In a move to showcasing its Olympic ambitions, India sent a high-level Sports Leaders Delegation to Manchester from July 22 to 25, aiming to forge deeper collaborations with one of the world’s most iconic sporting hubs.
Organised by FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry) in partnership with the Consulate General of India in Manchester, the visit culminated in the India-Manchester Sports Business Forum and the launch of a new knowledge report on India’s growing sports economy. At the heart of the visit was a clear message: India is serious about its Olympic Vision 2036 and it is looking to global partners like the UK to help bring that dream to life.
The four-day programme included exposure visits to key institutions such as Etihad Stadium, Manchester Metropolitan University’s Institute of Sport, BBC Media City, and Loughborough University, offering Indian delegates firsthand insight into how a mature sports ecosystem operates.
The Business Forum brought together stakeholders from both countries across sports technology, infrastructure, esports, athlete development, club management, and sports medicine. One key highlight was the face-to-face networking session connecting Indian sports entrepreneurs with British clubs and companies, paving the way for potential MoUs, joint ventures, and investment discussions.
Also launched at the event was the FICCI–Grant Thornton Knowledge Report, which lays out India’s current sports landscape, emerging opportunities, and the critical steps needed to reach Olympic readiness by 2036.
India, one of the fastest-growing sports markets globally, is making a concerted push to position itself as a future Olympic host, backed by massive public-private investments and a growing middle-class fan base. Initiatives such as the Khelo India programme and strategic bids for major international events signal India’s long-term intent.
The delegation served as a stepping stone towards that ambition, with conversations focused on knowledge-sharing, policy alignment, and building sustainable partnerships in sports innovation, management, and community development.
Many members from the delegation shared their experience and hopes, in conversation with Asia Voice-
PKSV Sagar, the president of GMR Sports and co-chair of the delegation, shared about the collaboration with the Indian Consulate in Manchester. He said, “This collaboration is a significant step in broadening the scope of India–UK bilateral relations. Beyond trade and education, sports offers a unique platform to engage communities, promote cultural exchange, and drive innovation. This visit not only promotes dialogue but lays the groundwork for strategic cooperation in sports tech, infrastructure, education, and athlete development between our two nations.”
Being a strong advocate for grassroots and youth development in India, Mr Sagar also spoke out supporting grassroots efforts in gaining exposure. “Grassroots development has always been at the heart of India’s sports story—and to make meaningful progress, we need exposure to global best practices. During this visit, the delegation is engaging with universities, football academies, innovation hubs, and community sports initiatives across Manchester. The idea is to understand how the UK has built sustainable grassroots structures and how we can adapt those models to India’s context”, he said.
“We’re especially keen on bringing back insights on inclusive sports education, talent identification, and how to integrate technology into youth development. We want to ensure our young athletes—not just from metros but from Tier 2 and 3 cities—have access to world-class opportunities and pathways”, he further added.
Dr Kanishka Pandey, co-chair of the FICCI Sports Committee and Head of the Centre for Sports Research at IMT Ghaziabad, said, "This has been an incredible learning experience for me and my colleagues. The way things operate here is far more advanced and structured than in India, and I see many opportunities for collaboration, particularly in academia. UK universities not only focus on quality education but also impactful research and close partnerships with communities, governments, and sports bodies, something we aspire to achieve in India in the coming years."
He added, "There is a clear pathway for talent development here, beginning at the grassroots. A strong sporting culture drives participation, which in turn fuels competition and broadens the talent pool. This is something we can learn from and adapt in an ‘Indianised’ way back home."
On future collaborations and reforms for India’s sports ecosystem, Pandey said, "I would love to collaborate with universities and educational institutions to better understand how they create strong linkages with industry and work so closely with the community. At IMT Ghaziabad, along with the FICCI Sports Committee, we are trying to bridge the gap between academia and industry, and there’s much we can learn from the UK’s structured approach. I would also like to see our UK counterparts visit India to understand our ecosystem and help us create a clear pathway we can follow, adapted to Indian culture and needs."
