The Global Sports Education Convention (GSEC 2026), a landmark event focused on the Business of Sports and Physical Education (PE) Institutions, successfully took place on January 15, 2026, at the prestigious India International Centre (IIC) in New Delhi.
Organised by the Confederation of Sports and Recreation Industry (CSRI)—India’s apex industry body representing the sports, physical education, fitness, and leisure ecosystem—the convention brought together policymakers, educators, industry leaders, journalists, and sports administrators to explore transformative opportunities in India’s burgeoning sports education sector.
A Timely Gathering Amid India’s Sports Momentum
The one-day convention was particularly relevant in the context of India’s accelerating sports landscape. With Ahmedabad recently confirmed as the host city for the centenary edition of the Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2030—a major milestone following the scaled-down Glasgow 2026 Games—the event emphasised leveraging this euphoria to strengthen university sports ecosystems, create Centres of Excellence, and address the shortage of skilled sports professionals.
The agenda featured insightful discussions on policy barriers, market potential, global collaborations, and sustainable financing, aligning with national priorities like the National Education Policy (NEP) and the push for sports as a viable industry.
Key Sessions and Highlights
The day began with an impactful Inaugural Session, including a welcome address by Mr. Ravi Singhania, Chairman of the National Committee and Singhania University, and a theme address by Rajpal Singh, Director General of CSRI. Dignitaries such as Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Harpal Singh (Executive Member, IOA) provided special remarks, alongside the unveiling of knowledge papers and a ranking book.
The convention concluded with state-level insights from representatives of Mizoram and Punjab, an awards ceremony featuring a keynote by Justice Anish Dayal (Delhi High Court), and a networking dinner.
Why It Matters for India’s Sports Future
GSEC 2026 underscored the untapped potential of sports and PE as a business sector, while highlighting the need for policy reforms, international collaborations, and infrastructure investment. As India prepares for CWG 2030 and beyond, such platforms foster dialogue that can drive grassroots development, skill enhancement, and economic growth in sports education.
This convention marks a significant step toward building a robust, inclusive, and globally competitive sports ecosystem in India. Stay tuned for outcomes from the unveiled knowledge papers and future CSRI initiatives!
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