain, stellar Infrastructure, hospitality services are
hosting events with with venues like the a hole-in-one, ensuring
finesse, but could use Jawaharlal Nehru a smooth experience
more matches to stay Stadium and Indira for all.
in top form. Gandhi Indoor
Stadium leading the
way.
• Federation collaboration: Needs to tighten its defense, improving collaboration with sports federations.
• Marketing and visibility: Time to step up to the plate and boost marketing efforts to hit a home run in visibility.
• Fan engagement: Fan engagement is at midfield; more interactive events could score higher points.
• Athlete and coach development: Needs a stronger playbook for developing athletes and coaches, akin to building a
championship team.

Pune, Maharashtra
Pune has emerged as a thriving sports city. The city is not Designed to international standards, the Balewadi Stadium
just about cricket; it embraces a diverse range of sports, features a range of facilities, including shooting ranges, an
from badminton to athletics, reflecting the vibrant spirit of aquatic center, and a tennis complex. Its comprehensive design
its residents. The city’s commitment to nurturing talent and and modern amenities make it a premier sports venue in India,
hosting diverse sporting events reflects its growing reputation capable of hosting large-scale events and providing top-notch
as a key player in India’s sports landscape. Whether as players facilities for athletes and spectators alike.
or passionate fans, the people of Pune embody a spirit of
sportsmanship that makes the city truly special. The government has sanctioned 341 sports infrastructure
projects under the Khelo India Scheme and the National Sports
The Balewadi Stadium continues to serve as a premier venue, Development Fund (NSDF), aimed at strengthening grassroots
hosting major events such as the Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) sports across the country. This includes the establishment
and the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). Recent upgrades have of over 1,000 Khelo India centers in 679 districts, including
ensured that the stadium meets international standards, Pune, which provide comprehensive training and support for
improving its capacity and facilities. Notable events hosted at young athletes. Additionally, 296 sports academies have been
Balewadi Stadium from 2022 to 2024 include: accredited, enhancing the training ecosystem for aspiring
athletes.
Fourth season of UTT (July 13-30, 2023) Pune supports around 1,200 athletes daily, with facilities
catering to diverse sports. This number significantly increases
during major events, showcasing the city’s commitment to
PKL season 10 (December 3-24, 2023)
athlete training and development. Grassroots initiatives,
notably the Khelo India programme, have encouraged youth
South Asia’s only ATP 250 tennis event participation, with local academies actively nurturing talent.
The STAIRS Foundation’s initiative, ‘One Maharashtra One
AFC Champions league matches Goal,’ launched in September 2024, aims to foster grassroots
sports development through district-level matches.
CEAT Indian Supercross Racing League
National Children’s Science Exhibition

Various universities and sports organisations in Pune are conducting talent identification programmes to scout emerging athletes,
while mentorship and training programmes are in place to prepare them for competitive sports. Local sports academies and clubs
engage with the community, ensuring that young athletes receive the necessary support to excel.
Scorecard
7.11/10
Quality of Coaching Marketing and

Event hosting
infrastructure development visibility
Pune is hitting it The infrastructure is Pune’s coaching Marketing and

out of the park with solid but could be development is top- visibility are
exceptional event- upgraded to stay notch, training future exceptional, making
hosting capabilities. ahead of the game. champions with Pune a well-known
excellence. sports hub.
• Federation collaboration: Good collaboration with federations, but there is room to tighten the defense.
• Grassroot support
• Fan engagement: Fan engagement has scope for improvement; more interactive events could boost enthusiasm.
• Athlete development: Need significant improvement

Rising Stars
Our rising stars are on the verge of greatness, steadily building their sports
infrastructure and reputation. They may not be top marvels yet, but they are making
significant strides and are poised to shine brightly soon.
Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Ahmedabad, the largest city in Gujarat, has rapidly developed the stage for hosting global multi-sport events. The Ahmedabad
into a significant sports hub in India. Known for its historical Sports City project is another major initiative by the Gujarat
association with cricket, Ahmedabad has, in recent years, government. Located near the GIFT City, this sports city aims
expanded its focus to become a multi-sport destination, with to develop world-class infrastructure for football, athletics, and
state-of-the-art infrastructure and a growing culture of hosting indoor sports, aiming to make Ahmedabad a candidate for
international events. From the inauguration of one of the world’s hosting events like the Youth Olympics or Asian Games in the
largest stadiums to the city’s ambition to host global sporting future.
events, Ahmedabad is emerging as a key player in India’s
sports ecosystem. Ahmedabad’s status as a major sports destination was
cemented when it successfully hosted the final of the ICC
Ahmedabad’s most iconic sports infrastructure achievement is Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 at the Narendra Modi Stadium,
the Narendra Modi Stadium (formerly Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel drawing global attention to the city’s capability to handle
Stadium), which stands as the largest cricket stadium in the large-scale international events. Additionally, the stadium
world, with a seating capacity of 132,000. Opened in 2020, the hosted the opening ceremony and other important matches
stadium has since hosted several high-profile cricket matches, during the tournament, further establishing Ahmedabad as a
including IPL fixtures, India vs. England Test series, and other global cricket hub. The EKA Arena by TransStadia has also been
international games. It is a global benchmark for cricket preferred for major indoor events. Ahmedabad hosted the Pro
infrastructure, equipped with modern amenities, LED lighting, Kabaddi League and ISL matches at the arena, demonstrating
and high-tech practice facilities. The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel the city’s growing interest in sports beyond cricket. The
Sports Complex, which houses the Narendra Modi Stadium, is Ahmedabad Marathon, held annually, has also gained
being further developed to include facilities for multiple sports. prominence, attracting both amateur and professional runners
This complex is designed to host both cricket and sports, such from across the country and abroad. The city has proven it
as football, basketball, and athletics, signalling Ahmedabad’s can handle multi-sport events with excellent infrastructure and
shift towards becoming a multi-sport city. Other prominent organisational capabilities.
venues in Ahmedabad include the EKA Arena by TransStadia,
a multi-purpose stadium with facilities for football, kabaddi, Ahmedabad is committed to developing sports at the
and other indoor sports. TransStadia has gained international grassroots level. The Khelo India Youth Games, hosted by
attention for its retractable seating technology and cutting- Gujarat in 2022, was a pivotal moment for Ahmedabad’s
edge sports science services, becoming a preferred venue for grassroots sports infrastructure, as it gave young athletes from
national and international events. across the country an opportunity to compete at a high level.
The event showcased the city’s ability to nurture emerging
Ahmedabad is seeing significant new sports infrastructure talent and organise large-scale youth competitions. Through
projects between 2022 and 2024. One of the major upcoming the Khel Mahakumbh initiative, the Gujarat government
developments is the expansion of the Narendra Modi Sports has encouraged youth participation in sports by offering
Complex to include facilities for indoor sports like basketball, competitive platforms and access to sports equipment. In
tennis, and badminton. Plans are also underway to build 2023, the initiative saw record participation, with thousands
an Olympic Village within the complex, including athlete of young athletes competing in sports like athletics, kabaddi,
residences, training centers, and rehabilitation facilities, setting and volleyball. Ahmedabad has also seen the rise of sports

