The growth and development of Indian sports demand a structured, systems-driven approach. Addressing this need, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and the Sports and Society Accelerator have curated the ‘Sports-Forward Nation’ report to benchmark key drivers fueling India’s sporting ambitions.
Key Pillars of Growth
The report outlines four fundamental pillars that define the sports ecosystem:
- Commerce
- Technology
- Performance
- Societal Impact
These pillars form the foundation for a ten-step roadmap aimed at creating an integrated and thriving sports environment, positioning sport as a significant driver of India’s progress.
Insights and Vision
The report documents the gains made in Indian sports, highlighting commercially viable competitions, advancements in sports technology, performance enhancements, and the societal impact of sporting initiatives. It underscores the importance of integrating sports and physical activity from the grassroots level to elite performance.
Smriti Mandhana’s Perspective
RCB Captain Smriti Mandhana expressed her support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of structured development across all sports.
“To see India as a Sports-Forward Nation would mean a lot to all of us sportspersons. Cricket, particularly with the IPL and now the WPL, has shown how a strong system can empower athletes. We want similar success stories across all sports. I am proud to be part of RCB’s efforts to make sports a priority in India. If we can drive change and inspire more girls to take up sports, it would make a lasting impact.”
RCB’s Commitment to Sports Development
RCB COO Rajesh Menon reaffirmed the franchise’s commitment to strengthening India’s sports ecosystem.
“Our goal at RCB is to be active participants in India’s sports growth story. The Sports-Forward Nation report is an example of our dedication, and initiatives like the Made of Bold sports development programme and the RCB Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit reflect our continued efforts. India is on course to becoming a sporting powerhouse, but we must ensure the right environment for athlete development.”
Priority Roadmap 2047
The report outlines a strategic vision for India’s sporting landscape leading up to 2047:
- Sustainable Policy Blueprint
- Talent Pathways Creation
- High-Performance Strategy
- Regulatory Capacity Development
- Sports Technology Vision
- Private Participation
- Active Frameworks
- Economic Drivers
- Inclusive Development
- Capacity Building
These strategies will be a focal point of discussions at the upcoming RCB Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit on March 14th & 15th in Bengaluru.
The origins of the report can be traced back to the RCB Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit 2023, which featured insights from industry stalwarts, including Amitabh Kant (India’s G20 Sherpa), Olympians Abhinav Bindra and Neeraj Chopra, cricketers Brendon McCullum and Smriti Mandhana, and IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal.