The Times of India group, a harbinger of change and a torchbearer of economic progress commenced the second edition of The Times of India Global Sports Business Show (GSBS) 2017 yesterday at NESCO, Mumbai. The show began with a powerful address by Yashodhara Raje Scindia, State youth welfare and sports minister Madhya Pradesh, among other bureaucrats, policy makers and stakeholders. The day focussed on enabling the Indian Olympics vision and the intent to build a bright future for the sports fraternity and fitness enthusiasts in India.

Sharing her thoughts on the current scenario Yashodhara Raje Scindiasaid,” Developed countries take sport seriously because it is an expression of status, developed and a progressive society, stemming from the essential building block of self worth.”

Setting the tone for the day Deepak Lamba, President –Times Strategic Solutions, said,“Last year we set up GSBS to accentuate government’s vision to create a sustainable sporting eco system in India. Riding on last year’s success we are here again focussing on sports infrastructure, sports CSR, Sports Science, sports culture etc. Hope this show reaps the most beneficial results for all the participants.”

The platform aimed on building a sports & fitness business ecosystem bringing together top corporates, leading stakeholders, manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, policy makers, sports leagues, sports management companies and industry stakeholders under one roof. This landmark exhibition spread over 6000+ square had an all-encompassing exhibitor category featuring National & international brands, focused conferences, B2B meets, allied activities, international and national buyers and hands-on workshops.

On creating a comprehensive plan for the fore coming Olympics, Mr. Om Pathak, Member of Olympic Task Force, said, “Sports Task Force was set up to understand why India has not done as well as the potential it has and what is it that we need to do going forward. The mandate included creating robust infrastructure, providing training and selection of athletes.”

Some other major discussions at the event were in science, technology & nutrition, which went on to be a great talk session by Heena Sidhu, Indian Sports Shooter, where she shared her journey and perspective of sports in India. She quoted, “Sport is cutting edge science in today’s world and we are miles behind than most of the nations around the world. We need to stop depending on government for everything or every issue; we can tap into private organizations. Not only it will create thousands of jobs but also give right guidance to the untapped pool of talent.”

Present at the occasion Somdev Devvarman- Former Indian Tennis Player said, “Building a champion doesn’t happen overnight, we need to start building culture from a school level. If sportsis made mandatory in school since early childhood, the children of our country will blossom in life. Creating culture of sports is the first step towards building a stronger base. We can’t be waiting every four years to realize the worth we have in Olympics, we have to encourage our people everyday, it’s not about only winning it’s about playing and true sportsmanship. It is imperative to reinvent culture through creating awareness of sports not just to win medals but for a healthier and happy nation.”

Other prominent speakers present at the event were, Nasser Hussain, Rugby India, Dr.Malav Shroff, Genral Secretary, Olympians Association of India,Upendra Jain- IPS, Ajay Jayaram, Indian Badminton Player, Jayen Mehta, Sr GM- Planning & Marketing, Amul, Rajesh Kharbanda- MD, Freewill Sports, Nivia, DeepthiBopaiah, Executive Director, GoSports Foundation, Venkat Rolla, Head – Corporate Social Responsibility at Omkar Foundation, Vibhuti Jha, Principal, Ashcroft Sullivan Jha, Dr.NitiinChaawlaSr. Medical Officer, ONGC and Mr. Anil Kumar- Founder &MD Great Sports Infra.