The Indian sports ecosystem is changing with an increasing need for domestic excellence and international recognition. There is an inherent urgency to build a globally relevant sports infrastructure in the country that is contextually acceptable in the urban and rural fabric.
Real estate developers, one of the most important contributors to this change, are responsible for embedding sporting practices in an accountable and well-planned manner across their projects. Collectively, all stakeholders can facilitate the development of a new tier of sporting facilities.
Challenges and opportunities
India’s existing sports infrastructure exhibits both great promise and challenges. The country has a huge fan base and emerging sportspersons, but a dearth of proper amenities is a major hindrance.
The shortage of basic infrastructure in schools is one of the most alarming aspects. About 23% of Indian schools, more than 3.4 lakh such schools, do not have a playground. Facilities such as playgrounds are required by law under the Right to Education Act. However, the reality is that several children have been deprived of an introduction to sports and physical activities for decades.
The situation in cities is also alarming as development and the depletion of the already sparse open spaces have been rapid. The rise of real estate prices and the need to make the best use of land space often push sports facilities to the background. Yet, innovative approaches such as rooftop courts and multi-purpose arenas are emerging to overcome these limitations. Developers manage to come up with ingenious designs that fit the modern city requirements by changing conventional models.
According to CBRE, 65% of new-age buyers prioritise amenities such as fitness centres, swimming pools, and community spaces. In such a scenario, real estate developers are launching sports-centric townships featuring amenities like golf courses, swimming pools, cricket grounds, and tennis courts. Some advanced projects also include training programmes and coaching academies, catering to the growing demand for sports facilities as lifestyle essentials.
Sporting infrastructure in India is an area that can benefit hugely from the real estate industry with its experience in the business of large developments and spatial planning. It is not just rendering the construction of separate facilities; developers are weaving sport into the fabric of contemporary constructs.
A sport-centric, integrated, and established township with comprehensive sports facilities is integral to the urban landscape. Such projects provide a cricket ground, swimming pool, badminton court, indoor stadium, and other components, paving the way towards a more active, healthy everyday lifestyle for the residents. Thanks to public and private partnerships, significant headways are made in implementing sports infrastructure projects.
Blueprint for expansion
India’s global sporting ambitions are revolutionising infrastructure provision and investment. The fact that India is looking to host events such as the Olympics and integrated ICC tournaments points to the requirement of state-of-the-art facilities in the country. These events have specific requirements, such as world-class stadiums, training camps, and additional facilities for athletes, giving developers an opportunity to integrate these in their projects.
The sports tourism real estate market offers another attractive opportunity. Development of areas near stadiums and sports hubs brings growth to the area, requiring hotels, shops, and fun zones. This interdependence brings out the wider impact of investing in sports infrastructure from an economic perspective.
The relationship between sports and real estate further defines the growth of the economy for India. Despite the infrastructural development and expected growth, only about 6% of India’s population actively participates in sports, which is significantly lower compared to approximately 20% in other countries. There is a need to resolve the cultural and systemic challenges to boost sports engagement in the country.
The writer is Managing Director, Omaxe Ltd.
Published - December 27, 2024 05:09 pm IST