academies focusing on disciplines such as cricket, football, Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Taleigao has become a key venue
and badminton. The Narendra Modi Stadium includes a cricket for indoor sports like badminton, table tennis, and basketball.
academy that offers advanced training facilities for aspiring The stadium, known for its world-class facilities, hosted the
cricketers. Additionally, the TransStadia Institute of Sports 2022 National Games, which saw athletes competing in various
Sciences offers training and sports education programmes that disciplines. Beyond these larger venues, Panaji has smaller
are helping nurture a new generation of athletes in Gujarat. sports complexes and training centers like the Campal Indoor
Stadium and several local football fields catering to grassroots
The Gujarat government has substantially invested in and professional athletes. Plans are in motion to upgrade these
upgrading sports infrastructure and supporting athlete facilities to support local sports development further.
development. In the 2023-24 state budget, over INR 3,000
crore was allocated for sports infrastructure projects and Between 2022 and 2024, Panaji has seen new infrastructure
other facilities under the Missions Schools of Excellence, projects to further enhance its role as a sports city. The Goa
encompassing Education, Sports, Arts and Culture. Sports City project, located on the outskirts of Panaji, is a
significant step towards creating a comprehensive sports
The Gujarat Sports Policy, launched in 2023, focuses on ecosystem in the state. This project includes multi-sport arenas,
promoting sports culture at the grassroots level, identifying training academies, and residential facilities for athletes. The
and supporting young talent, and providing financial aid for Goa Sports City aims to elevate Panaji’s profile as a host city
training and international exposure. Through this policy, the for international events, designed to accommodate a wide
government aims to make Ahmedabad a key national sports range of sports, including football, athletics, and water sports.
training and development center. The government of Goa is also focusing on expanding water
sports infrastructure, leveraging the state’s coastal advantage.
Looking forward, the Gujarat government is actively pushing
Panaji will see the development of specialised facilities for
for Ahmedabad to be considered for hosting international
sports, such as sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking, adding a
multi-sport events. With ongoing developments in the Sports
unique dimension to the city’s sports offerings. These initiatives
City and the expansion of facilities at the Narendra Modi
are designed to attract international water sports events,
Sports Complex, Ahmedabad is positioning itself as a strong
contributing to Goa’s sports tourism.
contender for future global sports events.
Panaji’s ability to host major sporting events has grown
significantly over recent years. The city has become a central
Panaji, Goa location for football tournaments, notably the Indian Super
League (ISL), where FC Goa plays its home matches at the
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The venue also hosts national
and international tournaments, attracting large crowds of
Panaji, the capital of Goa, is steadily becoming a prominent
football enthusiasts. In 2022, Goa hosted the 36th National
sports hub in India, mainly known for its strong football
Games, with Panaji as a key city in the event. The games were
culture. While historically recognised for football, the city
a huge success and underscored the city’s growing reputation
has expanded its focus to accommodate a range of sports,
for hosting multi-sport events. Panaji played a central role
fueled by new infrastructure developments, government
in organising competitions across various disciplines, from
initiatives, and a growing passion for sports tourism. With its
football and athletics to badminton and swimming, solidifying
unique geographical location, Panaji is positioning itself as a
its capacity to handle large-scale sporting events. Panaji is also
key player in India’s sports landscape, both for national and
a key destination for the growing popularity of water sports in
international events.
India. The India International Regatta and other water sports
Panaji’s sports infrastructure has significantly enhanced, competitions held along Goa’s coast have drawn participants
especially in the football domain. The Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru from around the world, helping position Panaji as a hub for
Stadium in Fatorda, located just outside Panaji, is one of Goa’s water-based events.
most iconic sports venues, and has been the heart of football
Panaji has a strong culture of grassroots sports development,
in the state. It has hosted international football matches,
particularly in football, which has been part of Goan life for
including the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017, and is home to Indian
generations. The Goa Football Development Council (GFDC)
Super League (ISL) franchise FC Goa. The stadium, with a
has played a key role in nurturing young football talent across
seating capacity of 19,000, continues to be a central venue
the state. The FC Goa Youth Development Programme provides
for high-profile matches and has seen upgrades in terms of
aspiring footballers with structured training, coaching, and
seating, lighting, and turf quality. In addition to football, Panaji
competitive opportunities. The city’s robust grassroots football
is developing facilities for other sports. The Shyama Prasad

programmes ensure a steady pipeline of talent for both hosted key Pro Kabaddi League matches, and its facilities are
domestic leagues and the national team. Beyond football, the increasingly used for national cricket tournaments. Panchkula’s
Khelo India Youth Games have become a crucial platform for ability to host multi-sport events efficiently has placed it on the
young athletes in Panaji. Goa has consistently contributed to map for future national sports competitions.
these games, with Panaji hosting several regional qualifiers and
competitions in disciplines like athletics, swimming, and table Between 2022 and 2024, Panchkula has continued developing
tennis. The Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) continues to invest in its sports infrastructure. The Haryana government has
athlete development through programmes that provide modern announced plans to build additional sports facilities, including
facilities and coaching to athletes across various sports. The a state-of-the-art indoor stadium for badminton, basketball,
city is also home to several private sports academies, including and volleyball. Panchkula also benefits from Haryana’s
those focused on cricket, badminton, and athletics, which are broader push to improve sports infrastructure in preparation
helping build a wider sports culture in Panaji. for hosting future national and international events. In 2022,
the city hosted the Khelo India Youth Games, further solidifying
The government of Goa has been instrumental in supporting Panchkula’s reputation as a major sports destination. The
sports development across the state, with Panaji at the center successful execution of this event showcased the city’s modern
of its efforts. In 2023, the state government announced sports facilities.
a comprehensive sports policy focusing on improving
infrastructure, developing athlete support programmes, and The Haryana government has invested significantly in sports
increasing Goa’s visibility as a sports tourism destination. Key infrastructure and athlete support, focusing on promoting
initiatives include upgrading existing sports complexes and women’s sports. Panchkula is part of Haryana’s strategy to
building new training facilities. The Goa Sports City project, become a national sports hub, with plans to bid for larger
part of the state’s broader sports development strategy, is events and enhance facilities further.
one of the most ambitious, aiming to provide world-class
infrastructure for athletes while promoting sports tourism in
Goa. The project will also focus on eco-friendly and sustainable
construction, aligning with the state’s commitment to
environmental conservation. The state is also working to boost
water sports, aiming to make Panaji the center of India’s water
sports circuit. Plans to introduce professional water sports
leagues and international competitions are in progress, with the
aim of developing a unique niche in India’s sports ecosystem.
Panchkula, Haryana
Panchkula, in Haryana, has become a significant sports
destination in northern India. It is known for its robust
infrastructure and hosting major national events. With its world-
class facilities, the Tau Devi Lal Sports Complex is the city’s
centerpiece, regularly hosting national-level events in wrestling,
athletics, and more. The Haryana Cricket Association’s Stadium
also hosts national cricket tournaments.
The Tau Devi Lal Sports Complex boasts its multi-sport facility
and includes a world-class athletics track, football fields,
and venues for wrestling, kabaddi, and cricket. The complex
regularly hosts national-level events, particularly in wrestling
and athletics. The city is also home to the Haryana Cricket
Association’s Stadium, which has hosted national-level cricket
tournaments. Panchkula’s sports infrastructure caters to various
sports disciplines and offers training facilities for athletes
at both grassroots and professional levels. The city has also