Preeti Jhangiani, co-founder Pro Panja League, India’s first professional arm-wrestling league also talked about the collaboration and how it ca help arm-wrestling grow in the UK. She said, “The agenda is to see how we can progress and join along with Manchester and collaborate for different sports. For me, since we are affiliated with the World Arm Wrestling Federation as well, it’s very important to find good partners for them in the UK who can promote arm wrestling to the extent that we have in India.
“There is also a lot of interest in arm wrestling from Punjab in the UAE. We've already done our first event in Dubai. It would be fantastic to do an event right here in Manchester, as I can see after speaking to so many people during this delegation that arm wrestling is something that everybody, even here, has played in their childhood. Every person knows it.
“The sport has a low financial entry point and I feel that the potential for growing it here in the UK is amazing.”
Further talking about hosting tournaments in the UK, she said, “For sure, there is a plan to host international tournaments here and also collaborate with the diaspora communities in the UK. Indian sports, especially indigenous sports like kho-kho and kabaddi, are doing very well in India, and even internationally, the potential is huge. For a lot of international athletes, it’s a huge opportunity to come and participate in the league. And the kind of production that we have done in arm wrestling has not been done anywhere in the world.”
Director of Somaiya Sports Academy, Aazaz Khan, said, "The FICCI Sports Leaders Delegation to Manchester and Southampton was about learning from the best to serve our best. We studied world-class sports ecosystems at Manchester Metropolitan and Loughborough Universities, observing how sport, science, and academics intersect seamlessly. What stood out was the holistic athlete journey, from training and rehab to mental health and career planning, all under one roof. The delegation also allowed us to engage with institutions, federations, and thought leaders, laying the groundwork for future partnerships. My biggest takeaway was seeing how seriously the UK prioritises athlete welfare. FICCI’s efforts have opened doors for genuine global dialogue and positioned Indian university sports as a serious stakeholder internationally."
On India’s broader role in the global sports community and how international collaborations support that vision, Khan said, "India must evolve from being a participant to becoming a key player in the global sports movement. We have the numbers and the passion, but we need precision systems and smart partnerships to turn potential into podiums. Collaborations like this FICCI-led delegation build vital bridges of learning, investment, and cultural exchange, helping Indian universities become global training grounds, not just for athletes but also for sports scientists, coaches, and administrators. Our mission is to make university-level sport in India a viable pathway to the Olympics. This will require policy support, corporate investment, and a mind-set shift. We urge corporations to channel at least 50% of their sports CSR towards university programs, as these students are our future Olympians. With FICCI’s backing, this vision is achievable and scalable if we work together."
Indian Extreme Rally Driver and TEDx Speaker Garima Avtar said, "It was an honour to represent India on a global platform. The UK’s integration of sport with education, media, and grassroots development was truly inspiring. My biggest takeaway is that with the right systems and infrastructure, India has everything it needs to rise as a global sporting powerhouse. UK motorsport thrives because of its structured pathways, inclusive programs, and strong institutional backing. India has no shortage of talent; what we need now is consistent support and wider access. The encouraging part is that the ecosystem is shifting, and the momentum is finally building."
Avtar added, "Motorsport in the UK has been nurtured for decades. Kids start karting as early as five or six, with a clear, structured pathway from grassroots to Formula 1. It’s accessible, well-supported by schools, sponsorships, and strong academic backing. In India, we have the talent, but motorsport is still seen as niche and elite. Tracks are few, costs are high, and there’s very little grassroots development. Many young racers either come from motorsport families or must fight for every opportunity. The UK has a deep-rooted motorsport culture, while in India it’s still gaining visibility. Encouragingly, we are seeing positive shifts, more women entering the sport, more media coverage, but we still need far greater support in terms of infrastructure and mind-set."
