Mumbai: The Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA), currently celebrating its centenary year, has constituted a Sports Business Development Wing to promote the growth of a structured sports business ecosystem in Maharashtra.
The newly formed wing held its first strategic meeting in Mumbai, chaired by Sunil Valavalkar, Chairman of the Sports Business Development Wing. The meeting was attended by Mandar Vaidya, Co-Chairman, along with members Kshitij Vedak, Bal Toraskar, Vaishali Barve, and Poulomi Kundu.
MACCIA President Ravindra Mangave and Vice-President Karunakar Shetty were also present and shared their inputs on the role industry can play in developing sports as an emerging economic sector.
During the meeting, participants discussed a framework aimed at positioning sports as a key economic driver capable of generating entrepreneurship, employment, investment and global engagement opportunities in Maharashtra.
The agenda included strengthening sports enterprises, improving access to investment, promoting public–private partnerships for sports infrastructure, and encouraging innovation in sports technology and manufacturing.
The committee also explored several initiatives, including creating a directory of sports-related MSMEs, facilitating sports investment forums, promoting sports tourism, and encouraging skill development in sports management and sports business professions.
Members also discussed the possibility of organising an annual sports business summit and preparing a strategic roadmap to position Maharashtra as a leading hub for sports innovation and entrepreneurship.
Importantly, MACCIA President Ravindra Mangave suggested that the committee develop a comprehensive policy framework based on these proposals so that it can be formally presented to the Government of Maharashtra for consideration.
Speaking after the meeting, Sunil Valavalkar said sports today has the potential to become a significant contributor to the economy. Through the Sports Business Development Wing, MACCIA aims to build an ecosystem where industry, entrepreneurs and sports institutions can collaborate to develop sustainable sports infrastructure and business opportunities.
The Sports Business Development Wing will continue consultations with industry stakeholders and experts to convert these proposals into actionable initiatives in the coming months.