Regional champions
Regional champions are emerging powerhouses, showcasing immense potential and
dedication, and are just a step away from becoming the next big stars in the sports
world.
Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Bhopal has also made significant strides as a major sports Lucknow is rapidly becoming a key sports city in India, driven
destination, reflecting Madhya Pradesh’s commitment to by its growing infrastructure and focus on athlete development.
developing world-class sports infrastructure. The state was With state support, the city is now a major national and
recognised with the Best State for Promoting Sports Award, international sporting events hub. Lucknow’s Ekana Sports
highlighting its efforts to provide international-standard City, featuring the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee
facilities for athletes. The Madhya Pradesh State Sports Ekana Cricket Stadium (50,000-seat capacity), hosts IPL and
Academy in Bhopal plays a central role in nurturing young international matches. The K.D. Singh Babu Stadium remains
talent through specialised coaching across various sports a key venue for hockey, while the Guru Gobind Singh Sports
disciplines. College continues to groom athletes across multiple sports.
Upcoming projects include a sports university, as well as
A significant step in Bhopal’s sports development is the expansions in football, athletics, and indoor sports facilities.
construction of the MPRDC Sports Complex in Nathu Barkheda.
Significant investments will be made to include an athletic and Lucknow regularly hosts major events, including IPL matches,
hockey stadium, with subsequent phases bringing in a multi- Ranji Trophy games, and national hockey tournaments. The
purpose indoor stadium and more sports facilities. Ekana Stadium has become a premier venue for international
cricket matches, further boosting the city’s profile. The city
Bhopal is also home to the Madhya Pradesh State Shooting plays a central role in identifying and nurturing talent through
Academy, one of the world’s best shooting facilities, which the Guru Gobind Singh Sports College and government-
includes ranges of 10, 25, and 50 meters. The academy hosted backed programmes. Lucknow is also active in the Khelo India
the ISSF World Cup Championships, with ISSF President Youth Games, offering young athletes opportunities to compete
Luciano Rossi praising its world-class infrastructure. at higher levels.
Bhopal is preparing to host the National Games of India, The Uttar Pradesh government continues investing in sports
enhance its infrastructure, and make logistical arrangements infrastructure, focusing on traditional sports like kabaddi and
for this multi-sport event. These developments showcase emerging sports like e-sports. Significant funds have been
Bhopal’s growing capabilities as a key venue for national and allocated for facility upgrades and athlete support.
international sporting events.

Indigenous sports of India Reviving India’s indigenous sports like
A thriving fusion of tradition and innovation Kabaddi, Gatka, Kho-Kho, Gilli Danda,
India’s sports landscape is as diverse as its cultural fabric,
and Mallakhamb isn’t just about
blending centuries-old indigenous traditions with modern preserving cultural roots—it’s about
enthusiasm. While traditional sports like Kho Kho, Gilli empowering the next generation to
Danda, Kabaddi, Gatka, and Mallakhamb have long been reconnect with their heritage while
part of the country’s heritage, they are now witnessing a
revival with formal recognition and support. embracing fitness, discipline, and
community values. These sports
Indigenous sports: A legacy reborn are deeply embedded in India’s
India’s indigenous sports are deeply rooted in its history, cultural fabric and offer more than
promoting physical fitness, discipline, and community spirit.
just physical activity. They teach
With the government’s support through programmes like
Khelo India, these sports are being revived, celebrated, and important life skills such as teamwork,
modernised, giving them a new lease of life. strategy, and resilience.
Sudhanshu Mittal
President, Kho Kho Federation of India
Kabaddi inclusion in the National School Games has ensured that the
younger generation experiences this ancient form of physical
One of India’s most popular indigenous sports, Kabaddi, fitness.
has transformed into a national obsession, thanks to the Pro
Kabaddi League (PKL). A game that once thrived in rural areas Kho kho
now enjoys a massive television audience and players that
Kho Kho, a traditional tag game, is another sport that has seen
have become household names. The sport, which tests strength,
a resurgence. Known for its fast-paced action and strategic
agility, and teamwork, exemplifies how traditional games can
gameplay, Kho Kho is now played in schools and colleges
capture modern imaginations with the right platform and
nationwide. Establishing the Ultimate Kho Kho league has
promotion.
brought the sport into the limelight, attracting new fans and
Gatka participants.
Gatka, a martial art form practiced primarily by the Sikh Gilli danda
community, has gained formal recognition as a sport. Known
Gilli danda, often compared to cricket, is a game that has
for its stick-fighting techniques, Gatka promotes self-defense,
been played in Indian villages for centuries. It involves hitting
agility, and balance. Its recognition as part of the Khelo
a small stick (gilli) with a larger stick (danda). This simple yet
India Youth Games has led to increased participation and
engaging game is being revived through local tournaments
awareness, particularly among youth eager to connect with
and school programmes, ensuring that the younger generation
their cultural heritage through sports.
appreciates this piece of cultural heritage.
Mallakhamb Once confined to rural areas, these sports are now celebrated
Mallakhamb, often called India’s answer to gymnastics, nationwide, showcasing the rich tapestry of India’s sporting
combines acrobatics and yoga performed on a wooden pole heritage. With continued support and promotion, they are
or rope. This visually stunning sport has received increased poised to inspire future generations and keep the spirit of
attention, with competitions being held across states. Its traditional Indian sports alive.

