Olympian G Sathiyan Urges Corporate and Government Backing to Boost Indian Sports

Olympian and Arjuna Award-winning table tennis player G Sathiyan called for sustained, collaborative support among the government, corporate sector, leagues, and sponsors to transform India into a global sporting powerhouse.

Speaking as the keynote speaker at SPORTSCOM’s Annual Session and the second edition of the Giving Wings to Dreams Conclave held at Shangri-La Eros in Delhi on Tuesday, Sathiyan highlighted the need for collective backing across the sports ecosystem.

Reflecting on his career since the age of five, Sathiyan noted that sports have transitioned from an extracurricular pursuit into a viable profession and an economic driver. He pointed out that athletes require an extensive support structure to succeed on international stages.

Sathiyan stressed that talent alone is not enough, noting that athletes perform when they receive immense support from corporates and the government. He also highlighted the necessity of grassroots visibility, stating that when parents see Olympians and Asian Games medallists close to home, they will believe their children can reach the highest levels of competition.

The conclave also featured senior government officials and policymakers discussing India's broader sporting framework. Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary of Sports in the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MYAS), outlined upcoming policy measures, including the National Sports Policy, the National Sports Governance Act, the National Sports Board, and the National Sports Tribunal. Rao also highlighted the proposed Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme and initiatives to improve fan engagement.

Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, urged stakeholders to view sport beyond medals as a catalyst for employment, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. He called for integrating sport with education and skill development, noting opportunities in sports science, coaching, nutrition, event management, technology, and manufacturing.

Kunal, Joint Secretary at MYAS, reiterated the government’s vision to leverage sports for economic development and youth engagement. He noted that India is pursuing a whole-of-government approach toward its bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games, alongside efforts to promote indigenous sports such as Kho-Kho, Yogasana, and Mallakhamb through grassroots initiatives.