The concept of a sports economy might seem foreign to many, especially when connected with a state like Kerala. But, the God’s Own Country in India, is now setting its sights on becoming the next sports economy. A case in point is the forthcoming International Sports Summit Kerala (ISSK 2024). It promises to champion not just the state as a sports economy, but also as a pioneering green warrior.
With ISSK, Kerala has nurtured champions in diverse disciplines: athletics, football, and cricket, and aims to set a new, remarkable precedent.
Although India is gradually progressing into a sports economy, perhaps Kerala, through ISSK, will be the first state to construct an entire economy around wellness and sports. This first-of-its-kind event, spearheaded by the state government, aims to build a sustainable sports ecosystem that fuels wellness, generates jobs, and supports tourism.
A crucial step towards a greener future:
The four-day event brings together key players from diverse sectors under one roof — sports industry experts, investors, athletes, tourism, and sustainability experts.
From the Sports Market and AI in Sports to Indigenous Sports and Tourism, ISSK 2024 covers the entire spectrum. And yes, they are even talking about the green side of the game with Sustainability in Sports. This is a welcome nod to the environmental impact of sporting events and related infrastructure.
The inclusion of sustainability is particularly noteworthy. Sports infrastructure development, energy consumption, and synthetic material usage leave a significant environmental footprint. Addressing these concerns through open discussions and collaborative action is a step towards responsible growth.
The potential of Kerala’s sports economy ambitions is enormous, considering the following facts:
The global sports market is projected to reach a staggering $599.9 billion by 2025, growing at a healthy 8%. India’s own sports market is expected to reach $100 billion by 2027, nearly quadrupling its 2020 valuation.
This explosive growth potential highlights the immense opportunity Kerala is seizing with ISSK 2024.
The sports market is just one piece of the puzzle. A thriving sports ecosystem encompasses robust infrastructure, advertising, investments, player support, job creation, and advancements in sports healthcare. By focusing on these aspects, Kerala can unlock the true potential of a green, sports-powered economy.
Join the Conversation: WriteCanvas at ISSK 2024
We at WriteCanvas are proud to be a part of this exciting journey. Our CEO, Renjini Liza Varghese, will participate in the Suitability Panel at ISSK 2024 on January 25, at the Greenfield Sports Hub, Kriavattom.
She will be happy to engage with you in meaningful conversations about the future of sustainability in sports. If you attend the event, we encourage you to listen to her thoughts during the panel discussion: Sustainable Sports Development, scheduled on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at 10.00 am.