Yogasana Modern games taking center stage
India’s yogasana has not only gained global recognition as Pickleball, a unique blend of tennis, badminton, and ping-
a cornerstone of wellness practices but has also evolved into pong, has gained significant popularity in India over the
a competitive sport. Yogasanas, celebrated for their holistic last few years. Originating in the United States in the 1960s,
benefits, are now integral to fitness regimes, mental health pickleball has quickly grown into one of India’s fastest-growing
programmes, and lifestyle choices, reflecting India’s profound recreational and competitive sports. Its simplicity, adaptability,
influence on global health and well-being. Yogasanas are a and appeal to people of all ages have made pickleball
profound practice that integrates body, mind, and spirit. With a favourite in cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, and
84 classical asanas, each offering unique benefits, they are Ahmedabad. The sport’s small court size and relatively easy
part of the broader practice of Hatha Yoga, which aims to learning curve make it ideal for India’s urban population, where
harmonise the sun (ha) and moon (tha) energies within us. space is often a constraint.
Competitive yogasana: This ancient practice has found its way Additionally, the All-India Pickleball Association (AIPA) has been
into the realm of competitive sports, with three main categories: instrumental in organising tournaments like the Indian Open
Pickleball Championship, helping formalise and promote the
• Artistic yogasana: Similar to artistic gymnastics, athletes sport across the country. Pickleball’s growing popularity is
perform postures for three minutes, synchronising their further driven by its inclusiveness and community-oriented
movements to music. nature, which blends well with India's traditional love for sports.
As more local clubs and competitive events emerge, pickleball
• Traditional yogasana: Participants hold postures for 15 to
quickly becomes a key part of India’s modern sports culture.
30 seconds, focusing on balance and stability.
• Rhythmic yogasana: Conducted in pairs or groups of five,

players perform asanas in sync, maintaining each posture
for five to seven seconds, with points awarded for smooth
transitions.
Global influence: The inclusion of yogasana in events like Given the huge social media and
the Khelo India Youth Games has boosted its popularity,
encouraging more people to participate and appreciate this ‘instant gratification’ world we are
unique blend of physical fitness and cultural heritage. living in, Pickleball becomes an ideal
Water sports: Sailing, canoeing, and sport which is accessible for all age
kayaking groups and for people at all levels.
Its ease of play, minimal space
India’s coastline and river systems have given rise to a variety
of indigenous and modern water sports. Sailing, canoeing, and requirements, and low investment for
kayaking have grown significantly, particularly in regions like court construction make it an ideal
Kerala, Goa, and Maharashtra. These sports not only celebrate sport for Indians to take to and excel
India’s natural aquatic resources but also nurture young
athletes to compete nationally and internationally. The Indian at it as well.
Naval Sailing Association and local adventure sports clubs
have played a pivotal role in popularising these sports. Gaurav Natekar
Arjuna Awardee, Double Asian Games
Gold Medallist, Founder of Natekar
Sports and the World Pickleball

The rise of e-sports:
India’s digital playground
While traditional sports remain an essential part of India’s

culture, the explosive rise of e-sports is rewriting the definition
of competition for a new generation. E-sports, competitive
video gaming at a professional level, is no longer just a hobby
for tech-savvy youth. It is now a multi-billion-dollar global E-sports in India is witnessing
industry, and India is emerging as a significant player on exponential growth, evolving from a
the international e-sports scene. In a landmark move, the
government of India formally recognised e-sports as part
niche activity into a thriving industry
of multi-sport events in 2022, placing it under the purview with immense potential. With over
of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. This recognition 700 million gamers projected by
has opened opportunities for the growth of e-sports as an
organised, structured industry with proper regulation and
2025 and an estimated revenue of
development. INR 1,100 crore by 2025, esports
is rapidly becoming a cornerstone
Popular e-sports titles in India
of India’s digital economy. The rise
Games like BGMI, Call of Duty, Free Fire, and FIFA have of competitive gaming, fueled by
become hugely popular among India’s youth, with professional
leagues, tournaments, and sponsorships rapidly increasing.
increased internet penetration,
smartphone usage, and the
Tournaments and leagues popularity of online multiplayer
The rise of e-sports leagues, such as the ESL India Premiership games, is opening new avenues
and Skyesports Championship, has given professional gamers for youth engagement, brand
a platform to showcase their talent and compete for substantial
prize pools. Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru have sponsorships, and international
hosted major e-sports events, attracting not just players but recognition. This growth positions
massive online viewership, rivalling traditional sports. India as a major player in the global
E-sports and careers esports landscape.”
E-sports in India has also opened new career paths. Aside from Abhishek Binaykia
professional players, careers in streaming, game development,
event management, and digital marketing have flourished. Partner, Sports Industry Leader
Platforms like YouTube Gaming and Twitch have allowed Grant Thornton Bharat
gamers to build large followings, making gaming a viable full-
time career option. Influencers and streamers like Mortal and
Dynamo Gaming have become celebrities in their own right.
Unique blend of tradition and innovation
Government and corporate support
The unique interplay between its ancient traditions and cutting-
With the official recognition of e-sports, the Indian government edge digital innovations makes India’s sports landscape
has begun to look at ways to support the industry, from exciting. On the one hand, sports like Kabaddi, Gatka,
providing infrastructure for training centers to organising and Mallakhamb continue to hold cultural and community
tournaments at the national level. Corporates are also taking significance, ensuring that the nation’s rich heritage remains a
notice, with brands like Red Bull, Nvidia, and Airtel sponsoring vital part of its future. On the other hand, e-sports offer a new
e-sports events and teams, thus fuelling the growth of the kind of platform where India’s youth can compete on a global
industry. stage in a rapidly growing industry.

04
Stories of impact

Success stories and important sports
developments
The Khelo India programme

India’s Khelo India programme is a flagship initiative aimed
at fostering sports culture and developing athletic talent
across the country. Since its inception in 2018, Khelo India has The success of the Khelo India
grown to become a cornerstone of India’s sports development programme lies in its ability to
strategy. Between 2021 and 2024, Khelo India has seen
remarkable growth in the scope, reach, and impact. Khelo
revive India’s sports culture by
India’s vision is to revive India’s sports culture by creating a fostering a vibrant, inclusive sports
robust sports ecosystem that can produce world-class athletes. ecosystem. Through grassroots
It targets various stakeholders, including young students,
local athletes and seasoned professionals, focusing on both
initiatives in schools, universities, and
grassroots initiatives and elite-level training. academies across rural and urban
India, including talent identification,
annual competitions, community
Approach of Khelo India (2021-2024) coaching, playfield development,
1. Talent identification and development: Through Khelo India and state-level Khelo India Centres,
Youth Games (KIYG) and Khelo India University Games (KIUG), the programme transforms young
the programme conducts talent scouting and provides training
and financial support to exceptional athletes. Athletes are athletes’ potential into excellence.
further supported under the Khelo India Scholarship scheme. Khelo India promotes sports for
2. Sports infrastructure: The establishment of Khelo India
women and people with disabilities.
State Centres of Excellence (KISCEs) across the country Khelo India is ably supported by Fit
provides world-class training facilities for various sports and India Mission, which encourages
ensures that top athletes have access to the best coaching and
health and fitness through regular
equipment.
physical activity across all age
3. Inclusivity: Khelo India has broadened its reach by
groups.
including Khelo India Winter Games and Khelo India Para
Games, ensuring athletes across different regions and abilities
Sujit Panigrahi
have equal opportunities.
Founder & CEO, Sequoia Fitness and Sports
4. Community engagement: Grassroots participation is Technology Pvt. Ltd.
encouraged through community sports programmes, school-
level competitions, and the provision of sports equipment in
rural and urban areas.

