FICCI Sports Delegation Explores France's Olympic Legacy to Strengthen India-France Sports Business Collaboration

FICCI Sports Delegation Studies France's Olympic Legacy and Sports Infrastructure

Paris, July 6, 2026: A delegation from the FICCI Sports Committee, comprising more than 20 representatives from India's sports industry, recently visited Paris and Marseille in collaboration with Business France to engage with leading experts in sports business, governance, infrastructure, and event management.

The visit focused on understanding France's Olympic legacy, sustainable sports infrastructure, fan engagement, and commercial strategies that can contribute to India's growing sports ecosystem as the country prepares to host more international sporting events in the coming years.

Learning from Marseille's Sports Infrastructure

The delegation toured the historic Marseille Velodrome football stadium, originally established in 1937, to study how world-class sports infrastructure can be sustainably utilized throughout the year.

The stadium serves as a venue for major football matches while also hosting concerts and cultural events during the off-season, demonstrating an effective model for maximizing infrastructure usage and commercial sustainability.

Discussions also highlighted best practices in fan engagement, showcasing how sporting events can be transformed into day-long entertainment experiences through digital engagement, festivals, and interactive activities beyond the duration of the match itself.

The delegation was hosted by the Consul General of India in Marseille, who introduced members to key local businesses actively involved in preparations for the Olympic Winter Games 2030.

Insights into Olympic Venues and Post-Games Utilization

The delegation also visited the Nautical Stadium, which hosted sailing events during the Paris Olympics 2024, along with the Cercle des Nageurs de Marseille swim centre.

Interactions with local experts provided valuable insights into the planning, operation, and long-term commercial utilization of Olympic facilities, demonstrating how infrastructure developed for major sporting events can continue serving communities and businesses well after the Games conclude.

Participation in RIGES 2026

In Paris, the delegation participated in RIGES 2026, an international meeting focused on major sporting events.

Welcoming the Indian delegation, Ms Cynthia Regulski, Head of Key Accounts and Sector Partners at 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."

India's Sporting Ambitions

A dedicated panel discussing opportunities for India was chaired by Mr Sanjay Adesara, Co-Chair of the FICCI Sports Committee and Chief Business Officer, Adani Sportsline. Mr Siddharth Raman, CEO of Sportz Interactive, also shared his perspectives with the international audience.

Mr Sanjay Adesara said, "India has an ambition to become a sporting powerhouse. Hosting international sports events means a lot for India. Before 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 said, "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 learnings for us. While these events last for a few days they become a part of public memory and relevance year-round."

Further Engagements Across Paris

During their visit, the delegation also toured Paris City Hall and Stade de France. Members interacted with local sports businesses and stakeholders at INSEP and the Sports Definition conference to gain additional insights into sports management, athlete development, and event operations.

White Paper on French Olympic Legacy

Based on the learnings from the visit, the FICCI Sports Committee will prepare a white paper titled "French Olympic Legacy: Key Learnings for India's Journey Ahead". The document will be shared with government bodies and industry stakeholders as a knowledge-sharing initiative.

The committee also looks forward to welcoming a French delegation through Business France to India in November 2026 during FICCI TURF, its flagship annual sports industry event, further strengthening bilateral cooperation in sports business and development.

About FICCI

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) is one of India's leading industry associations, working closely with businesses and policymakers to promote economic growth across sectors, including sports, manufacturing, healthcare, education, and technology.

(Inputs from Press Release)