CII Sports Business Awards 2025
CII Sports Business Awards

About the Awards

The CII Sports Business Awards 2025 represent a pioneering effort to honor excellence in the business of sports in India. The achievements and contributions made by the organizations and individuals that enable sporting excellence in India.

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India's first awards dedicated to the Business of Sports
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To recognize and celebrate outstanding achievements in the sports sector
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Contribute towards growth and sustainability of the Sports ecosystem
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This third edition event features eight primary categories :

1. Sports Franchise of The Year

2. Best Sports Stadium/Arena of the Year

3. Sports Brand of the Year

4. Grassroots Sports Initiative of the Year

5. University Sports Program / Course of the Year

6. School Sports Program of the Year

7. Athlete Entrepreneur of the Year

8. Sports Entrepreneur of the Year

Additionally, the awards include five prestigious recognitions :

1. Sports Business Leader of the Year – Male/Female

2. The Legacy of Excellence in Sports Patronage Award

3. Best State Promoting Sports Development

4. Sports Federation of the Year

5. Organization Supporting Para Sports in India

Note : For each of the Award category/ies, relevant organizations/individual need to apply and provide details (for the respective categories), while in the recognition category, CII collates data to recognize the organization/individuals.

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+

Years
of experience

Who Can Apply?

  • Applications only from registered CSBA users would be eligible. Before selfnominating or nominating someone else please first register yourself on CSBA.
  • Only individual/representative from enterprise/organisation shall be eligible to apply.
  • Applicants can either self-nominate or nominate others.
  • The enterprise/organisation registered in India for more than 2 years as of August 30, 2025. The enterprise/organisation could take any form including to,
  • a. Private Limited Company
  • b. Public Limited Company
  • c. Partnership Firm
  • d. Sole Proprietorship
  • e. Cooperative
  • f. Joint Venture Company
  • g. Section 8 Company
  • h. Trust
  • i. Society
  • j. One person company
  • k. Start-Up

Organization Categories

Enterprise/Organisation Investment # Turnover
Micro Enterprises Up to 1 cr. Less than 5 cr.
Small Enterprises Up to 10 cr. Less than 50 cr.
Medium Enterprises Up to 20 cr. Less than 100 cr.
Large Enterprises Above 20 cr. Above 100 cr.

How to Apply

1. Registration

The applicant needs to register through link in website by filling up a form, which includes details about the organization.

2. Application

After online registration, the applicant has to fill up the online application form, depending upon the category (ies) would like to apply for and share the filled out form at Poonam.Dikshit@cii.in, Shivam.Sharma@cii.in and Kaustav.Deka@cii.in.

3. Submission of Relevant Documents

The applicant needs to register at the website by filling up a form, which includes details about the organization. After submission of the application, the applicant also needs to share relevant documents such as to verify that written submission truly reflects organization's credentials.

4. Payment for Participation
  • The payment towards participation fees (depending upon the sector) has to be made within the last date.
  • The application will not be considered for evaluation without the participation fees payment.

Note : Incorrect or false information will make the candidate liable for disqualification.

Register
Participation Fee

The participation fee is as below

Scale Fee Category Corporate Annual Sales Turnover (INR) Total Fee* (GST as applicable)
Large Enterprises Category 1 Above 1000 Crore INR 40,000/-
Category 2 Above 500 Cr to 1000 Cr INR 30,000/-
Category 3 Above 100 Cr to 500 Cr INR 25,000/-
MSME Less than 100 Cr INR 20,000/-
NGO/Foundation INR 5,000/-

Note :

  1. Applicant has to select the scale and fee category (large, MSMEs etc.) carefully while making the payment. CII reserves a right to disqualify the application form (s) in case of discrepancy in scale and fee category
  2. * Includes the cost of initial stage of evaluation by experts of appraisal committee; cost of jury; CII Awards Book, travel cost, honorarium for expert appraisal committee, accommodation, certificates, Trophies, Jury meeting, Award ceremony, participation certificate to participants etc.
Mode of Payment

The payment can be made online while submitting the form or via RTGS/ NEFT or via cheque or CII online payment link. The payment will be duly acknowledged on its receipt

