Political & Policy Networking
- Direct engagement with policymakers and government leaders
- Public-private partnerships (PPP) for infrastructure and talent development
- Long-term alignment between policy vision and industry execution
The Indo-German Sports & Business Conclave
Play Forward 2026 – The Indo-German Sports & Business Conclave:
Save
the Date
DateOctober 30, 2026
VenueDFB CampusFrankfurt am Main, Germany
Introduction
“
Welcome to Play Forward
India is entering a defining decade for sports. With rising aspirations to host mega global events and an expanding sports economy, the country is uniquely positioned to transform into a global sporting and business hub.
The Play Forward Conclave 2026, in collaboration with the German Football Association (DFB), aims to create a future-ready roadmap for Indian sports, while positioning sports as a powerful enabler of business growth, global networking and brand expansion.
Hosted at the iconic DFB Campus, the conclave symbolises the convergence of Indian ambition, German precision and global opportunity.
2026 – 2036
A 10-year roadmap for India's sports ecosystem
India and Germany at the centre of sports, business and strategic dialogue
Policymakers, sports federations, corporate leaders and investors from both nations come together to shape India's journey toward becoming a leading sporting nation by 2036.
Our Vision
To establish India as a global sporting powerhouse and sports business destination, where sports acts as a catalyst for economic growth, global partnerships and societal development.
Our Mission
- Design a 10-year roadmap (2026–2036) for India's sports ecosystem
- Position sports as a strategic driver of business, investment and brand growth
- Build global partnerships through Indo-German collaboration
- Create structured talent pathways from grassroots to global platforms
10-yr
Roadmap 2026–2036
30+
Leading Indian & German companies
8
Key themes & pillars
5
Focus sports disciplines
Why it matters
Sports as a Business & Networking Enabler
One of the defining pillars of Play Forward 2026 is the recognition of sports as a high-impact networking and business accelerator.
Business & Corporate Networking
- A neutral, high-value ecosystem for business leaders to connect
- Cross-industry collaborations beyond traditional sectors
- Opportunities for deal-making, partnerships and investments
Social & Influence Capital
- Brings together influencers, athletes, leaders and brands
- Enhances soft power and relationship-building across geographies
- Builds trusted networks beyond formal business environments
Brand Enhancement & Visibility
Sports offers unmatched brand recall and emotional connect, with platforms for:
- Sponsorships & event partnerships
- Athlete endorsements
- Credibility through global ecosystems like the Bundesliga
Sports as a Growth Accelerator
Positioning sports as a market entry platform, a brand storytelling medium and a consumer engagement engine — driving long-term business growth and global expansion for Indian and German partners.
DFB Campus, Frankfurt — a model for integrated sports infrastructure
The Opportunity
India's Sports Infrastructure Opportunity
India is on the brink of a massive infrastructure expansion cycle, driven by global ambitions and domestic demand.
Mega Event Opportunities
- Preparation for the Commonwealth Games 2030
- Strong potential bid for the 2036 Summer Olympics
These ambitions will require world-class stadiums and arenas, high-performance training centres, athlete villages and integrated sports cities.
Investment Landscape
Multi-billion-dollar opportunities in:
- Stadium infrastructure
- Sports academies
- Grassroots facilities
- PPP models and foreign investments
State-Level Development
Indian states are emerging as sports investment destinations, with customised strategies across regions:
- North-East — talent hubs
- Northern states — combat & endurance sports
- Western & Southern states — multi-sport infrastructure
German Expertise as a Model
Adoption of German systems in:
- Club-based infrastructure
- Youth academies
- High-performance centres
- Collaboration with the German Football Association (DFB)
Core Objectives
From Grassroots to Global Greatness
- Develop a holistic sports ecosystem roadmap
- Build structured talent pipelines across India
- Integrate AI, data and sports science
- Enable business, investment and sponsorship ecosystems
- Strengthen Indo-German sports diplomacy
Key Themes
8 Pillars of the Conclave
01
Infrastructure & Mega Event Readiness
02
Talent Pathways: Grassroots to Global
03
Sports Business & Investment Ecosystem
04
Media, Rights & Digital Distribution
05
AI, Data & Sports Intelligence
06
Sports Education & Coaching Excellence
07
Policy, Governance & PPP Models
08
Global Collaboration & Diplomacy
Focus Sports Disciplines
Five Sports, One Shared Ambition
Disciplines aligned with leading German clubs and associations to accelerate talent, infrastructure and business outcomes.
