The growing global movement towards sustainability in sports reached Kerala, India, as the Intentional Sports Summit, or ISSK, took center stage. While a relatively new topic in the state, the event highlighted the importance of integrating environmental and social responsibility into sports development.

Diverse stakeholders, unified vision:

Recognizing the diversity of stakeholders involved in sports, the summit emphasized the need for collaboration. Dr. Joy Elamon, Director, KILA, laid out a framework for sustainable development, showcasing Kerala’s dedication to grassroots sports initiatives and the concept of circularity.

Moderator Renjini Liza Varghese, CEO, WriteCanvas, underscored the vast reach of sports events and urged all stakeholders to adopt sustainable practices.

Takuui Kinoshita, President, CANNAN International Education Academy, shared their educational programs promoting environmental awareness through sports in various regions, including Kerala.

Jesson Jose, Founder, the SMI Lifestyle Federation, demonstrated how sports can transform the lives of children in marginalized communities. Rishikesh Joshi, Founder, Sports for All, spoke about the power of sports as a tool for the sustainable and overall development of children.

Hitesh Joshi, Founding Member, India Khelo Football, raised the point of developing sports as segment-sustainable. This means sustainability and sustenance go hand in hand.

Government’s role in leading by example:

Mr Amit Sinha, IPS, Principal Secretary of Sports Affairs for Uttarakhand and a national wrestling medalist emphasized how government and policies can help integrate sustainability into sports programs.

Beyond profit, a focus on people and the planet:

The session concluded with a call to action from the moderator, urging the sports industry to move beyond the sole pursuit of people, profit alone, and embrace a holistic approach that prioritizes both people and the planet.

Key takeaways:

• Sustainability in sports is gaining momentum in India, with Kerala leading the way
• Collaboration among diverse stakeholders is crucial for success
• Sports events and everyday practices can be made more sustainable
• Sports can be a powerful tool for social and environmental change
• Government involvement is key to driving systemic change