India’s sports industry is booming, with leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Indian Super League (ISL) contributing billions to the economy. The IPL alone is valued at $16.4 billion in 2024, with other leagues following suit.

However, despite this growth, sports participation at the grassroots level remains limited, especially outside of cricket.

Moreover, sports in India is often viewed as a competitive pursuit reserved for the select few who aspire to become professional athletes, with a societal emphasis on winning medals.

In contrast, the broader benefits of sports on physical health, mental well-being, and community engagement are often overlooked.

The State of Sports and Physical Activity (SAPA) report by Dalberg Advisors highlights alarming figures: 155 million Indian adults and 45 million adolescents do not meet the World Health Organization's physical activity guidelines.

At the grassroots level, the country’s sports culture faces significant challenges in terms of accessibility and inclusivity.

This episode, the first in our new series 'Sports Beyond Medals', dives into the critical challenges that hinder widespread participation in sports across India.

We explore how sports can become a part of everyday life for everyone, not just athletes, and how India can learn from other countries where sports are a vital part of the culture.
Key Discussion Points

1. What are the main barriers to sports participation at the grassroots level in India?


2. How can India address the lack of accessible sports facilities, such as parks and playgrounds, in both urban and rural areas?


3. Why do adults in India disengage from sports, and how can we create a culture of lifelong sports participation?


4. What cultural and policy changes are needed to encourage more women and girls to engage in sports?

Speaker - Leslie Xavier, Senior Fellow (Sports Policies), Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR), and a seasoned Sports Journalist

Moderator - Dr. D Dhanuraj, Chairman, Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR)

Tune in for an insightful conversation about reshaping India’s sports culture beyond the pursuit of medals.