Key highlights of Khelo India
(2021-2024)
Budget allocation: Khelo India Youth Games

(KIYG)
The Khelo India programme saw
substantial growth in its budget The 2023 edition of KIYG was held in
during 2021-2024. In 2024, the Madhya Pradesh, with over “6,000
government allocated “INR 900 crore participants from 36 states across 27 sports
to Khelo India, an increase of INR 20 disciplines.” These games have become
crore from the previous year." a crucial platform for young athletes,
helping them move towards national and
international competitions.
Khelo India University Games Khelo India Winter Games:

(KIUG):
The 2023 Khelo India Winter Games took
A total of “3894 competitors from 200- place in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir,
plus universities participated in KIUG focusing on sports like skiing, ice hockey,
across 20 different disciplines, including and snowboarding. This initiative is
indigenous sports like Mallakhamba important for developing talent in regions
and Yogasana.” These games provide with a natural affinity for winter sports.
a platform for university-level athletes,
contributing significantly to nurturing
young talent.
Khelo India Para Games: Khelo India State Centres of

Excellence (KISCEs)
The 2023 Khelo India Para Games
highlighted inclusivity by hosting The Sports Ministry is set to establish Khelo
athletes with disabilities in para-athletics, India State Centres of Excellence (KISCE)
swimming, and badminton events. This under the ministry’s flagship, Khelo India
event emphasises the programme’s Scheme. One KISCE will be identified in
commitment to providing a platform for each state and union territory, with an effort
differently abled athletes. to create a robust sporting ecosystem in the
entire country. KISCE is a fine example of
strengthening India’s pursuit for excellence
in Olympics.
Khelo India Mobile app: Impact on elite sports:

In 2022, the launch of the Khelo India Several athletes from Khelo India went on to
Mobile App offered fitness resources represent India at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics
and sporting information to the public, (held in 2021) and the Asian Games 2022.
promoting wider sports participation These success stories reflect Khelo India’s
across India. strong foundation in developing future
champions

The rise of paralympics in India: A new 1. Grassroots development:
chapter in inclusive sports The Khelo India Para Games programme plays a key role in
identifying and nurturing young para-athletes through state-
India's paralympic journey has been one of resilience and level competitions and training centers.
triumph, turning what was once an overlooked sector into a
source of national pride. From 2021 to 2024, India’s para- 2. Financial and institutional support:
athletes made significant strides, showcasing remarkable
performances on the international stage while benefiting The Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) provides para-
from growing infrastructure and increased support. These athletes with funding, training, and international exposure
developments reflect India’s deep commitment to fostering on par with their able-bodied counterparts, supported by
inclusivity in sports and providing platforms for differently institutions like SAI and PCI.
abled athletes. India’s success in the Paralympic Games,
3. International exposure and high-performance centers:
backed by government initiatives, corporate involvement, and
public recognition, has solidified the country’s place in the Para-athletes now have increased access to international
global para-sports arena. competitions and train at specialised high-performance centers
designed for their needs.
The country’s exceptional performances at the Tokyo 2020
Paralympics (held in 2021) and the 2022 Asian Para Games 4. Corporate and NGO involvement:
have underscored the immense potential of Indian para-
athletes. Programmes like the Khelo India Para Games have Corporations and NGOs provide sponsorships and
been instrumental in identifying and nurturing young talent, scholarships to support para-athletes’ training, healthcare, and
setting the stage for future success. development.
Approach of Paralympics in India (2021-2024)- India’s strategy

to enhance its paralympic framework involves developing elite
athletes while also fostering inclusivity at the grassroots level.
This approach includes:
Key highlights of paralympics in India (2021-2024)
Tokyo 2020 Paralympics (Held in 2021) Paris 2024 Paralympics
19 medals 50+ athletes, 29 medals

Won by India, including five golds. India's best-ever performance at the Paralympics,
with the country's largest contingent sent to the
Paris 2024 Paralympics.
Khelo India Para Games (2023) Asian Para Games 2022 (Hangzhou, China)
2,000 athletes 70+ medals

competed across 20 sports categories in the Khelo Won by India, including 16 golds, highlighting the
India Para Games. nation's growing strength in para-sports.
Infrastructure development for para-athletes Increased funding through TOPS and NSDF
15 KISCEs INR 50 crore

equipped with accessibility-focused infrastructure to was allocated to the development of para-athletes
support para-athletes. from 2021 to 2024.

Women in sports: Breaking barriers Indian women athletes shine at Paris
Women sports in India have seen significant progress from 2024 Olympics
2021-2024. Increased visibility, higher participation rates, India’s women athletes shone brightly at the Paris 2024
and landmark achievements at international events have Olympics, demonstrating remarkable resilience and exceptional
showcased the immense potential of Indian women athletes. performance.
Backed by key initiatives, such as the Women’s Premier League
(WPL) and the Khelo India Women’s League, India has made Manu Bhaker made history with two bronze medals in shooting,
concerted efforts to raise women's sports profile and provide becoming the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal
them with platforms to excel. and the first Indian since independence to win two medals in a
single Olympics.
Approach (2021-2024)
PV Sindhu proudly carried the flag at the opening ceremony,
Women’s involvement in sports events rose sharply, mainly while Ankita Bhakat and Deepika Kumari broke ground in
through the Khelo India initiative. “Approximately, INR 9.5 crore archery. Manika Batra achieved a table tennis milestone,
was released under the sports for women component of the reaching the pre-quarterfinals.
Khelo India Scheme to increase women’s participation in sports Although the women’s hockey team didn’t win any medal, they
since 2020.” displayed remarkable skill, and Vinesh Phogat’s resilience
The launch of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in 2023 was shone despite disqualification. These women athletes proved
a landmark moment for women’s cricket in India, attracting their mettle, cementing India’s presence at the global sports
major investments and boosting the visibility of women athletes. arena.
The league underscored the commercial viability of women’s
sports, further paving the way for the growth of other women’s
leagues.
The commercial landscape of women’s sports has experienced
a thrilling transformation. The Women’s Premier League (WPL)
launch in 2023 was a game-changer, drawing an astounding
media rights bid of “INR 951 crore” for the first five years. This
monumental investment underscores the booming market
for women’s sports. The total bid for the five teams reached
an impressive INR 4,669.99 crore, highlighting the league’s
immense commercial potential.”
The growing recognition of female athletes, combined with
better infrastructure and financial support, has increased the
participation and visibility for women at both grassroots and
professional levels.
Women are natural leaders; all they need is opportunity and trust. Their unique
blend of mental resilience and physical strength equips them to excel in sports.
India must enhance women's participation in sports leadership, both on the field
and in governance.
Priti Srivastava
Sr VP, Advocacy
Reliance Industries Limited and Founder, DayaRanii

