SPORTS AS AN ECONOMIC DRIVER: CREATING JOBS AND GROWTH IN VIKSIT BHARAT

Abstract

This chapter examines the multifaceted role of sports as an economic catalyst in India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation—"Viksit Bharat”—by 2047. It analyzes how the sports ecosystem has evolved from primarily state-sponsored recreational activities into a robust industry generating substantial economic value across multiple sectors. The sports economy in India has been expanding at a compound annual growth rate of approximately 12% since 2015, creating diverse employment opportunities spanning professional athletes, coaches, event managers, facility operators, equipment manufacturers, technology developers, and content creators. The analysis encompasses key economic dimensions including direct and indirect employment generation, infrastructure development and its multiplier effects, sports tourism, digital sports economy, manufacturing and retail ecosystems, policy frameworks, and regional development impacts. The chapter highlights innovative models such as professional leagues across multiple sports, public-private partnerships in infrastructure development, sports-focused startups, and social enterprises that combine commercial sustainability with developmental objectives.