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A major academic highlight of ISMC 2025 was the presentation of about 25 research papers across four thematic tracks
Jio Institute is a multidisciplinary higher education institution established as a philanthropic initiative by Reliance Foundation and Reliance Industries.
Jio Institute, in collaboration with the Indian Sport Management Association, INSMA, successfully concluded the second edition of the Indian Sport Management Conference, ISMC 2025, on December 19, 2025, at its Navi Mumbai campus.
Anchored around the theme “Olympic Vision 2036: Converging India’s Aspirations, Capabilities and Competencies for a Global Sporting Stage,” the conference served as a high-impact national forum to deliberate on India’s readiness to host and excel at the 2036 Olympic Games.
Reflecting the breadth and depth of this national dialogue, the conference was marked by the presence of eminent leaders from across sport, policy, academia, and industry.
Vita Dani, Co-Owner, Chennaiyin FC, Chairperson, Ultimate Table Tennis, and Promoter, Dani Sports Foundation, served as the Chief Guest. She was joined by Col NS Johal, CEO, Target Olympic Podium Scheme, Sports Authority of India; Dr Kamila Swart-Arries, Associate Professor and Director, Sport and Entertainment Management, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar; Shri Narendra Modi, General Manager, Planning and Coordination, Gujarat Sports Infrastructure Development (GSID); Mr Ankush Arora, CEO, Rugby India; Ms Deepthi Bopaiah, Board Member & Former CEO, GoSports Foundation; Padma Shri K.Y. Venkatesh; and Dr Anshul Bagai (Founder & CEO, Khelo Tech), along with leading sport-technology and performance experts.
Key discussions across panels and special addresses focused on grassroots talent identification, high-performance athlete training, integration of data and technology into performance management, sports infrastructure development, governance, and sustainability, critical pillars for hosting the Olympic Games. The conference also featured international perspectives and academic discourse underscoring the importance of research-driven decision-making in sport.
Emphasising the importance of sustainable ecosystem development, Vita Dani, Co-Owner, Chennaiyin FC, Chairperson, Ultimate Table Tennis, and Promoter, Dani Sports Foundation, stated: “The success of a sporting system cannot be measured only by podium finishes, but by the ecosystem that produces the athletes.”
Highlighting India’s high-performance ambitions, Col NS Johal, CEO, Target Olympic Podium Scheme, Sports Authority of India, outlined the national roadmap for sporting excellence, noting: “The aim is very clear. We have clear directives from the Hon’ble Prime Minister—India must be among the top 10 sporting nations by 2036, when India aspires to host the Olympics, and among the top five by 2047.”
Narendra Modi, General Manager, Planning & Coordination, GSID, shed light on the critical infrastructure readiness required for global events and said: “Infrastructure is the bedrock of our Olympic ambition. In Gujarat, we are not just building stadiums but creating a comprehensive sports ecosystem. From the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave to district-level complexes, our goal is to ensure that when India hosts the world in 2036, our facilities stand as a testament to global excellence and execution.”
A major academic highlight of ISMC 2025 was the presentation of about 25 research papers across four thematic tracks, reinforcing evidence-based approaches to sport policy and management. The conference also witnessed the unveiling of the ISMC 2025 Research Compendium, consolidating research abstracts presented during the event.
The conference concluded with a Valedictory and Award Ceremony, recognising outstanding research contributions. It was attended by over 200 delegates from different parts of the country.
With its successful execution, ISMC 2025 reaffirmed Jio Institute’s commitment to advancing sport education, research, and ecosystem development, while strengthening collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers as India advances towards its Olympic aspirations.
About Jio Institute
Jio Institute is a multidisciplinary higher education institution established as a philanthropic initiative by Reliance Foundation and Reliance Industries.
The Institute is committed to academic excellence, impactful research, and innovation-driven learning, with a vision to become an exemplary Indian institution of international repute.
Jio Institute offers postgraduate programmes, executive education, and continuing education, and is evolving into a technology-led, research-intensive university focused on preparing future-ready leaders and professionals.
December 22, 2025, 12:33 IST
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