SportsEx Asia conference launches to change the destiny of sports in India

Sports scene in India is about to change, at least from the looks of it. Supported by Ministry of Youth Affairs, Delhi recently had its first international conference to showcase the true potential that lies in the sports sector of India. The conference is novel in the sense it offers a stable and promising platform to discuss investment opportunities for the sports assets in India by the corporate entities, HNIs and key sports stakeholders.

While the line-up of key speakers was impressive itself, addressed by the likes of Aneesh Madani, Head of Sports Partnerships, India and South East Asia, Twitter, Sundar Raman, CEO, Reliance Sports and Nitin Kukreja, CEO, Star Sports, the launch was personally inaugurated by Vijay Goel, Minister Youth Affairs & Sports and concluded by Injeti Srinivas, Secretary, Youth Affairs & Sports.

The discussion panel explored number of topics, from the importance of bringing money, aspirational factor at the forefront to integrating sports and technology for maximum impact on the masses. There was also an important discussion on the significant rise in the Indian sports industry, all thanks to the concept of leagues introduced in the last few years (Think IPL/ISL/Pro Kabaddi).

There was also a special mention of stressing the need to introduce sports right from the academic level to enhance the sports culture in the country, especially in remote areas with fewer opportunities.

Going forward there is a dire need for capital owners and corporates to see sports as a feasible investment sector. Realizing this, SportsEX Asia is conceptualized with an aim to cater to the growing need of bridging the gap in today’s competitive scenario. As Raghvendra Madhav, Chairman SportEX Asia pointed out, “There is a dire need to break the social barriers in sports with the help of possible and effective solutions. We can do this by synergizing the actions of various government bodies coupled with corporate giants and individual entrepreneurs. And this is how we can bring out the finest talent in the sports industry and nurture them to become leaders of tomorrow.”

This two-day affair had a number of leading players from a number of industries participating to come up with pathbreaking ideas and put a method to this madness that is sports in India. The event was also graced by Ajit M Saran, Secretary Minister, AYUSH, Government of India, Vinit Karnik, Head Entertainment, Sports & Live Events, Group M, Bhanu Sachdeva (Arjun Award winner- Swimming), Chetan Chauhan (Former opening captain- Indian Cricket Team).

On day two of discussion, important reiteration came out of the discussion which was the fundamental need to identify the passionate sportsmen and embed them into the federation.

The event closed on a rather promising note. Would this mean dawn of a new era as far as sports in India are concerned? Only time will tell. But until then, nothing stops us from being hopeful.