Football
Aligned with FC Bayern Munich & Borussia Dortmund ecosystems
Cricket
Via the German Cricket Association
Tennis
Pathways from academies to the global tour
Hockey
Building on India's proud hockey legacy
Athletics
High-performance and sports-science led programmes
Summit Structure
The Programme
Two complementary tracks — from vision and policy to execution, business and signed partnerships.
Track 01 Vision, Policy & Global Alignment
- Keynotes by policymakers and global leaders
- Sessions on infrastructure, governance and diplomacy
- Business leadership roundtables
Track 02 Execution, Business & Partnerships
- Workshops on AI, talent pathways and sports science
- Business networking forums & deal rooms
- State presentations and investment pitches
- MoU signings
Sponsors & Partners
Our Sponsors
Play Forward 2026 is made possible by brands, federations and media partners from India and Germany.
Presented by
Supported by
Impact
Deliverables & Expected Outcomes
Key Deliverables
- IndSports Whitepaper 2026–2036
- India's Sports Infrastructure Investment Blueprint
- Business & Investment Framework for Sports
- Indo-German strategic MoUs
- AI-driven sports ecosystem roadmap
Expected Outcomes
- Position sports as a core pillar of India's economic growth
- Creation of high-value business and investment networks
- Acceleration of infrastructure development across India
- Enhanced global brand positioning for Indian and German partners
- Stronger international collaborations and knowledge exchange
Strategic Importance
The Summit 2026 Redefines Sports As…
A business multiplier
A networking powerhouse
A global branding platform
A diplomatic bridge between nations
Play Forward — From Grassroots to Global Greatness — is more than a summit. It is a strategic movement to transform India into a global sports and business powerhouse.
By integrating sports, business, policy and technology, this initiative will unlock unprecedented opportunities for athletes, investors, governments and global partners — shaping India's journey toward becoming a leading sporting nation by 2036, when it hopes to host the Olympic Games.
Leaders & Speakers 2026
Leaders & Speakers
Policymakers, federation heads, club leaders and business visionaries from India and Germany.
Shatrughan Sinha
Consulate General of India
Munich, Germany
Kay Dammholz
Director Media Rights,
DFB
Vikresh Gyanani
CEO of Evoco and a technology
leader at Bosch Global Software Technologies
Ms.Julia Farr
International Tours & Friendlies
and Global Business Development at Borussia Dortmund
Parimal Narhwani
Member of Parliament-Rajya Sabha
President-Gujarat State Football Association
Gurmeet Singh
CEO & Executive Director,
Electronics and Computer Software
Export Promotion Council (ESC)
Dietmar Beiersdorfer
High Profile Football Executive,
Former German National Team Player
Sachin Verma
Head Central Europe
Air India
Robin Singh
Former Indian Cricketer
International Coach and Leader
Chetan Sharma
Former Indian cricketer
The Venue
Hosted at the Iconic DFB Campus
Home of the German Football Association — a symbol of the convergence of Indian ambition, German precision and global opportunity.
DFB CampusKennedyallee 274, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
30th October, 2026Full-day conclave · Detailed agenda to follow
Shape the Next Chapter of Indo-German Sports Collaboration
Join policymakers, federations, clubs and business leaders at DFB Campus on 30th October 2026.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Play Forward is the Indo-German Sports & Business Conclave 2026, held in collaboration with the German Football Association (DFB). It aims to create a future-ready 10-year roadmap (2026–2036) for Indian sports while positioning sports as an enabler of business growth, global networking and brand expansion.
State governments and sports departments, the Indian Olympic Association, national sports federations, the DFB, Bundesliga clubs and associations, corporate leaders, investors, and sports-tech, AI and media companies from India and Germany.
Infrastructure & mega-event readiness, talent pathways, sports business & investment, media and digital rights, AI & sports intelligence, coaching excellence, policy & PPP models, and global collaboration & diplomacy.
On 30th October 2026 at the DFB Campus, Kennedyallee 274, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
Use the registration form to register your interest as a delegate, speaker, partner or media representative. Our team will contact you with confirmation and next steps.
The IndSports Whitepaper 2026–2036, India's Sports Infrastructure Investment Blueprint, a Business & Investment Framework for Sports, Indo-German strategic MoUs and an AI-driven sports ecosystem roadmap.
Yes. Sponsorships, event partnerships and athlete endorsement platforms are available. Associating with global ecosystems like the Bundesliga enhances brand credibility and international visibility.
Yes. The Execution, Business & Partnerships track includes state presentations, investment pitches, business deal rooms and MoU signings.