Account Holder Name: CONFEDERATION OF INDIAN INDUSTRY
Bank Name and Address STANDARD CHARTERED BANK 23 Barakhamba Road, Narain Manzil New Delhi- 110001
Bank Account Number 522-0-503577-5
IFSC Code SCBL0036020
  1. CII online payment link : For online payment please click here.
  2. Bank Details for Payment by Online Transfer are as mentioned above. In case, you are making payment through RTGS / NEFT, please share the payment details for acknowledgment
Evaluation Criteria Awards Categories
1. Sports Franchise of the Year

This category celebrates the most outstanding team or franchise from any professional sports league in India, emphasizing overall excellence and achievement.

a. Eligibility Criteria
  • Must be a registered legal sports franchise participating in a recognized Indian league (e.g., IPL, ISL, PKL).
  • Must have participated in the league for at least 2 consecutive years.
  • Must follow ethical practices, with no outstanding legal, regulatory, or disciplinary matters within the preceding 2 years.
  • Open to franchises in men’s, women’s, and para-sports categories.
  • Must demonstrate active business operations such as marketing, merchandising, or player development.
  • Must comply with all league norms and maintain good standing with relevant regulatory bodies.
b. Evaluation Criteria
  • On-Field Performance : League standing, win-loss ratio, and consistency across seasons.
  • Fan Engagement : Digital presence, loyalty programs, matchday experiences.
  • Brand & Commercial Growth : Sponsorships, merchandise sales, media rights, profitability.
  • Player Welfare & Development : Training, wellness programs, academies, youth focus.
  • Corporate Governance : Leadership transparency, ESG, and ethical conduct.
  • Community & Grassroots Outreach : School/NGO tie-ups, CSR initiatives, local talent upliftment.
  • Innovation & Technology Use : Tech-driven fan engagement, analytics, sustainability in operations.
  • Diversity & Inclusion : Programs supporting gender equality, accessibility, and hiring diversity.
  • Media & Sponsorship : Success in media campaigns, sponsorship innovation, and brand recognition.
2. Best Sports Stadium/Arena of the Year

The category is open to Sports Stadium/ Arena across India managed by private entities, government bodies, educational institutes, or NGO’s

a. Eligibility Criteria
  • Open to newly constructed, renovated, or operational stadiums/arenas across India.
  • Applicants can be private companies, government bodies, educational institutions, or NGOs.
  • Stadium/ arena must be operational for at least 12 months prior to nomination.
  • The stadium/ arena must be used for hosting competitive sports events with spectator infrastructure.
  • Must be actively used for professional or amateur sports competitions, public events, or large-scale recreational activities.
  • Must comply with national safety, hygiene, and accessibility standards.
  • The managing organization must not be debarred by any government / sports authority.
b. Evaluation Criteria
  • Design & Functionality : Architectural quality, seating layout, visibility, crowd flow, and overall aesthetics.
  • Infrastructure Quality : Maintenance standards, availability of modern amenities, and multi-sport adaptability.
  • Innovation : Use of smart systems for ticketing, crowd management, performance analytics, and digital scheduling.
  • Sustainability : Implementation of eco-friendly materials, water/energy conservation practices, and waste management.
  • Accessibility : Facilities for differently-abled individuals, gender-inclusive design, and community access.
  • Fan & Athlete Experience : Safety, comfort, feedback mechanisms, and overall satisfaction of users and visitors.
  • Impact : Number of events hosted, growth in participation, community engagement, and increased footfall/revenue.
3. Sports Brand of the Year

This category acknowledges brands that significantly direct and measurable impact on the Indian sports industry. Open to both Indian and international brands operating in India, the focus is on those that drive industry growth and innovation.

a. Eligibility Criteria
  • Open to direct sports-focused brands (products, services, platforms) active in India.
  • Surrogate brands or entities promoting sports indirectly through unrelated categories (e.g., alcohol, tobacco, betting) are not eligible.
  • Must have operated in the Indian market for a minimum of one year.
  • Should demonstrate brand recognition, visibility, and impact during the award cycle.
  • Must be actively involved in marketing, product innovation, athlete partnerships, or sports-related initiatives.
  • No restrictions on government or sports institution affiliation.
b. Evaluation Criteria
  • Brand Development & Market Position : Growth in market share, brand reach and industry reputation.
  • Innovation : Launch of new products/services, use of technology, and sustainability-oriented designs.
  • Engagement : Fan and athlete interaction, omnichannel campaigns, influencer reach.
  • Financial Performance : Brands should have a minimum annual revenue of ₹25 crores with supporting documentation.
  • Financial Growth : Tangible increase in revenue, customer base, and product reach.
  • Social Impact : Initiatives supporting underprivileged athletes, grassroots development, and gender inclusion.
  • Activation & Sponsorship : Strategic partnerships with sports events, leagues, or athletes.
4. Grassroots Sports Initiative of the Year

