India bets big on sports as mainstream entertainment at CII’s Big Picture Summit

MUMBAI: Day two of the CII Big Picture Summit saw leaders and India’s cricket sensation Deepti Sharma shine a light on the country’s sporting ambitions. At Plenary VIII, Champions & Changemakers, the conversation raced through how sports are fast becoming a global engine of entertainment, aspiration, and influence.

Chaired by Shashwat Goenka, chair, CII Eastern Region and vice-chairman, RPSG Group, the panel featured Rajan Navani, co-chair, CII National Council on Media & Entertainment and md & ceo, JetSynthesys, alongside Deepti Sharma, ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Player of the Tournament.

The discussion zoomed in on digital disruption, AI, and gaming. Navani noted: “Today, an athlete can connect directly with millions of people in an instant. AI allows us to personalise experiences and create new heroes like never before.” Technology, he argued, is redefining the fan-athlete relationship and opening fresh revenue streams.

Sharma shared a candid view of her journey, underscoring grit, discipline and family backing. “Whenever I faced hard times, I never felt alone. My family’s support made all the difference,” she said, urging young athletes to chase dreams with dedication, resilience and a positive mindset.

Both speakers pressed the case for nurturing talent from tier 2 and tier 3 cities, building pipelines to ensure India’s next sporting stars emerge. Cricket, said Navani, remains India’s most potent soft power: digital platforms and global collaborations can project the nation’s sporting culture worldwide.

The plenary concluded with a clear message: invest in grassroots, harness technology, engage communities, and lead with vision. India’s sporting story is no longer just played on the field, it is being written across digital screens, fan experiences, and global platforms. And it is accelerating fast.