Celebrating the triumphs of Indian
women in sports
Tokyo 2020 Olympics (Held in 2021)
3 out of India’s 7
medals were secured by Indian women
athletes, who delivered outstanding performances,
with Mirabai Chanu winning a silver medal in
weightlifting and Lovlina Borgohain earning a
bronze medal in boxing.
Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2023
INR 3,289 crore

Attracted in media rights at the inaugural WPL.
This was a landmark moment for women’s cricket,
significantly boosting the sport's visibility and
female participation.
Khelo India Women’s League (2023):
40% Female participation at the Khelo India

Women’s League, focusing on promoting grassroots
sports and nurturing young female athletes
Tokyo 2020 Paralympics (Held in 2021):
Avani Lekhara made history as the first Indian

woman to win a gold medal in shooting at the
Paralympics and also clinched a bronze.
Asian Games 2022 (Hangzhou, China):
40%
Contributed by Indian women athletes to India’s
total medal tally, with the women excelling in
disciplines like athletics, boxing, and wrestling
Commercial success and sponsorship
INR 50 crore
The sponsorship amount signed by P.V. Sindhu
in 2022. This is part of Indian women athletes,
including Mithali Raj, securing record-breaking
deals.

Organisations promoting sports
Various organisations in India, such as Reliance Foundation, Hero MotoCorp, JSW Group, NTPC Limited, and Tata Group, Adani
Sportsline, IndusInd Bank, Aditya Birla Group, ONGC, GMR Sports, REC are significantly contributing to sports development
through sponsorships, training facilities, and grassroots programmes. Their efforts are instrumental in nurturing talent and
enhancing India’s presence in global sports.
Table 1.0 illustrates major contributions and initiatives of Indian corporate

foundations in sports development
Reliance Foundation
Hero Motocorp JSW Group NTPC Limited TATA Group
Youth Sports
Sponsors: Mumbai Promotes golf, football, Owns Delhi Capitals Organised rural sports Established Tata
Indians (IPL) field hockey, cricket, (IPL), Bengaluru FC, gathering in March Football Academy,
Partners with Athletics motorsports. Haryana Steelers 2024 Tata Archery Academy,
Federation of India JSW has high Won “Sportstar Ace Naval Tata Hockey
and Indian Olympic performance centers Award - 2024” award Academy, TSAF
Title sponsor for Hero
Association for athletics, swimming, for archery sports Climbing Academy
Hockey India League
Paris 2024: 10 athletes and Hockey World Cup wrestling, boxing, and development Produced numerous
from the Reliance 2023 judo national and
Foundation represented - 19 athletes at Paris international medalists
India at the Olympics 2024 Olympics Tata Steel has
while 2 athletes produced 1 Padma
participated in the Bhushan, 11 Padma
Paralympics. Shri, 1 Khel Ratna, 5
Dronacharya, and 41
Arjuna awardees
Reliance Foundation Hero MotoCorp’s Supported 17 out of Committed INR 115 Achievements include
signed a cooperation Motorsports Team Rally 107 medal winners crores over 5 years for 2 wrestling medals at
agreement with the focuses on the ‘Rally at the Asian Games archery development, the Commonwealth
International Olympic raid’ category. In under in China. Supported including infrastructure, Games, the first-ever
Committee (IOC) to seven years, the team athletes with 1 training, and squash medal at CWG,
promote Olympic has become a force Olympic medal, 17 international exposure and 5 international and
values among young in international rally Commonwealth Games 195 national medals by
people through sport sport, winning multiple medals, 3 World Tata Football Academy
stages at the toughest Championships, and 5 athletes
race. Asian Games medals
The Education and Paralympic training Inspire Institute of Archery development: Specialised academies:
Sports for All (ESA) facilities: Sports (IIS): The IIS was Significant investments Tata Group has
initiative, led by Nita M. Hero MotoCorp launched in 2017 and by the NTPC include built academies for
Ambani, supports the partners with the has trained Olympians setting up training football, archery,
holistic development of Paralympic Committee like Sakshi Malik, Neeraj centers, field targets, athletics, hockey,
children by promoting of India (PCI) to provide Chopra, and Bajrang and sports science and sport climbing,
equal opportunities in training and coaching Punia. Currently, labs compatible with including the TSAF
education and sports facilities for para- the IIS is grooming archery, aiming to Climbing Academy,
athletes. This includes 200 athletes with the enhance infrastructure which won laurels
professional training intention of elevating and training facilities at the 27th National
for 14 specially-abled India to the top five for archers Sport Climbing
athletes, guided by sporting nations Championship 2023
experienced coaches, Feeder centers: JSW
with access to world- Sports has established
class facilities and feeder centers in
equipment Odisha, Manipur, and
Haryana, where it
trains 6,000 athletes,
including prominent
figures like javelin star
Neeraj Chopra

The Jio Institute, in Khelo Hero programme: Youth training Rural sports initiatives:State-of-the-art
collaboration with the This programme, a part programmes: The Through events like the facilities: Tata Group
Reliance Foundation, of Hero MotoCorp’s Inspire Institute of rural sports gathering, has developed several
established a high- commitment to Sports and the feeder the NTPC encourages high-performance
performance center grassroots sports centers are crucial youth participation centers and sports
for athletics. This promotion, focuses in identifying and in sports, promoting complexes, such
center offers advanced on developing sports nurturing young talent physical fitness and as the JRD Tata
infrastructure and infrastructure in rural across various sports healthy lifestyles. Sports Complex and
specialised training for areas. The initiative disciplines, promoting Comprehensive Tata Steel’s High-
athletes supports 30 athletes physical activity support: The NTPC's Performance Centres,
in partnership with the among the youth, and financial commitment which offer world-
Mary Kom Regional providing them with not only focuses on class sports science
Boxing Foundation, world-class training grassroots development support and cutting-
providing academic facilities but also supports edge infrastructure to
and nutrition support, elite athletes with athletes
equipment, training, advanced training,
lodging, and medical competitive exposure,
care and international
opportunities, fostering
the growth of archery
talent in India.
The Reliance Holistic Athlete Support: Sports Excellence Recognition and Marathon sponsorships:
Foundation The Khelo Hero Programme (SEP): achievements: Tata Sons, in
Development League programme includes The flagship endeavor The Sportstar Ace collaboration with
(RFDL) is set to become not just sports training of JSW Sports, SEP Award and NTPC’s TCS, sponsors major
India’s largest U-21 but also academic and currently supports 49 ongoing support marathons such as the
youth tournament, athletes across four have contributed to Tata Mumbai Marathon
nutritional support,
with over 50 teams disciplines. It provides the success of Indian and Tata Ultra
ensuring a well-
competing across nine financial support and archers at national and Marathon, promoting
regions. rounded development opportunities to train international levels, running and physical
for the athletes. Helping under world-class reflecting the impact of fitness on a large scale.
athletes perform better coaches at Olympic the NTPC’s initiatives on TCS’s involvement in
and maintain their training facilities. athlete achievements. global marathons
health Neeraj Chopra, a junior Impact on athletes: like the TCS New York
world record holder The NTPC’s initiatives City Marathon and
in javelin throw and have supported TCS London Marathon
silver medalist at the 10,498 athletes in further promotes
Paris 2024 Olympics, archery across India, physical activity
and current CWG and highlighting its role as a internationally.
Asian Games champion crucial supporter of the Additionally, the Tata
sport. Group is renowned
for its grassroots
football and badminton
development
programmes.

