Launch of Sports Tech Hub in Bengaluru

Syllabus: GS3/ Economy

Context

• KPMG in India has set up a Sports Technology Hub in Bengaluru to encourage innovation through technology and unleash the economic potential of the sports industry.

Sports Industry of India

• India’s sports industry is estimated at $21 billion, with projections of reaching $40 billion by 2030.
• The country’s sports industry is currently growing at 12-14 per cent annually, nearly twice the pace of overall economic growth.
• The sports technology segment is estimated at $1.2 billion, creating opportunities in AI-based performance analytics, smart stadiums, digital ticketing and fan engagement.
• Cricket dominance: Cricket accounts for nearly 80% of India’s sports economy, indicating the concentration of commercial investment in one sport.
• Manufacturing clusters: Meerut and Jalandhar are important centres for domestic sports goods manufacturing.

Growth Drivers of India’s Sports Industry

• Professional sports leagues: Expansion of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Pro Kabaddi League, Indian Super League and Premier Badminton League has increased commercial investment and audience engagement.
• Digital transformation: AI, computer vision, wearable devices and advanced analytics are transforming athlete training, performance assessment and sports management.
• Sports infrastructure: Development of stadiums, training centres and sports academies is expanding the sector’s infrastructure base.
• International sporting ambitions: The 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad and India’s proposed ambition to host the 2036 Olympic Games will create demand for sports infrastructure, services and technology.

Challenges in India’s Sports Ecosystem

• Sports participation remains uneven across rural and urban areas, income groups, genders and social categories.
• Sports facilities remain unevenly distributed, particularly between metropolitan cities and rural or remote regions.
  • Limited access to playgrounds, trained coaches and organised competitions restricts participation at the grassroots level.
• Governance Deficiencies: Several National Sports Federations (NSFs) face challenges relating to professional management, institutional capacity and transparency.
• Sports investment remains concentrated in commercially attractive disciplines, particularly cricket. Grassroots sports, women’s sports, para-sports and less-commercial disciplines face funding gaps.
• Sports Professionals: Shortages of qualified coaches, sports scientists, physiotherapists, nutritionists and sports administrators affect athlete development.
• Domestic manufacturers face challenges relating to product quality, testing facilities, research and development and international certification.

Initiatives to Promote Sports in India

• Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 (National Sports Policy 2025): It replaces the National Sports Policy, 2001 and aims to establish an inclusive, performance-driven and globally competitive sports ecosystem.
• The National Sports Governance Act, 2025, aims to improve transparency, accountability, and ethical governance in sports organisations. It provides for;
  • Establishment of a National Sports Board to oversee recognition and governance standards of national sports bodies.
  • National Sports Tribunal for effective resolution of sports disputes.
• Khelo India Scheme: Launched in 2016–17 to promote mass participation, identify sporting talent and improve sports infrastructure.
• Khelo India Rising Talent Identification (KIRTI) targets children in the 9–18 years age group. It uses Talent Assessment Centres, standardised assessment protocols, AI and data analytics to identify sporting talent.
• Sports Authority of India (SAI): Established in 1984 under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. It supports athlete training, coaching, infrastructure development and sports promotion.
• Sports Goods Manufacturing Initiative: Union Budget 2026–27 allocated ₹500 crore to strengthen domestic sports goods manufacturing.
• National Sports Development Fund (NSDF): Established in 1998 to promote sports development through contributions from government, corporate entities and individuals.

Way Ahaed

• Develop district-level sports facilities and improve access to existing school, college and community infrastructure.
• Encourage CSR, private investment, sponsorships and public-private partnerships, particularly in grassroots, women’s and para-sports. 
• Outcome-based sports development: Shift from measuring infrastructure created and funds allocated towards participation rates, athlete progression, facility utilisation and international performance.

Source: TH