Mumbai: Despite India's impressive economic growth, the sports sector continues to lag behind international standards. With an 11 per cent annual growth rate, the sector is still underperforming, highlighted by the Sports Ministry's marginal budget increase of ₹45.36 crore this cycle.
As a leading player in sports infrastructure, Gallant Sports is making significant strides through innovative projects and partnerships with Khelo India and the Sports Authority of India, while also emphasizing sustainability. The company, poised for substantial growth, aims for a 25 per cent annual increase and a target of ₹1000 crore in the next five years, reflecting its commitment to transforming India's sports ecosystem.
Indiantelevision.com’s Arth Chakraborty caught up with Gallant Sports CEO and founder Nasir Ali who provides valuable insights into bridging this gap, and the dynamics of sports infrastructure industry dynamics.
Edited Excerpts:
On the challenges in bridging the gap between India's sports sector growth and international standards
India faces several challenges in aligning its sports sector with international standards. The primary challenges are:
A. Quality infrastructure: One of the critical barriers is the lack of high-quality, injury-free sports surfaces at the grassroots level. We need to provide international-standard facilities for various sports in each district, tailored to the popular sports of that region. For instance, Haryana’s success in wrestling, athletics, and boxing can be replicated in other regions by identifying and nurturing local potential.
B. Cultural shift towards sports: There is a need for a cultural shift where sports become an integral part of our daily lives. Parents should engage in sports for fitness, serving as role models for their children. This cultural change will ensure that sports become a natural part of children’s lives, fostering a sporty and healthy lifestyle from a young age. Family outings centered around sports can significantly contribute to embedding sports in our DNA.
C. Increased exposure and training: Exposure to more tournaments at every age group is crucial, including opportunities for international competition. Additionally, our coaches need continuous training and exposure to modern coaching techniques, including mental strength training. A robust "Train the Trainers" program is essential to ensure our coaches are equipped with the latest skills and knowledge, similar to how doctors continuously upscale their expertise.
How has partnering with Khelo India and the Sports Authority of India impacted Gallant Sports' projects and growth
Partnering with Khelo India and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) has significantly impacted Gallant Sports' growth and projects. Khelo India and SAI have been the backbone of government infrastructure development in India, especially at the grassroots level. Their efforts in pumping projects into districts have laid a strong foundation. However, to compete with the top ten economies globally, we need to increase the number of smaller, localized projects and secure more funding for sports infrastructure.
SAI primarily focuses on supporting players and has been doing an excellent job. However, we need more SAI centers of excellence in every state and major district that excels in sports. Gallant Sports is proud to be a part of this journey, having built around 10 FIFA-approved football fields and three FIH Global hockey fields. These accomplishments have earned us the title of FIH Field Builders. We are now venturing into constructing world-class athletic tracks for the Government of India, further contributing to the nation’s sports infrastructure.
On the specific changes or initiatives that you’d like to see from the government to better support the sports infrastructure industry
To better support the sports infrastructure industry, we need a more strategic and expert-driven approach. Gallant Sports has recently established the Sports and Field Builders Association of India (SFBA), which aims to play a pivotal role in policy advocacy and planning. We need to involve more experts in the planning stages to ensure that the projects implemented meet the specific needs of each district. Smaller, injury-free world-class facilities should be prioritized to make quality sports infrastructure accessible to more people.
Additionally, increasing the budget for sports infrastructure, teams, and athletes is essential. This includes not only constructing new facilities but also maintaining and upgrading existing ones. Collaboration with the government is crucial to developing a comprehensive plan that addresses the diverse requirements of our vast country.
On the role of the private sector, including Gallant Sports, in supplementing government efforts to boost sports infrastructure in India, given the Sports Ministry's budget has seen only a marginal increase
The private sector, including Gallant Sports, can play a crucial role in supplementing government efforts to enhance sports infrastructure. One effective strategy is to focus on developing smaller, specialized fields that cater to various sports at the grassroots level. Ensuring that sports facilities are available in high schools and universities can make a significant difference, as it provides young athletes with the opportunity to practice and compete regularly.
Additionally, implementing a mandate that sports facilities are compulsory for educational institutions, similar to China’s approach, could be transformative. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in sports development and grassroots projects are also vital. By collaborating with corporations, we can secure funding and support for building and maintaining sports infrastructure in underserved areas.
On Gallant Sports contributing to the "Make in India" initiative, and the advantages this brings to your projects
Gallant Sports is actively contributing to the "Make in India" initiative by focusing on manufacturing athletic tracks and sports tiles domestically. We are collaborating with raw material manufacturers in India and abroad to produce high-quality, cost-effective alternatives to expensive European imports. This initiative not only supports the "Make in India" mission but also ensures the availability of injury-free, high-durability sports surfaces.
By producing these materials locally, we reduce dependency on imports, lower costs, and promote the growth of the domestic manufacturing sector. This approach aligns with the government's vision of making India a global manufacturing hub while also addressing the specific needs of the sports infrastructure industry.
On the emerging trends in sports infrastructure that you are excited about, and Gallant Sports positioning itself to leverage these trends
We are excited about several emerging trends in sports infrastructure, including India’s potential to host the Olympics and its journey towards becoming a global sports leader. The prospect of winning more medals and establishing India as a powerhouse in the global sports arena is thrilling. Gallant Sports is positioning itself at the forefront of this transformation by continuously innovating and developing top-tier sports infrastructure.
We are committed to contributing to this vision by constructing world-class facilities, implementing sustainable practices, and leveraging advanced technologies. Our goal is to ensure that India is ready to host major international events and to support the development of athletes who can compete at the highest levels.
On Gallant Sports ensuring environmental sustainability in its projects, and do you think current sustainability efforts in the sports infrastructure industry are truly effective, or do you see them as more of a cost-cutting measure
Gallant Sports is dedicated to ensuring environmental sustainability in all its projects. We have pioneered the use of 100 per cent recyclable, permeable turf that promotes water conservation and reduces environmental impact. Additionally, our non-concrete, dynamic bases facilitate groundwater recharge through sumps and rainwater harvesting systems.
These initiatives are not merely cost-cutting measures but essential steps towards creating a sustainable future for sports infrastructure in India. We believe that true sustainability requires a commitment to environmental stewardship, and we advocate for incorporating these practices in all school, college, university, and corporate real estate projects.
On the upcoming projects or expansions that Gallant Sports is planning, and their contribution to the sports ecosystem in India
Gallant Sports has several exciting projects and expansions in the pipeline. We are heavily investing in football projects in Northeast India, a region with immense talent and potential. Additionally, we are introducing affordable floodlighting solutions to extend play hours, making sports facilities more accessible during the evenings.
Our passion for building sports infrastructure in schools drives us to continue expanding in this area. We have already built sports facilities in over 200 schools across India, making us the largest sports infrastructure company in the country by volume. Each year, we install nearly 300,000 square meters of sports surfaces, contributing significantly to the development of the next generation of athletes. These efforts ensure that young talent has the facilities and opportunities they need to thrive, ultimately strengthening the sports ecosystem in India.
