The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) has concluded a strategic sports business delegation to France, marking a significant step in aligning the two nations’ sporting ecosystems. The three-day mission, organized in partnership with Business France, brought together more than 20 Indian sports industry representatives to explore infrastructure, technology, and event management strategies in Paris and Marseille.
This initiative aligns with India’s long-term objective of hosting major international sporting events, including the 2036 Olympic Games. By engaging with French government officials and industry leaders, the Indian delegation sought to gain technical insights into the legacy planning and operational execution that defined the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The delegation’s visit coincided with RIGES 2026 (Rencontres Internationales des Grands Événements Sportifs), a forum dedicated to the management and delivery of major sporting events. Through this engagement, Indian stakeholders were able to consult with global leaders on themes of sustainability, public-private partnerships, and digital innovation in venue operations.
Strategic Site Visits and Venue Operations
To understand the practical application of Olympic-grade infrastructure, the delegation conducted site visits at several prominent French facilities. These included the Stade de France, the Orange Vélodrome in Marseille, and various venues utilized during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, such as the Olympic sailing site and the Cercle des Nageurs de Marseille aquatic centre.
These visits were designed to provide first-hand exposure to the complex requirements of venue operations. A primary focus for the delegates was observing how Olympic-specific infrastructure is repurposed to ensure lasting community and economic utility. According to organizers, these site inspections aimed to demonstrate how high-level sporting assets can deliver commercial value well beyond the conclusion of the events themselves.
Cynthia Regulski, Head of Key Accounts and Sector Partners at Business France, noted that the visit was intended to inspire the delegation by showcasing the implementation of sports sites, particularly those used for the 2024 Olympics. “We are honoured and pleased to transfer this heritage to other countries,” Regulski stated.
Building India’s Sporting Ambitions
The delegation included key figures from the Indian sports industry, such as Sanjay Adesara, Co-Chair of the FICCI Sports Committee and Chief Business Officer at Adani Sportsline, and Siddharth Raman, CEO of Sportz Interactive. The group participated in specialized sessions at INSEP and the Sports Définition conference to further discussions on the future of global sports.
Sanjay Adesara emphasized that India’s ambition to become a sporting powerhouse necessitates a roadmap for hosting international events prior to the 2030 Games. “As members of the FICCI Sports Committee, we collectively look forward to finding long-term partners here in France across all expertise,” Adesara said. Siddharth Raman added that the experience provided lessons on how to integrate city culture and infrastructure legacy into the planning process for major events, ensuring they remain relevant in public memory year-round.
As a concrete outcome of the mission, FICCI has announced plans to release a white paper titled French Olympic Legacy: Key Learnings for India’s Journey Ahead. This document is intended to synthesize the delegation’s findings into actionable recommendations for policymakers and industry stakeholders involved in India’s ongoing infrastructure development.
Future Collaboration and FICCI TURF
The partnership between the two nations is set to continue later this year. Business France is scheduled to lead a reciprocal delegation to India during the upcoming FICCI TURF event. France will participate as the Country of Honour, with the event serving as a platform to facilitate further investment, technology exchange, and commercial partnerships across the sports, entertainment, and leisure sectors.
In addition to the national-level discussions, the delegation was hosted by the Consul General of India in Marseille. This meeting provided members with access to regional businesses currently involved in preparations for the French Alps 2030 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, further expanding the scope for potential cross-border collaboration in the sports industry.
For ongoing updates regarding the development of India’s sports infrastructure and the upcoming FICCI TURF delegation, stakeholders and interested parties can follow official announcements from the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry.