At the session on “The Business of Sports - Impediments and Enablers”, Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports (I/C) and Information & Broadcasting launched the Sports.Com Association. He called it the most timely and much awaited industry association for the ease of promoting business of sports. “A focused approach is the only way for the sector to flourish and the launch of Sports.com is most welcome. My Government will extend all support and ensure we work as partners in an impactful outcome driven manner.”
He emphasized the concerted efforts of government and industry towards development of sports in India. He informed CII regarding the “matching grant scheme”, wherein any amount donated by any organisation to support any sports - event, sport, person or program – there will be an equal amount contributed by the government in the same kitty.
He said that the government is open to corporate partnerships and ways in which the industry can make the most of the overlap of multiple sports opportunities. We have to ensure that India's path to sporting prominence is paved with an inclusive effort from all the stakeholders.
Sportscom is the acronym for Commerce (Com) through Sports. It is a not -for-profit apex industry body incorporated to promote the business of manufacturers of sports goods and service providers to the sports sector and make them, globally competitive. Its members will comprise all businesses and professionals who provide goods and services to the sports sector
Expressing support Chandrajit Banerjee, DG, CII said, “We live in a young world today, where being a fit & healthy nation assumes centre stage. With the exports of sports goods rising every year, initiatives like Sportscom are set to further boost this industry that is already showing signs of global competitiveness. CII is committed to nurture and grow Sportscom”.
Sportscom will play a catalytic role in growing the business of manufacturers of sports goods and service providers to the sports sector, make them globally competitive and help them increase their share of the global market.
Mr Jalaj Dani, Co-chairman, CII National Committee on Sports & Co-Promoter, Asian Paints, said that “Sports in India is yet to be recognized as an economic sector and due to the absence of an industry status along with a lack of sporting culture, corporate investments in India’s sports have traditionally been limited to only non-profit CSR activities and initiatives, while the scope for exploring business-related activities under the sports industry have not been explored in vast depth. Sports is now a big global business where fans and corporates invest their time and monies. This sector has the power to connect all strata of society.”
Adding further, he said that, “There is a dire need for young, private enterprise to again come together and rally behind this one cause. Let us together unleash the power of sport in this country – get 30 cr. kids to play an hour every day. This one push will boost every industry and in turn the economy”
Mr Rahul Bose, Indian Film Actor opined that Sports can free you, it gives you confidence, employment and it can catapult you as a person. He was of the view that every kid needs to give at least 60 to 90 minutes a day to any sport, parents need to change their mind set as sports can help in deepening the concentration, become more resilient to pressure levels and make them perform better in studies.
Vivek B Singh, Joint Managing Director, Procam International Ltd said there is consciousnesses in the sports arena for the first time. It is a game changer and a significant milestone because the captains of industry have started taking keen interest in this sector and it’s a sunrise Industry they have a great role to play in future.
Sharing his thoughts on the current scenario Boxer Vijender Singh articulated that the industry has to take up some grass root level initiatives by using effective tools in entertaining audiences, ensuring health, growing businesses, and building a sustainable, secure and prosperous future for coming generations.
8 April 2018
New Delhi