What Bilateral Opportunities Are Emerging in the Sports Industry Between India and the UK?
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Synopsis
In August 2023, a FICCI delegation engaged in critical discussions about sports industry collaborations between India and the UK. This week-long visit included major forums and interactions aimed at enhancing bilateral ties through sports business and innovation.
Key Takeaways
- Strengthened Indo-UK relations through sports.
- Collaboration between educational institutions and sports organizations is crucial.
- Investment opportunities identified in Indian cities.
- Social impact through sports innovation highlighted.
- Prominent stakeholders engaged in discussions.
New Delhi, Aug 3 (NationPress) The sports sector took center stage in discussions between India and the United Kingdom this past Sunday. While India’s cricket team is on a tour in England, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently finalized significant commercial agreements with the UK, highlighting the vital nature of Indo-UK relations.
During this period, a week-long visit by a sports delegation from FICCI to the UK facilitated numerous impactful interactions. The delegation, which received backing from the Indian High Commission in Manchester, was headed by Dr. Kanishka Pandey, who is the Chairman of the FICCI Sports Committee for Uttar Pradesh and the Head of the Centre for Sports Research at IMT Ghaziabad.
The highlight of this visit was the India–Manchester Sports Business Forum held at Deloitte in Manchester.
This forum assembled key stakeholders from both the Indian and British sports industries. Notable participants included representatives from GMR Sports, Manchester Metropolitan University, Loughborough University, Salford University, Sports UK, and the Manchester City Council.
During the event, Dr. Kanishka Pandey articulated India’s viewpoint on various topics, such as recognizing sports as a fundamental right essential for national development, leveraging sports for social change, the urgent need for partnerships between educational institutions and industry for research and evidence-based policy-making, and the necessity for advancing sports technology, education, and urban strategic planning within the framework of India–UK collaboration.
Prominent attendees included Preeti Jhangiani, Co-Founder of the Pro Panja League; Yawar Abbas, Deputy CEO and Head – Sports & Events at the Manchester City Council; Sanjay Bahl; Prof. Andy Miah from Salford University; and Dr. Steve Tickle, among others.
The FICCI delegation also explored cities such as Manchester, Loughborough, and Southampton.
According to Dr. Pandey, this trip aimed to bolster Indo-UK collaboration in sports business, research, innovation, and community development. He stressed that enhancing partnerships between Indian educational institutes and global sports organizations could pave the way for innovation, inclusivity, and social impact.
The FICCI delegation worked closely with British sports enterprises in cities like Manchester, Loughborough, and Southampton to actively investigate investment prospects in India, focusing on areas such as Ghaziabad, Lucknow, and Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh.
Point of View
I observe that the collaboration between India and the UK in the sports sector is not just beneficial but essential for fostering innovation and inclusivity. The engagement of educational institutions and sports organizations can lead to significant social impacts, demonstrating the power of sports as a transformative tool in society.
NationPress
05/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the FICCI delegation's visit to the UK?
The purpose of the FICCI delegation's visit was to strengthen Indo-UK cooperation in sports business, research, innovation, and community development.
Who led the FICCI delegation?
The delegation was led by Dr. Kanishka Pandey, Chairman of the FICCI Sports Committee for Uttar Pradesh.
What major event did the delegation participate in?
The delegation participated in the India–Manchester Sports Business Forum organized at Deloitte in Manchester.
Which cities did the FICCI delegation visit in the UK?
The FICCI delegation visited Manchester, Loughborough, and Southampton.
What key areas did Dr. Pandey address during the discussions?
Dr. Pandey addressed the importance of sports as a fundamental right, the need for collaboration in research, and the development of sports technology and education.
