The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) has strengthened sporting and commercial ties between India and France after concluding a high-level sports business delegation aimed at fostering long-term collaboration across infrastructure, technology, event management and sports investment.
Organised in partnership with Business France, the delegation brought together more than 20 representatives from India’s sports ecosystem for a three-day programme across Paris and Marseille. The visit coincided with RIGES 2026 (Rencontres Internationales des Grands Événements Sportifs), one of Europe’s leading forums dedicated to major sporting events, enabling Indian stakeholders to engage directly with global leaders in sports governance, venue management, innovation and event delivery.
The initiative forms part of FICCI’s broader vision to facilitate international knowledge exchange as India continues to expand its sports economy and strengthen its ambitions of hosting major global sporting events, including the 2036 Olympic Games.
Throughout the visit, delegates met with French government officials, sports institutions and industry leaders to gain insights into the planning, execution and long-term legacy of hosting major international events. Discussions centred on sports infrastructure, public-private partnerships, digital innovation, fan engagement, sustainability and the commercial opportunities surrounding mega sporting events.
The delegation also visited several landmark sporting venues, including Stade de France, the Orange Vélodrome in Marseille, facilities developed for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the Olympic sailing venue and the Cercle des Nageurs de Marseille aquatic centre. The site visits provided first-hand exposure to venue operations and demonstrated how Olympic infrastructure can be repurposed to deliver lasting community, economic and commercial value beyond the Games.
In Paris, delegates visited Paris City Hall, engaged with leading sports businesses at INSEP and the Sports Définition conference, and participated in dedicated sessions at RIGES 2026 exploring innovation, sustainability and the future of major sporting events.
Welcoming the Indian delegation, Ms Cynthia Regulski, Head of Key Accounts and Sector Partners, Business France, said, “The team at Business France organised this visit to inspire the delegation, with our implementing sites for sports and especially the Olympics, held here in 2024. We are honoured and pleased to transfer this heritage to other countries.”
A dedicated session on opportunities within India’s rapidly evolving sports industry was chaired by FICCI Sports Committee Co-Chair and Adani Sportsline Chief Business Officer Sanjay Adesara, while Sportz Interactive CEO Siddharth Raman highlighted India’s growing position within the global sports business landscape.
Mr Sanjay Adesara added, “India has an ambition to become a sporting powerhouse. Hosting international sports events means a lot for India. Before the 2030 Games, we aim to host international events to build towards our Olympic ambition. As members of the FICCI Sports Committee, we collectively look forward to finding long-term partners here in France across all expertise.”
Mr Siddharth Raman shared, “Having been in Paris for the Olympics 2024, I had an experience of how world-class games are planned. Aspects like proper usage of the infrastructure of the city, as well as integrating the culture and legacy of the city into sport, are good lessons for us. While these events last for a few days, they become a part of public memory and relevance year-round.“
As a key outcome of the mission, FICCI announced plans to publish a white paper titled French Olympic Legacy: Key Learnings for India’s Journey Ahead, which will capture insights from the delegation and provide recommendations for policymakers and industry stakeholders as India continues to develop its sporting infrastructure and event-hosting capabilities.
The delegation was also hosted by the Consul General of India in Marseille, who introduced members to regional businesses involved in preparations for the French Alps 2030 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, opening further avenues for cross-border collaboration.
The French mission marks the beginning of a broader strategic partnership between the two nations’ sports industries. Later this year, Business France will lead a French delegation to India during FICCI TURF, where France will participate as the Country of Honour, creating new opportunities for investment, technology exchange and commercial partnerships across the sports, entertainment and leisure sectors.
