The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) successfully concluded its 15th Global Sports Summit, FICCI TURF 2025, held on November 21st at Federation House, New Delhi. Under the theme “Indian Sports: Forging the Path to Global Excellence,” the summit united policymakers, athletes, global partners, and industry leaders to outline a collaborative strategy for India’s accelerated success in the international sporting arena.
A key highlight of the summit was the onboarding of Australia as the Partner Country, underscoring the commitment to enhanced ties and cooperation in sports technology, high-performance training, and infrastructure. The event was graced by the Australian High Commissioner to India, H.E. Philip Green, and the Indian High Commissioner to Australia, H.E. Gopal Baglay.
The event featured an eminent lineup of speakers and industry leaders, including Mr Vineel Krishna, Joint Secretary, Department of Sports, Government of India, Mr Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary, Department of Sports, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, PT Usha, President, Indian Olympic Association, Mr P.K.S.V Sagar, Chairman – FICCI Sports Committee & President, GMR Sports, Mr Jonty Rhodes, Cricketing Legend, South African International Cricket Team, Mr Gagan Narang, Olympian & Vice President, Indian Olympic Association, Mr Charu Sharma, Commentator & Co-Founder, Pro Kabaddi League, Mr Vikram Banerjee, Managing Director, England & Wales Cricket Board, Mr Yuvraj Mahanaaryaman Scindia, President, Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association among others.
Other key speakers included Dr Amit Bhalla, Co-Chair, FICCI Sports Committee & Vice President, Manav Rachna Group and Mr Sanjay Adesara, Chief Business Officer, Adani Sportsline.
The day culminated with the prestigious Indian Sports Awards 2025, celebrating institutions and individuals who have significantly driven India’s sporting momentum.
IOA President P. T. Usha was conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award (Female category), while badminton veteran Pullela Gopichand received the same honor in the Male category.
Upon receiving her award, P. T. Usha highlighted the shared responsibility for sporting success and said, “Indian sport rises when we rise together. Talent exists in every corner of the country, but opportunity must reach every child. Our focus must remain on the athlete: clear pathways, strong systems, fair selections and support rooted in science, nutrition and mental strength. With global partnerships, especially with countries like Australia, and with disciplined governance at every level, we can shape a new generation of champions.”
List of all awards and award winners at the 2025 Indian Sports Awards:
Best State Promoting Sports: Madhya Pradesh
Best State Promoting Sports – Emerging: Uttarakhand
Special Recognition for Sports Development for a State: Tamil Nadu
Leader in Sports Infrastructure and High-Performance Centres: Sports & Youth Services Dept, Govt of Odisha
Emerging Sports Entity of the Year: JKC Sports – Sukhvinder Singh
Best Sports Manufacturer: Cosco India Ltd
Best University Promoting Sports: Jain University
Best Developmental Work by NSF: All India Chess Federation
Best Corporate Promoting Sports Grassroots: DMI Housing Finance
Best Corporate Promoting Sports High Performance: Reliance Foundation
Best School Promoting Sports: Modern School, Barakhamba Road
Best Corporate Promoting Sports Public Sector: REC Ltd
Best Sports Franchise of the Year: Gujarat Giants (WPL)
Best National Sports Federation: Badminton Association of India
Best High Performance Centre: Army Sports Institute Pune
Emerging Sportsperson of the Year (Male): Ayush Shetty
Emerging Sportsperson of the Year (Female): Suruchi Phogat
Para Sportsperson of the Year: Sumit Antil
Lifetime Achievement Award (Male): Pullela Gopichand
Lifetime Achievement Award (Female): PT Usha
Sports Coach of the Year (Male): Vijay Sharma
Sports Coach of the Year (Female): Suma Shirur
Sports Journalist of the Year: Jonathan Selvaraj
Sports Photographer of the Year: Deepak Malik
Emerging Professional Sports Event of the Year: Archery Premier League