This award recognizes organizations running community-based sports programs

a. Eligibility Criteria
  • Open to NGOs, corporates, academic institutions, federations, or public-private partnerships running community-based sports programs.
  • Program must be active for a minimum of one year.
  • Focus on rural areas, underprivileged youth, girls, or differently-abled individuals
b. Evaluation Criteria
  • Accessibility & Reach : Number of participants, diversity (region/gender/caste), and target population served.
  • Program Structure : Training quality, coaching certifications, mentorship programs.
  • Participation Growth : Rise in participation year-over-year, alumni progress into competitive sports.
  • Innovation : Use of mobile apps, virtual coaching, new models like “sport-for-development.”
  • Sustainability : Long-term funding, scalable model, community-led operations.
  • Recognition & Measurable Impact : Awards, tournament participation, improved fitness or academic outcomes.
5. University Sports Program / Course of the Year

This award recognizes the outstanding universities offering structured academic or performance-based sports programs that contribute meaningfully to the development of the sports ecosystem in India.

a. Eligibility Criteria
  • Open to universities, colleges and higher education institutions offering structured sports-related programs such as degree and diploma programs (e.g., Sports Management, Physical Education) and non-degree certifications in Sports Science, Sports Psychology, Coaching, etc.
  • Must have been in existence for at least 2 academic years.
  • Open to both academic (theoretical) and performance-based (athletic) programs.
  • Must demonstrate consistent national or international achievements (academic or athletic) over the past 5 years.
b. Evaluation Criteria
  • Academic Integration : Relevance of curriculum to the sports industry, inclusion of internships, certifications, and industry exposure.
  • Competitive Achievement : Performance in inter-university, national, or international competitions; representation at elite levels.
  • Infrastructure & Coaching : Quality of sports facilities, access to equipment, and qualifications of coaching and academic staff.
  • Student Outcomes : Placement records, alumni success in sports careers, entrepreneurship, or higher education in sports-related fields.
  • Innovation : Use of modern tools such as AR/VR, sports analytics, wearable tech, and performance tracking in the curriculum.
  • Inclusivity & Diversity : Representation of women, marginalized communities, and availability of scholarships or financial aid.
6. School Sports Program of the Year

This award recognizes the outstanding school with a structured, ongoing sports education programs

a. Eligibility Criteria
  • Open to primary and secondary schools with a structured, ongoing sports education program.
  • The program must have been consistently active for at least two academic years.
  • The program should be accessible to all students, regardless of socio-economic background, gender, or physical ability.
b. Evaluation Criteria
  • Inclusivity : Equal opportunities for girls, students with disabilities, and non-athletic students to participate in sports.
  • Program Quality : Frequency and consistency of training, diversity of sports offered, and integration of structured physical education.
  • Student Participation : Enrollment rates in sports activities, intra-school tournaments, and overall engagement.
  • Competition Performance : Achievements in inter-school, zonal, or district-level competitions (medals, rankings, recognitions).
  • Character Development : Emphasis on values such as leadership, teamwork, discipline, and resilience through sports.
  • Community & Parental Engagement : Organization of sports festivals, partnerships with local clubs or academies, and active involvement of parents.
7. Athlete Entrepreneur of the Year

