Telangana’s Vision for a Thriving Sports Ecosystem
A New Era in Sports Development
During the impending Telangana Rising Global Summit on December 8–9, a significant collaborative agreement is set to be finalized between Dubai Sports City and GMR Sports. This partnership aims to kickstart a large-scale Sports City project within Telangana, as announced by Jayesh Ranjan, the Special Chief Secretary of the Government of Telangana. This initiative aligns with the state’s broader ambitions to fortify its position in the sports realm.
Future of the Sports Tech Market in India
The sports technology sector in India is on the verge of explosive growth, projected to expand from its current valuation of $1 billion to an impressive $40 billion by 2030. With a remarkable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16%, this market is outpacing the global average of 10%. Industry experts see this as a prime opportunity for investment and innovation, making it a focal point in Telangana’s developmental strategy.
Launch of the Sports Accelerator Sprintx
Jayesh Ranjan has also introduced the Sports Accelerator Sprintx, an initiative designed to nurture sports, wellness, and fitness startups. This program will provide venture support and investment pathways, facilitating the scaling of emerging sports ventures. Backed by notable organizations such as the Sports Authority of Telangana and Woxsen University, Sprintx aims to become an essential launchpad for aspiring sports entrepreneurs.
Building a Strong Olympic Foundation
At the Sports Tech Podium 2025 event, Ranjan articulated an ambitious vision for Telangana’s participation in the 2036 Olympic Games. He noted that the state’s strategy has been crystal clear since the inception of the Telangana Sports Policy. The goal is to cultivate athletes in every sport, ensuring that Telangana is represented across all disciplines during this prestigious international competition.
A Collaborative Ecosystem for Sports Innovation
The Sports Tech Podium conference served as a melting pot for India’s burgeoning sports innovation ecosystem. Key stakeholders, including startups, investors, corporate leaders, athletes, federations, and policymakers congregated to share insights and forge connections. With its rich support network, Hyderabad is solidifying its reputation as India’s Sports Tech and Innovation Capital.
Prominent venture funds and angel networks like Centre Court Capital, Impetus Sports Capital, Hyderabad Angels, and more had a strong presence, signaling confidence in the state’s sports landscape.
Embracing Private Sector Participation
Jayesh Ranjan emphasized a strategic shift toward fostering private-sector involvement in sports management. While the government will gradually take a step back from direct sports operations, it is focused on empowering the industry to lead growth. Plans are underway for the establishment of a dedicated Sports University, reinforcing the government’s commitment to nurturing new talent.
Infrastructure as a Catalyst for Growth
Touching upon Hyderabad’s inherent strengths, Ranjan cited the city’s robust ecosystems in sectors like Life Sciences, Defense, Aerospace, and Information Technology. These foundational aspects position Telangana as an attractive destination for global sports investments. Ranjan commented on the critical role of infrastructure in driving industry growth, stating that the region has a solid base to build upon.
The Untapped Potential of India’s Sports Landscape
Aditya Reddy, Co-Founder & CEO of Game Point, described the grassroots emergence of sports tech in India. Digital booking platforms, accessible coaching, and organized tournaments have set the stage for deeper technological integration in areas like performance analytics and broadcasting. As cricket enjoys unparalleled popularity with a fanbase of around 655 million, Reddy noted the potential for growth in other sports.
Despite only 10% of the Indian population engaging in sports passively and a mere 0.01% in serious competition, the strengthening of sporting policies alongside India hosting global events is expected to boost serious participation. Ratnakar Samavedam, CEO of Hyderabad Angels, added that even a small shift of just 10% of passive players into serious competition could unlock remarkable business opportunities within the sports marketplace.
Global Sports Tech Market Trends
Lastly, discussions at the event revealed that the global sports tech market, currently valued at $19 billion, is anticipated to soar to $40 billion by 2030. This growth is indicative of the sector’s buoyancy and the extraordinary possibilities it holds for aspiring entrepreneurs and established businesses alike.
The initiatives taking root in Telangana reflect a commitment to not only elevate its sports profile but also to harness the vast potential of technology and innovation in transforming the sports landscape in India.
