India's Sports Startup Ecosystem Report Officially Launched by Ministry Secretary
A significant industry report titled "India's Sports Startup Ecosystem: Current Status and Emerging Pathways" was formally unveiled on Monday by Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS). The ceremony took place at his office in the Sports Authority of India, marking a pivotal moment for the sports sector in the country.
Collaborative Research Effort
The report was commissioned by the Association for Sports Industry Professionals (ASIP) in collaboration with the Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Ghaziabad. This publication represents the first-ever industry report released by ASIP, with research work initiated in June 2025. The study was led by Kanishka Pandey, Faculty and Head of the Centre for Sports Research & Development at IMT Ghaziabad, who also serves as a Board Member of ASIP.
Key attendees at the unveiling ceremony included Shaji Prabhakaran, Founder and President of ASIP; Neeraj Jha, Secretary General of ASIP; Kanishka Pandey as the Lead Researcher; Munish Rao, Board Member of ASIP; and Anjali Giri, Research Assistant from IMT Ghaziabad.
Insights and Objectives
The report provides a comprehensive overview of the current status of India's sports startup ecosystem, highlighting early trends, innovation pockets, and opportunities for growth. It is designed to serve as a valuable reference for policymakers, industry leaders, investors, and sports development professionals, aiming to foster a knowledge-driven approach to the sports industry.
Hari Ranjan Rao expressed his encouragement, stating, "I am encouraged to see the effort ASIP is making to strengthen India's sports industry through research and collaboration. This report offers useful insights that will certainly benefit the sports sector, and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports will explore how these findings can support ongoing and future initiatives." He extended congratulations to ASIP and IMT Ghaziabad for their meaningful contribution.
Future Directions and Commitment
Shaji Prabhakaran emphasized the report's significance, calling it a milestone for ASIP and the broader sports industry in India. He noted, "This report reflects our commitment to nurturing a knowledge-led sports ecosystem that supports innovation and entrepreneurship. We are keen to go much deeper into the sports startup landscape in the coming months, and we look forward to working in active collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to undertake more detailed studies that can guide the sector's growth."
Kanishka Pandey added, "India's sports startup ecosystem is at a promising stage, and this study captures its early contours with a research-oriented approach. Our objective was to provide insights that can help policymakers, investors, and industry professionals understand the opportunities ahead." He expressed gratitude to ASIP for entrusting the initiative and to his research team for their dedication.
This unveiling marks a historic milestone for ASIP, symbolizing its early but purposeful steps toward building a robust and informed sports industry in India.
