FICCI TURF 2025: Paving the Way for India's Sporting Future

The FICCI TURF 2025 summit kicked off in New Delhi, bringing together leaders from various sectors to discuss the future of sports in India. With a focus on collaboration and innovation, the event highlighted the importance of athlete development and global partnerships, particularly with Australia. PT Usha was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award, emphasizing the need for equitable opportunities for young athletes. The summit aims to position India as a leading force in global sports by 2036, fostering a robust ecosystem for talent and performance. Join us as we explore the key discussions and future initiatives shaping India's sporting landscape.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 22, 2025, 02:04 IST

Inauguration of FICCI TURF 2025

The 15th Global Sports Summit, FICCI TURF 2025, commenced on Friday at Federation House in New Delhi, uniting leaders from various sectors including government, sports, and industry to discuss the future of sports in India.

PKSV Sagar, Chairman of the FICCI Sports Committee and President of GMR Sports, delivered the welcome address, emphasizing the importance of collaboration within the sports ecosystem. This year's theme, 'Indian Sports – Forging the Path to Global Excellence', guided discussions aimed at fostering global ambition and innovation.

A significant moment during the opening session was the unveiling of the FICCI Knowledge Report titled 'Sporting India Rising' along with the India-Australia Strategy for Sports Collaboration. With Australia as the Partner Country, the summit highlighted opportunities in high-performance systems, coaching, and sports science.

PT Usha received the FICCI Lifetime Achievement Award for her remarkable contributions to Indian sports, inspiring countless athletes. In her acceptance speech, Usha emphasized the need for equitable opportunities for young talent across the nation, advocating for a focus on athlete development through structured pathways and support systems.

Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary of the Department of Sports, reiterated the importance of an athlete-centered ecosystem, stressing that collaboration among various stakeholders is crucial for India's sporting advancement. He expressed a vision for India to not only bid for the Olympic Games by 2036 but to also compete among the top ten nations.

Sagar noted that TURF has evolved into a national platform that unites government, industry, and global partners to enhance India's position in the sports arena. He highlighted the collective efforts needed from states, industries, and international partners like Australia to achieve sporting excellence.

The inaugural session also featured participation from officials from Tamil Nadu, with representatives from other states like Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra expected to engage in discussions on infrastructure and grassroots sports development.

Following the opening, the summit will continue with sessions focused on a Global Vision for Indian Sports, synergies with Australia in sports development, and discussions on fan engagement and sustainable sports initiatives.