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Key Points

A FICCI-led delegation visited the UK to boost sports industry collaborations between India and Britain. Key discussions centered on research, technology, and urban sports planning. The delegation explored investment opportunities in Uttar Pradesh cities like Ghaziabad and Lucknow. The visit aimed to strengthen ties through academic and business partnerships in the sports sector.

Key Points: FICCI Delegation Explores India-UK Sports Industry Partnerships

  • FICCI delegation engages UK sports leaders in Manchester and Loughborough
  • Focus on sports tech, education, and urban planning partnerships
  • Pro Panja League co-founder Preeti Jhangiani joins key discussions
  • Uttar Pradesh cities identified for potential UK sports investments
2 min read

FICCI delegation explores bilateral opportunities in sports industry between India and UK

FICCI-led delegation strengthens India-UK sports ties through business forums, research collaborations, and investment opportunities in key cities.

"Deepening India-UK sports collaboration can drive innovation, inclusivity, and social impact. – Dr. Kanishka Pandey"

New Delhi, Aug 3

The sports industry was the focal point of discussion on Sunday between India and the United Kingdom. On one hand, India’s cricket team is currently touring England, while on the other, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently signed crucial commercial agreements with the UK, reaffirming the importance of Indo-UK relations.

Within this timeframe, a week-long sports delegation visit by FICCI’s Sports Committee to the UK resulted in several significant engagements. The delegation, supported by the Indian High Commission in Manchester, was led by Dr. Kanishka Pandey, Chairman of the FICCI Sports Committee for Uttar Pradesh and Head of Centre for Sports Research at IMT Ghaziabad.

The main event was the India–Manchester Sports Business Forum organized at Deloitte, Manchester.

The forum brought together prominent stakeholders from the Indian and British sports sectors. Distinguished participants included representatives from GMR Sports, Manchester Metropolitan University, Loughborough University, Salford University, Sports UK, and the Manchester City Council.

Dr. Kanishka Pandey presented India’s perspective on a range of issues including, recognizing sports as a fundamental right integral to national development, utilizing sports for social transformation, emphasizing the urgency of collaboration between educational institutions and industry to promote research and evidence-based policy-making, and the need to develop sports technology, education, and urban-level strategic planning in line with India–UK cooperation.

Notable attendees included Preeti Jhangiani, Co-Founder, Pro Panja League. Yawar Abbas, Deputy CEO and Head – Sports & Events, Manchester City Council; Sanjay Bahl, Prof. Andy Miah of Salford University; and Dr. Steve Tickle, among others.

The FICCI delegation also visited Manchester, Loughborough, and Southampton.

Dr. Pandey stated that this visit aimed to strengthen Indo-UK cooperation in the fields of sports business, research, innovation, and community development. He emphasised that by deepening collaboration between Indian educational institutions and international sports organisations, new pathways can be created for innovation, inclusivity, and social impact.

The FICCI delegation collaborated closely with British sports businesses in cities such as Manchester, Loughborough, and Southampton to actively explore investment opportunities in India, particularly in the cities of Ghaziabad, Lucknow, and Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I appreciate the effort, I hope this isn't just another photo-op delegation. We need concrete outcomes - maybe scholarships for Indian sports students in UK universities or joint ventures to build better stadiums in UP. The proof will be in the pudding!
R
Rohit P
Manchester City Council's involvement is interesting! Imagine if we could get their expertise to develop sports infrastructure in Indian cities. Their Etihad Campus model could revolutionize how we approach sports training centers. UP needs this badly!
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Sarah B
As someone working in sports tech, I'm most excited about the research collaboration possibilities. Loughborough University is a global leader in sports science. If Indian institutions can tap into their knowledge, it could be game-changing for our athletes' performance.
K
Karthik V
Good move but why only cricket-centric cities? India has so much sporting talent in rural areas that never gets proper training. Hope they include grassroots development in this partnership. Sports should reach every corner of Bharat! 🏏⚽🏅
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Nisha Z
The focus on Uttar Pradesh is strategic - with the new international stadium coming up in Varanasi and existing facilities in Lucknow. If executed well, UP could become India's sports hub. But implementation is key - hope they follow through!

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