Launch of ‘International Sports Exhibition’ To Provide Huge fillip To Indian Sporting Industry

“Strong National Leagues over all age groups are the need of the hour. Things are now falling into place and hopefully within the next ten years, Indian football will be in the position it’s meant to be,” said Kushal Das, General Secretary of AIFF, while participating in a debate on “Changing Mindsets and exploring new opportunities” at the launch of the International Sports Expo in the city, on Friday.

The International Sports Expo is a unique initiative launched by Informa Markets in India to bridge the gap between global sports businesses and Indian sports businesses, with the core vision of uplifting our sports businesses and helping the industry explore greater opportunities.

Informa Markets in India is all set to expand its horizon into the sports and fitness sector with a dedicated international platform catering to every segment of the sports, health and gaming industry. The 1st edition of the exhibition will be held next year from June 7-9, 2023 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

Kushal Das was sharing the stage with former Indian shooter and World Record holder in the 10, Air Rifle event, Ms Suma Shirur, International Wrestler and Fit India Icon  Sangram Singh, Founder & Director Acosa Sports Infrastructure,  Deepak Khanolkar, co-founder ChampLidar, Satyajit Sadanandan and Mr Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India
Das further added, “India started its league 20 years late. It’s important to keep playing matches, home and away, under one coach to improve. Hopefully things are now falling into place.”

Das also said that it was important to get more international sports persons into advisory roles, like Abhinav Bindra is doing and reduce the involvement of bureaucrats in sport.
Suma Shirur felt the need of the hour to attract more youngsters to take to the sport of shooting was the use of technology. “Youngsters love shooting as evidenced by the huge interest in shooting games on mobiles and computers, but this needs to be translated into them taking to the sport of shooting. That can only be done if the sport is made more attractive and exciting to GenZ.” She further said that she, herself, found watching shooting on TV boring, though she loves the sport.

Speaking at the launch announcement of the show, Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India said, “We are thrilled to announce the debut edition of the International Sports Expo at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi between 7-9, June 2023. With this step, Informa Markets in India fills a conspicuous gap in this exciting and potentially rich industry, which in India is expected to reach USD 5.6 billion by 2023. The one-of-its-kind show will be a 360-degree dedicated platform attracting key international and domestic stakeholders to every segment of the sports, health and gaming industry.

Sports plays a prominent role in unifying the country, while creating positive role models. Besides, the health of the country can only be bolstered by the fitness of its people and the expo aligns well with the ‘Fit India’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives of the government, while also seeking to attract valuable foreign direct investments to develop the sector further. ISE aims to forge a strong community of industry stakeholders and business alliances helping to formalize the sector. We are sparing no efforts in making ISE a gala tribute to the innovation, discipline, zeal and mission that the sector espouses, ”he added.

The Sports and fitness industry, although still at a nascent stage in India, is developing at a galloping rate thanks to the growing population, wider reach of influencers and sports icons through social media, changing mindsets, and the new-found appeal of e-sports and gaming. The market is expected to reach USD 3,065 million by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.5 % during 2022-27. India’s athleisure market is also growing at an impressive rate of 18-20%. Besides, the audience for e-sports in India is expected to exceed 130 million by 2025 with global gaming firms now lining up to invest in India’s esports ecosystem. With India having fought the Covid Pandemic aggressively to bounce back to near normal conditions, the time is right to welcome the global sporting market into the country. Providing a brightly illuminated pathway will be the ‘International Sports Exhibition’ (ISE).

The show seeks to forge a strong and integrated community that will include decision makers, authorities, clubs and associations, local buyers, investors, planning agencies, architects, stadium and venue operators, and manufacturers from across India and key countries.

Highlights of ISE
• International Pavilion – Asia & Europe
• Live activity in wrestling, golf, boxing, basketball, zumba, football, yoga, among others
• Sports Awards for athletes & exhibitors
• Sports Nutrition & Cosmetics Zone
• Sports Machinery and Equipment Zone