The Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister highlighted the need for grassroots sports development and infrastructure in the State of Uttar Pradesh and welcomed the cooperation with the Sports Cluster managed by European Business and Technology Centre (EBTC).

“Public Private Partnership in development of sports will lead to an efficient and conducive ecosystem for sports excellence” - Shri Navneet Sehgal, Additional Chief Secretary, Sports Uttar Pradesh.

Shri Sehgal was addressing industry representatives from the Europe-India Sports Cluster managed by EBTC. The consultation and celegation with the UP-State Sports Department was organised as a follow up of the cooperation signed by EBTC during the UP-Global Investors Summit 2023.

~Discussions featured diverse aspects on Infrastructure, Excellence, Technology, Monetisation and Private Sector Participation for Conducive Development of Sports in the State of UP~

The Europe-India Sports Cluster, managed by European Business and Technology Centre (EBTC) today mounted a delegation to Lucknow to meet with senior representatives of the Uttar Pradesh Sports Department. The session was presided over by Shri Navneet Sehgal, Additional Chief Secretary, Sports in the presence of Shri Suhas LY, Secretary, Sports.

The Sports Cluster’s combined expertise came to the fore in the discussions with deliberations on strategies for development of playing fields at 59,000 villages and mini-sporting arenas at 880 block level locations. Further, opportunities to create collaborations with European clubs and associations for coaching and player development programmes were also highlighted.

The ideas as presented by the Sports Cluster pertained to stadium planning and design, professional and sustainable playing surfaces, integration of smart AI-driven governance and advanced lighting systems, and importantly, financing. This includes monetisation of, and fund raising for, sports infrastructure and sports development initiatives.

The Delegation also met the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister Shri Brijesh Pathak and Chairperson for the UP State Olympic Association. Shri Pathak extended complete cooperation from the State for the private sector participation for the development of Sports in the State of Uttar Pradesh with focus on talent development and excellence at the grassroot level.

Speaking after the session, Shri Navneet Sehgal highlighted: “To work with international experience gathered in one place, such as the Sports Cluster, will support the State providing for its 250 million inhabitants, of which 50% are youth, in creating world class talent, infrastructure and sports frameworks. We are pleased to have signed an MoU to this effect with the EBTC’s Europe-India Sports Cluster.”

Mr. Poul V. Jensen, Managing Director, EBTC added: “The UP Sports Policy is forward-looking and is a part of creating that conducive environment to attract investment and corporate sector partnerships in the States sports development. This form of collaboration and demand-driven partnerships with government, national and international actors is very promising to achieve our initial target of achieving Rs. 200 Cr investments.”

The delegation, led by Mr. Poul V. Jensen, MD EBTC and Mr. Varun Sehgal, COO, EBTC featured organisations such as LR Brothers, KPMG, Vistra ITCL (Global), Signify (Philips), Soteria (Tenon Group), TATA Ecofirst, UNIV Sportatech and Collage Designs amongst others.

Mr. Vincent van Noord, Director Europe – EBTC highlighted the innovative approach of the sports cluster introduced by EBTC and best practices in the development of block level sports infrastructure.

Mr. Ravi Chehel, Cluster Head, Sports- EBTC was nominated as the coordinator for joint initiatives and projects with the State of Uttar Pradesh.

About Europe-India Sports Cluster

The Europe-India Sports Cluster comprises of select companies from both regions who have relevant technologies, solutions and expertise. The cluster provides a unique platform to drive thought leadership and co-create projects. Managed by European Business and Technology Centre (EBTC), a project facilitation and advisory organisation, the Cluster is backed by a team of experts and body of knowledge.
The aim of the Cluster is to form a group of similar-minded and forward-looking organisations who, with support from EBTC, collectively can identify, co-create and bid for project opportunities in India.

As leaders in innovation and technology in their respective domains, the Cluster members from Europe provide a mix of global expertise and knowledge. This is coupled with local renowned players who have a deep understanding of the Indian market. Combined, EBTC will provide end-to-end and demand-driven solutions in the Indian context.
With sustainability and innovation at the core, the Sports Cluster focusses on the development of sports infrastructure, coaching and talent development, environmental & financial sustainability to bring in global best practices and social impact in India.