Spotlights
Recognising corporate contributions to GMR Sports has demonstrated a strong commitment to
promoting sports and supporting athletes by owning and
athletic excellence managing multiple sports franchises, including the Delhi
Adani Sportsline, a subsidiary of the Adani Group, has Capitals in the IPL, UP Yoddhas in the Pro Kabaddi League,
significantly contributed to the sports ecosystem in India and Telugu Yoddhas in the Ultimate Kho Kho League. Their
through team ownership, sponsorship, and infrastructure investment in world-class sports infrastructure, such as the
development. They own the Gujarat Giants in the Pro Kabaddi Babu Banarasi Das Indoor Stadium for the UP Yoddhas, ensures
League and support athletes across various sports via the athletes can access top-notch training and competition
#GarvHai programme, which has helped athletes like Ravi venues. Additionally, GMR Sports actively promotes physical
Kumar Dahiya achieve international success. Additionally, activities among youth through grassroots programmes and
Adani Sportsline has partnered with Team India for major local tournaments. They organise local kabaddi tournaments
events like the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games, and to discover new talent and run various support programmes
developed state-of-the-art facilities such as the Sabarmati for young athletes, including talent scouting and development
Riverfront Sports Park in Ahmedabad. initiatives. Their substantial investments in youth programmes
focus on long-term athlete development, providing training
IndusInd Bank’s ‘IndusInd for Sports’ initiative, launched camps, coaching, and competitive opportunities to ensure a
in 2016, focuses on fostering inclusivity and sustainability steady pipeline of talent for the future.
through sports. They support various programmes, including
the IndusInd Inclusive Squash programme and the IndusInd REC has shown firm dedication to promoting sports by
‘TT for Her’ programme, which nurture young talent in squash sponsoring various events and supporting athletes. They
and table tennis, respectively. Their Girl Power programme, have extended CSR financial assistance of INR 100 crore
in partnership with the Inspire Institute of Sport, has helped for the broad basing of sports and promotion of excellence
female judokas win numerous medals. Additionally, the Athlete in India, focusing on athletics, boxing, and badminton. REC
and Mentor programme supports female athletes in wrestling, has invested in developing sports infrastructure, including
athletics, field hockey, and swimming, resulting in significant constructing indoor badminton stadiums in Ukhrul, Manipur,
medal achievements. Raipur, Chhattisgarh, and a motor racing track in Mamit,
Mizoram. They also support national/regional/state/Khelo
The Aditya Birla Group has shown a strong commitment to India sports academies and run various programmes providing
promoting sports and supporting athletes through various financial assistance, training, and mentorship to young
initiatives. They were the official sponsor of Team India for the athletes. Additionally, REC supports the Target Olympic Podium
Paris Olympics 2024. Their involvement extends to sponsoring scheme (TOPS), aiding India’s top athletes and their coaches in
major events like the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 and achieving Olympic success.
the Pro Kabaddi League. The group is also developing a sports
city in Noida with international-standard facilities.
Impact of top voices in sports:
ONGC has made significant contributions to sports by
Contribution of India’s female athletes to the
providing scholarships and financial aid to over 250 athletes
annually, along with advanced training facilities and
country’s Olympic success
professional coaching. Their athletes have excelled in various
Rukhna Nahi Hai campaign
competitions, winning 13 medals at the Commonwealth Games
2022 and 9 medals, including 5 golds, at the Asian Games Parth Jindal, founder of JSW Sports, shared his views on
2023. Notable individual achievements include G. Sathiyan’s the campaign, stating, “Rukna Nahi Hai, as a JSW Group
singles title at the WTT Feeder Beirut 2024, Koneru Humpy’s campaign, entered its third Olympic Games, and it has grown
second-place finish in the Women’s Candidate by FIDE, and from being a slogan to now being an emotion, a belief that
Sourav Kothari’s senior National 15-Red snooker crown at Team India and all of us took to Paris. The film captures the
the 90th National Billiards & Snooker Championships. Neeraj essence of the athletes’ relentless pursuit perfectly.”
Chopra made history by winning India’s first gold medal at Abhinav Bindra, Olympic gold medalist, entrepreneur, and a
the World Athletics Championships 2024 in Budapest with a prominent figure in Indian sports, praised the Indian contingent
throw of 88.17m and also secured second place at the Doha at the Paris Olympics 2024. He remarked, “While our tally
Diamond League 2024 with a throw of 88.36m. shows six medals, a deeper look into the performances reveals
that we have never had an Olympic event where our athletes
have been so competitive across various disciplines.”

Viren Rasquinha, former Indian hockey captain and CEO of Olympic Gold Quest, reflected on the performance of Indian athletes
at the Paris Olympics 2024. He emphasised the importance of empathy, stating, “There is a time to be tough on our athletes, and
there is a time to be empathetic. Understanding what to do when is crucial.”
Their successes are even more special because of the difficulties women face in
pursuing professional sports. Not just economic challenges, even getting permission
from their families, finding facilities to train, access to physios and rehab centres,
or simply how far they have to travel from their villages to reach a coach. It’s a long
and difficult journey for girls to get recognised in sports. And despite that, our female
athletes have reached the pinnacle of success.
Nita Ambani - Chairperson and Founder of the Reliance Foundation
Event calendar 2024-2025
S.No. Event State Month Type
1 FIH Hockey Pro League Odisha November 2024 & February 2025 International
2 BWF World Tour's India Open (Badminton) New Delhi Likely January 2025 International
3 ATP Tour Maharashtra Likely January 2025 International
4 Indian Open Golf New Delhi February 2025 International
5 SAFF Senior Athletics Championship Jharkhand October 2024 International
6 New Zealand Tour of India (Cricket) Various October 2024 International
7 Syed Modi India International Uttar Pradesh November 2024 – December 2024 International
(Badminton)
8 India Super 100 I (Badminton) To Be Decided December 2024 International
9 India Super 100 II (Badminton) To Be Decided December 2024 International
10 West Indies Women Tour of India (Cricket) To Be Decided December 2024 International
11 Bengaluru Open Golf Karnataka Likely March 2025 International
12 Chennai Open Golf Tamil Nadu Likely April 2025 International
13 Pune Open Golf Maharashtra Likely May 2025 International
14 Kho – Kho World Cup New Delhi January 2025 International
15 World Pickleball League Mumbai November 2024 International
16 National Games Uttarakhand To Be Decided National
17 Khelo India Youth Games To Be Decided To Be Decided National
18 Khelo India University Games To Be Decided To Be Decided National
19 Khelo India Para Games To Be Decided To Be Decided National
20 Federation Cup (Athletics) Likely in Punjab May 2025 National
In conclusion, our report provides an in-depth analysis of the Indian sports landscape from 2021-2024. It covers city rankings,
top success stories, the promotion of indigenous and modern sports, initiatives like Khelo India and the Paralympics, and the
significant contributions of women in sports. We also examine the role of major corporates in shaping India’s sports ecosystem
and highlight the exceptional performance of Indian athletes at international events.
At the heart of the report lies a message to relentlessly nurture talent, aligning with the #GTWay, symbolising that our real
strength lies in our people. The future of sports lies in the hands of those who start young and dream big.

