India's Sports Sector: Rapid Growth and Transformation by 2030

India's sports sector is forecasted to grow to USD 130 billion by 2030, driven by government investments, digital adoption, and a multi-sport culture, according to a Google and Deloitte report. The sector is expected to create 10.5 million jobs and USD 21 billion in indirect tax revenue.

According to a recent report by Google and Deloitte, India's sports sector is on the brink of substantial growth, projected to soar to USD 130 billion by 2030. This reflects a remarkable annual compound growth rate of 14 percent, nearly twice that of the national GDP. The transformation signifies a shift in sports consumption and engagement in the country, powered by increased government investments, the widespread embrace of digital platforms, and a burgeoning multi-sport culture.

The report further anticipates the creation of approximately 10.5 million jobs and an indirect tax revenue of USD 21 billion by 2030. This explosive growth poses extensive opportunities for government bodies, sports organizations, businesses, investors, content creators, and fans to collaboratively sculpt the future landscape of sports in India.

Roma Datta Chobey, Managing Director and Interim Country Lead at Google India, and Romal Shetty, CEO of Deloitte South Asia, highlighted the rise of a multi-sport fandom, widespread digital platform engagement, and a highly involved Gen Z demographic as key driving forces. While cricket holds its national allure, Kabaddi and Football are on the rise, boasting 120 million and 85 million fans respectively. A notable trend is the surge in digital sports consumption, with Gen Z comprising 43 percent of this fan base, emphasizing their profound impact on the evolving sports ecosystem. The sports goods and apparel industry, driven by a growing fitness culture and increased discretionary spending, is also expected to double in value to USD 58 billion by the end of the decade.

(With inputs from agencies.)