India-Manchester Sports Report Launched: A Strategic Blueprint for Global Collaboration in Sportstech, Infrastructure & Inclusion
Jul 26, 2025
India's GBP 38.84 billion sports economy-projected to nearly double by 2027: India-Manchester Sports Report
NEW DELHI, 26 July 2025: Consulate General of India in Manchester in collaboration with FICCI and Grant Thornton Bharat, unveil “Winning Together: Unlocking the Sports Economy between India and Manchester”- a landmark report that charts a strategic vision for bilateral collaboration across the sports economy. The report outlines opportunities for partnership in infrastructure, sportstech, education, esports, content, manufacturing, and gender inclusion between two dynamic global sporting regions.
“This document marks a significant step in identifying synergies between two regions with a deep passion for sport, a strong culture of performance, and growing aspirations to become global hubs of talent and innovation,” said Ms Vishakha Yaduvanshi, Consul General of India, Manchester. The establishment of the Consulate General in Manchester has opened new avenues for regional partnerships, and sport is a natural and powerful connector, she added.
Timed with a summer of cricket in the UK, the launch comes days after members of the Indian cricket team-currently touring England for the Test series- met with players from Manchester United in London, underscoring the deep cultural resonance and global fandom that connects the two sporting nations.
The report highlights India's GBP 38.84 billion sports economy-projected to nearly double by 2027, and Manchester’s position as a high-value ecosystem anchored in football, sportstech, and innovation. From grassroots and gender equity to global event readiness, the report lays out a 360-degree collaboration model between India and the UK. The report also reflects the growing interest of Indian corporates in Manchester’s thriving sports ecosystem, with increasing investments in clubs, leagues, and long-term partnerships that blend commercial ambition with cultural alignment.
Mr Abhishek Binaykia, Partner & Sports Advisory Leader, Grant Thornton Bharat, commented, “With the release of the National Sports Policy 2025 and the proposed Sports Governance Bill, India is entering a transformative phase for its sports ecosystem. This makes it an opportune time to deepen international partnerships. Our collaboration with Manchester showcases how two diverse but complementary systems can co-create frameworks for athlete development, immersive fan engagement, and sustainable infrastructure.”
Ms Jyoti Vij, Director General, FICCI stated, “The India- Manchester Sports Collaboration, as explored in this report, highlights the power of purposeful global engagement and serves as a shining example of this policy in action. There is an immense opportunity to drive business to business collaborations between the two sides, and harness avenues for knowledge exchange and technical expertise. Such partnerships can catalyse innovation and significantly enhance institutional capacities.”
The report’s key proposals include:
1. A Bilateral Working Group (BWG) to formalize public-private engagement
2. An India-UK sportstech innovation hub and esports talent exchange
3. Academic and R&D partnerships with institutions like Loughborough University and IIT Delhi
4. Scaled engagement from Premier League clubs and Indian investors
5. A joint approach to inclusive, gender-balanced sports ecosystems
This initiative sets the stage for upcoming milestones including the India-Manchester Sports Business Forum and aligns closely with India’s global aspirations in the run-up to the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the 2036 Olympic bid.