Sports Cities of India

India’s sports industry is witnessing unprecedented growth, with select cities leading the charge. Exceptional infrastructure, strategic planning, and strong government and private sector support are transforming these destinations into world-class sports hubs. From hosting international events to nurturing young talent, India’s top sports cities are redefining the country’s athletic prowess and sports culture.

Our recently launched report, ‘Sport Cities of India,’ in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), evaluates how cities across India are evolving into sporting hubs, laying the foundation for a new era of sporting excellence. It also includes an assessment scorecard for each city’s preparedness to host mega international events, highlighting the top 10 cities as Metropolitan Marvels, Rising Stars, and Regional Champions

India’s journey in sports

  • Success of the Paris Olympics and Paralympics 2024:
    • Paris Olympics: India won 6 medals, including a silver in javelin by Neeraj Chopra. Additionally, Manu Bhaker became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic shooting medal, achieving a remarkable feat by securing two medals in a single edition of the Olympics.
    • Paris 2024 Paralympics: The Indian contingent created history by winning a record 29 medals, including 7 golds, 9 silvers, and 13 bronzes, finishing in the top 20. This achievement underscores the growing recognition and support for para-athletes in India.
  • Indian Premier League (IPL): The IPL has skyrocketed to become the world’s second most valuable sports league, with broadcasting and streaming rights for the two-month-long event being sold for USD 6.2 billion for the 2023-2027 period. On a per-match basis, it worked out to be a jaw-dropping USD 16.8 million - the second highest among major sports leagues. No wonder cricket fans are over the moon.
  • Women’s Premier League (WPL): The WPL has made a splash with a media rights bid of INR 951 crore for its first five years. This incredible investment highlights the booming market and growing enthusiasm for women’s sports. The WPL media rights deal ranks as the second highest globally for a women’s sports league within the last 2-3 years.
  • Khelo India programme: Since 2018, the Khelo India programme has expanded to include the Khelo India University Games (KIUG), Khelo India Winter Games in 2020, and the Khelo India Para Games in 2023. The establishment of the Khelo India State Centers of Excellence across the country provides training facilities for promising athletes.
  • E-sports: With over 700 million gamers projected by 2025 and an estimated revenue of INR 1,100 crore by 2025, Esports in India is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of the country’s digital economy.

Our findings

Based on the scorecard, our top leading cities, metropolitan marvels include Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Pune.

Bhubaneswar leads in sports promotion

A special shoutout to Odisha for emerging as a leading state in India for sports promotion, with Bhubaneswar at the forefront of hosting major national and international sporting events. This transformation is fuelled by state-of-the-art infrastructure, strategic planning, and robust support from both government and private sectors.

Areas of improvement

  • Coaching and athlete development: Needs boost. Enhanced coaching programmes are needed to build a stronger foundation of talent. Athlete development can be strengthened with more focused programmes.
  • Grassroot support: Need more investments in grassroots support can be increased to a higher level.

Chennai emerges as the top pick by athletes, coaches, and federations

Chennai sprinted ahead as the top sports destination in India, winning by a whopping 58.3%. The city’s vibrant sports culture and world-class facilities have clearly captured the hearts of the sporting community.

Areas of improvement

  • Athlete and coaching development: It is time to up the game! Enhanced coaching and focused athlete programmes can build a powerhouse of talent.
  • Grassroot support: Future stars in the making! More grassroots programmes are key to long-term success and a thriving sports culture.

Bengaluru is rivaling its reputation as the Silicon Valley of India

Bengaluru, known as the ‘Silicon Valley of India,’ has a sports ecosystem as dynamic as its tech sector, making it a favoured destination for national and international events. From its rich cricket history to its growing influence in football, tennis, and athletics, Bengaluru has solidified its place as a key sports hub in India.

Areas of improvement

  • Coaching development: Bengaluru needs to step up its coaching game to build a stronger foundation of talent. Think of it as needing a better playbook to train the next MVPs.
  • Marketing and visibility: The city needs to improve its marketing and visibility. It’s time to get off the bench and make noise to enhance its presence and reach.
  • Grassroot support: Grassroots programmes need more investment and focus.

Delhi continues to be the social media sensation

Delhi has emerged as one of India’s top sports cities, beloved by fans on social media. According to Grant Thornton Bharat’s social media outreach, 44% of the fans prefer Delhi to be the best sports city, excelling in global sporting events.

Areas of improvement

  • Federation collaboration: Needs to tighten its defense, improving collaboration with sports federations.
  • Marketing and visibility: Time to step up to the plate and boost marketing efforts to hit a home run in visibility.
  • Fan engagement: Fan engagement is at midfield; more interactive events could score higher points.
  • Athlete and coach development: Needs a stronger playbook for developing athletes and coaches, akin to building a championship team.

Pune emerges as a thriving sports city, embracing diversity and passion

The city is not just about cricket; it embraces a diverse range of sports, from badminton to athletics, reflecting the vibrant spirit of its residents. The city’s commitment to nurturing talent and hosting diverse sporting events reflects its growing reputation as a key player in India’s sports landscape. Whether as players or passionate fans, the people of Pune embody a spirit of sportsmanship that makes the city truly special.

Areas of improvement

  • Federation collaboration: Good collaboration with federations, but there is room to tighten the defense.
  • Grassroot support
  • Fan engagement: Fan engagement has scope for improvement; more interactive events could boost enthusiasm.
  • Athlete development: Need significant improvement

Amongst others include regional champions such as Bhopal, Lucknow which emerged as the powerhouses, showcasing immense potential and dedication, and are just a step away from becoming the next big stars in the sports world.

The rise of e-sports

While traditional sports remain an essential part of India’s culture, the explosive rise of e-sports is rewriting the definition of competition for a new generation. E-sports, competitive video gaming at a professional level, is no longer just a hobby for tech-savvy youth. It is now a multi-billion-dollar global industry, and India is emerging as a significant player on the international e-sports scene. In a landmark move, the government of India formally recognised e-sports as part of multi-sport events in 2022, placing it under the purview of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. This recognition has opened opportunities for the growth of e-sports as an organised, structured industry with proper regulation and development.

Abhishek Binaykia
E-sports in India is witnessing exponential growth, evolving from a niche activity into a thriving industry with immense potential. With over 700 million gamers projected by 2025 and an estimated revenue of INR 1,100 crore by 2025, esports is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of India’s digital economy. The rise of competitive gaming, fueled by increased internet penetration, smartphone usage, and the popularity of online multiplayer games, is opening new avenues for youth engagement, brand sponsorships, and international recognition. This growth positions India as a major player in the global esports landscape.
Abhishek Binaykia Partner, Sports Industry Leader, Grant Thornton Bharat

Sports Cities of India 2024 is more than a report — it’s a blueprint for India’s sporting future, designed to drive discussions on creating cities capable of consistently hosting prestigious global events and a precursor in shaping the future of sports in India.