National Sports Day 2024: How Sports as Profession Growing in India? Check IBEF Report

Every year on August 29, India celebrates National Sports Day to celebrate the achievements of Indian athletes and to raise awareness about the value of sports in everyday life. In recent years, the day has become more than a simple celebration to reflect the changes in the Indian sports world.

As we celebrate National Sports Day 2024, it is important to examine how sports is rapidly gaining traction in India. Here are the data and insights from a study by the Indian Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF).

The growing popularity of sports in India

Cricket has always dominated sports in India as it is taken more seriously than other sports. However, in the last decade, India has witnessed a remarkable change with more and more people taking an interest in and participating in sports like football, badminton, wrestling and kabaddi. Besides providing a platform for players, the growing number of professional leagues like the Indian Super League (ISL), Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) and Indian Premier League (IPL) have also strengthened the country’s sports infrastructure.

The triumphs of Indian athletes at international events like the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and Asian Games are further evidence of this growth. Millions of people are inspired by the achievements of athletes like PV Sindhu, Neeraj Chopra and Bajrang Punia, who have made sports considered a respectable career choice.

Sport as a career: a journey of transformation

The transformation of sports from a hobby or a minor career option to a respected profession in India has been remarkable. Various factors have contributed to this change, some of which are as follows:

Increase investment in sports infrastructure:

The Indian government and private organizations have invested heavily in sports infrastructure. The construction of first-class training facilities, sports academies and international competition management has greatly promoted the development of sports in India.

IBEF mentioned: “As the sports industry grows, sports infrastructure is also improving across the country. Renovation of stadiums, training facilities, academies and sports complexes are some of the prominent infrastructure developments. These developments help create jobs and boost tourism in the host countries.”

The emergence of professional leagues:

Major sports events have established professional leagues to provide athletes with a stage to showcase their strength and make a living. Leagues such as IPL, ISL, and PKL not only attract top players from all over the world, but also provide athletes with stable income through large contracts.

IBEF states: “IPL cricket league, ISL football league, PKL kabaddi league and several other professional leagues have been established and the success of these leagues is the main reason for the growth of the sports industry in India. The launch of these leagues has helped in attracting a large number of spectators, sponsors and huge investments, thereby boosting the economy.”

Corporate sponsorship and support:

The growing involvement of corporate sponsors has transformed the financial landscape of sports in India. Corporates are increasingly recognizing the value of being associated with sports and athletes, leading to a surge in sponsorship deals and endorsement opportunities. This trend has elevated the status of athletes and made sports a lucrative profession.

Media Coverage and Digital Platforms:

The role played by the media in promoting sports cannot be underestimated. Sports events are now more accessible to the general public due to extensive coverage, live broadcasts and the development of digital media. Through social media, athletes and fans are able to interact and build a strong fan base that inspires and supports them.

IBEF states: “As the broadcasting rights for major events have become increasingly important, the revenues of major broadcasters have increased significantly. In order to obtain exclusive broadcasting rights, media companies need to pay huge fees, which has led to increased competition and increased broadcasting investment.”

The IBEF report further adds, “In 2023, a total of 536 brand endorsement deals were signed across all sports; of these, 436 (87% of the total value) were related to cricket.”

As we celebrate National Sports Day 2024, it is clear that Indian sports is on a growth trajectory. A combination of government support, corporate investment and growing public interest has created fertile soil for sports development. Insights from the IBEF report underscore the potential of the Indian sports industry, highlighting the opportunities ahead.