The NS Raghavan Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning (NSRCEL), the entrepreneurship and incubation centre at IIM Bangalore (IIMB), is all set to host a sports-focussed conclave – ‘A Billion Hopes’ – on November 5, 2016 (Saturday), between 9 am and 1.30 pm, on campus, in association with its incubated company Gamatics India Pvt Ltd.
The conclave, which is a first-time ever platform for sports entrepreneurs, aims to spark collaborative conversations between entrepreneurs in the field of sports and help support worthy initiatives in the sports sector in India.
The conclave will be inaugurated by Shri Ananth Kumar, Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India, who will also speak on ‘Central Government’s approach towards improving the sports sector’.
Sports in India need focused investment, attention and support. This cannot be done by government, federations or private organizations alone. Currently each one of these stakeholders is trying its bit to improve the sports ecosystem in its own way. The eco-system comprises multiple systems that work in different areas – generating awareness and interest in sports, creating and maintaining playing facilities, coaching and fitness at grassroots level, talent identification and development, media, sponsorship, performance analytics and much more. Strengthening this eco-system is not the task of just one individual or one organization.
Gamatics, a sports-focussed start-up, strongly believes that all stakeholders need to join hands to improve the current ecosystem. A study done by Niti Aayog (http://niti.gov.in/writereaddata/files/document_publication/Olympics%20Action%20Plan%20Booklet%20FInal.pdf ) also recommends actions on similar lines. The document can act as a guide for start-ups to work on and bring the difference.
Focusing on the belief that no amateur ever became a pro without an adequate and supportive eco-system, the conclave will seek answers on providing the right eco-system for young players.
The conclave has representation from the Union Government, Department of Youth and Sports of Karnataka, professional and amateur athletes, coaches, sports start-ups working on digital media, school sports, grassroots level sports, financial services, wearable technology, end-to-end solutions, investors who have enabled successful PPP models in various other ecosystems, specialists like sports nutritionists, physiotherapists, rehabilitation experts, etc.
The focus of the event would be mainly on discussions about current gaps, our understanding, limitations in the existing system and our plans to address these gaps in the sports ecosystem by joining hands, and sharing of ideas for more start-ups in the sports domain to address the real issues in the Indian sports sector.
The meet will also feature panel discussions on how start-ups can join hands with the Government to uplift the sports sector and in turn support needed from Government, and sports beyond practice. Entrepreneurs Saumil Majmudar (Co-Founder & CEO, Edusports) and Porush Jain (Founder Sportskeeda) will relate their start-up journeys surrounding their ventures Edusports and Sportskeeda, respectively.