With the ambitious goal of hosting mega-events like the 2036 The future of sports lies in the
Olympics and bringing them home to India, our report provides
an in-depth analysis of the Indian sports landscape and its
hands of those who start young
developments from 2021-2024. We explore top success stories, the and dream big.
promotion of indigenous and modern sports, and the significant
contributions of women in sports. Additionally, our report
Our scorecards evaluate cities that are leading the way in highlights the exceptional
development, making significant strides in infrastructure, performance of Indian athletes
technology, grassroots initiatives, and athlete development, at international events,
while identifying improvement areas. This report underscores the
transformative power of sports in India and highlights the relentless showcasing their dedication
pursuit of excellence. By consciously focusing on nurturing and and the country’s growing
grooming athletes from a young age, India is ensuring a bright prominence on the global sports
future for its sports ecosystem. Continued investment and support
for these initiatives will not only help India host world-class events stage.
but also nurture world-class athletes.
Source: https://www.studyindia.com/study-higher-education-in-india-tuition-fees

References
1. https://www.indiabudget.gov.in/doc/eb/sbe102.pdf
2. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2035327
3. https://dda.gov.in/sites/default/files/inline-files/Draft%20MPD%202041%20%28English%2909062021_compressed_0.pdf
4. https://delhiplanning.delhi.gov.in/sites/default/files/Planning/budget_highlights_2024-25_english_0.pdf
5. https://prsindia.org/files/budget/budget_state/gujarat/2023/GJ_State_Budget_Analysis_2023-24.pdf
6. https://yas.nic.in/documents/budgets
7. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1899112
8. https://olympics.com/en/news/want-to-see-india-in-top-10-at-2028-olympics-kiren-rijiju-sets-target-at-khelo-i
9. https://pib.gov.in/pressreleasepage.aspx?prid=1632031
10. https://www.bcci.tv/articles/2023/news/55555979/bcci-announces-the-successful-bidders-for-the-women-s-premier-league

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CII is a non-government, not-for-profit, industry-led and industry-managed organisation, with around 9,000 members from the
private as well as public sectors, including SMEs and MNCs, and an indirect membership of over 365,000 enterprises from 294
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For more than 125 years, CII has been engaged in shaping India’s development journey and works proactively on transforming
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Acknowledgments
Authors Editorial review Design
Abhishek Binaykia Akshay Kapoor Shipra Jain

Partner, Sports Industry Leader
Grant Thornton Bharat
E: [email protected] For media enquiries, write to
[email protected]
Nandini Arora
Executive Director
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Tanisha Khurana
Manager
[email protected]
Further Contributors
Aarushi Madan Consultant, Sports Advisory, Grant Thornton Bharat
Dipti Dash Associate Director, Sports Advisory, Grant Thornton Bharat
Harshit Ahuja Consultant, Sports Advisory, Grant Thornton Bharat
Chanakya Chaudhary Chairman, CII National Committee on Sports and Vice President,
Corporate Services, Tata Steel
Shivam Sharma Deputy Director,, CII
Sunil Kumar Misra Principal Advisor - CII
Poonam Dikshit Consultant, CII
Kaustav Deka Executive, CII

Notes

Notes

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Sports Cities of India 2024

Future destinations for global sporting events

2 Sports Cities of India 2024

Sports Cities of India 2024 3

Chapter 1 - Setting the stage 06

Chapter 2 – Unveiling India's sports journey 12

2.1 Envision excellence: India's quest to host the Olympics in 2036

2.2 Sports City survey methodology and parameters

Chapter 3 - Sports cities of India 17

3.1 India's top marvels

3.2 Rising stars

3.3 Regional champions

3.4 Exploring indigenous sports, E-sports, adventure sports, and tourism

4.1 Stories of impact: Success stories and sports developments

4.2 Event calendar for 2024-2025

Sports Cities of India 2024 5

6 Sports Cities of India 2024

Top global sports industry trends include

The traditional methods of sponsorships,

Generative AI is revolutionising the sports industry

Expect innovation around applications involving

A wide range of investors, globalisation, the rise

Sports organisation and leagues are investing

Trends revolutionsing the way we play, watch and

Sports Cities of India 2024 7

Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021):

Asian Games 2022 (Hangzhou, China): India

Thomas Cup (2023): India made history by

8 Sports Cities of India 2024

Hockey: The Indian men’s hockey team secured

Did you know?

2. Let’s not forget the Women’s Premier League (WPL),

Sports Cities of India 2024 9

2020-2021 2021-2022 2022-2023 2023-2024 2024-2025

The programme aims to promote sports at the grassroots level and

10 Sports Cities of India 2024

*The map depicted is just for illustrative purpose

Sports Cities of India 2024 11

12 Sports Cities of India 2024

Sports Cities of India 2024 13

14 Sports Cities of India 2024

Event hosting capacity Infra and tech Athlete development programmes

Federation collaboration Fan engagement initiatives Marketing and visibility

Grassroots sports support Coaching development Sports Franchise Engagement

Travel and hospitality hub

Sports Cities of India 2024 15

India is growing as an economy, we

Reporting: A comprehensive report will be prepared, Mukul Choudhari

16 Sports Cities of India 2024

Sports Cities of India 2024 17

18 Sports Cities of India 2024

Quality of Federation Marketing and

Chennai, Tamil Nadu

federations In an exciting poll by GT Bharat targeting athletes, coaches,

Sports Cities of India 2024 19

Large scale Quality of Federation Marketing and

20 Sports Cities of India 2024

Sports Cities of India 2024 21