This award recognizes Athletes who have founded, co-founded, or led an enterprise post their professional careers

a. Eligibility Criteria
  • Must be a current or retired athlete with recognized achievements at the state, national, or international level.
  • Must have founded, co-founded, or held a leadership role (e.g., CEO, Managing Director) in a registered enterprise..
  • The enterprise may operate in sports, wellness, fitness, media, or other relevant sectors.
  • The business must be registered in India and operational for a minimum of 12 months, with the athlete in a leadership role for at least 2 years.
b. Evaluation Criteria
  • Entrepreneurial Spirit : Vision, resilience, innovation, and leadership demonstrated in building and growing the enterprise.
  • Business Growth : Evidence of revenue generation, profitability, expansion, job creation, or market presence.
  • Innovation : Introduction of unique business models, technologies, or solutions that differentiate the venture.
  • Industry/Societal Impact : Contributions to the sports ecosystem, community development, or industry transformation.
  • Ethics & Leadership : Responsible entrepreneurship, ethical business practices, and values-driven leadership.
  • Level of sporting achievement (State/National/International) and its influence on the entrepreneurial journey.
8. Sports Entrepreneur of the Year

This award recognizes entrepreneurs who have founded, co-founded, or led a business venture that has contributed to the growth, innovation, and transformation of the sports industry in India.

a. Eligibility Criteria
  • Must be the founder, co-founder, or leader (e.g., CEO, Managing Director) of a sports-related enterprise.
  • The enterprise must operate in one or more of the areas of sports technology, sports infrastructure, sports education or training, sports media or content, fitness and wellness, sports retail or merchandising, sports consulting or services
  • The business must be registered in India and operational for a minimum of 12 months, with the entrepreneur in a leadership role for at least 2 years.
  • The nominee should not be a professional athlete (current or retired). Athletes fall under the Athlete Entrepreneur of the Year category.
b. Evaluation Criteria
  • Entrepreneurial Spirit : Clarity of vision, leadership style, resilience, and strategic direction.
  • Business Growth : Revenue generation, profitability, market expansion, and job creation.
  • Innovation : Unique business models, technological innovation, or disruptive solutions introduced to the sports ecosystem.
  • Industry Impact : Contribution to the development of the sports industry, including athlete support, fan engagement, or ecosystem building.
  • Social and Community Impact : Initiatives that promote grassroots development, inclusivity, or community upliftment through sports.
  • Ethics & Leadership : Responsible entrepreneurship, transparency, and adherence to ethical business standards.
CII Sports Business Awards

Meet the Esteemed Jury

Our distinguished jury panel comprises of eminent leaders and experts from sports, business, media, and technology, bringing unparalleled experience and integrity to the evaluation process of the CII Sports Business Awards.

Mr. Abhishek Binaykia
Mr. Abhishek Binaykia

Advisor-Sports Strategy, Technology and Business

Mr. Vidhuspat Singhania
Mr. Vidhuspat Singhania

Managing Partner, Krida Legal

Mr. Ayon Sengupta
Mr. Ayon Sengupta

Editor, Sportstar

Mr. Anupam Goswami
Mr. Anupam Goswami

Business Head, Mashal Sports Pvt. Ltd. and League Chairman, Pro Kabaddi & Chair, CII Sports Business Awards 2025

Ms. Ashwini Nachappa
Ms. Ashwini Nachappa

Former Olympian, Arjuna Awardee (1989) Managing Trustee, (KALS)

Glimpses of CII Sports Business Awards 2024

CII Sports Business Awards 2024
CII Sports Business Awards 2024
CII Sports Business Awards 2024
CII Sports Business Awards 2024
Timelines
1. Application Closing Date 20th October, 2025
2. First Jury Meet 31st October, 2025
3. Final Jury meet 06th November, 2025
4. Award Ceremony 14th November, 2025 (tentative)
Terms of Conditions
  • The participation fees once paid is non-refundable under any circumstances.
  • The applicant can withdraw his / her application at any time during the award process, however the participation fees paid will not be refunded.
  • In the event that the applicant fails to provide the necessary documents to verify that the written submission accurately represents the organisation, the CII Secretariat/jury reserves the right to not consider the application.
  • Information supplied within or in relation to the application must be real, correct and complete. Please note that all personal or sensitive information will be treated as confidential.
  • The decision of the expert appraisal committee and members of Grand Jury is final, and no correspondence will be entered into.
  • All submission material and accompanying documentation must be clearly written in the English language.
  • By submitting an application to the CII Sports Business Awards, the applicant is agreeing to the above-mentioned terms and conditions of entry.
  • You can apply under any one or more than one category
  • After the expression of interest, the participation will be considered only after the registration payment.