NEW DELHI: Asserting that India has the ability to stage large-scale global events, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently said the country is committed to host the Olympics in 2036.
“It is India’s dream to host the 2036 Olympics, and we are making preparations for that,” Modi said in his address to the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort on the 78th Independence Day.
Gallant Sports, being a growing force in the sports landscape has reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s goals and also providing a boost to India’s 2036 Olympics hosting hopes.
Talking exclusively to 9 Cricket, Nasir Ali CEO of Gallant Sports shared his journey, views and aspirations towards making India – A Sports Giant.
Highlighting the country’s improving infrastructure and sports facilities key for a successful Indian bid, Nasir Ali stressed over providing affordable facilities on grassroots in the interview.
Here are excerpts from the interview with Nasir Ali
9 Cricket: Can you tell us more about the vision and mission of Gallant Sports, and how it aims to transform the sports and fitness landscape in India?
NA: When I founded Gallant Sports in 2016, my vision was clear: to provide top-notch sports facilities to schools at the most affordable prices, ensuring the best playability and maximum durability. As we grew, I quickly learned that scaling up involved navigating the complex world of finance, administration, compliance, and operations. Despite the challenges, our mission remained steadfast—to become the largest sports infrastructure company in India and Southeast Asia. Our focus is on empowering India’s sports ecosystem by creating world-class infrastructure for government, educational institutions, and corporate sectors, which continues to drive us forward.
9 Cricket: What inspired you, Nasir Ali, to start Gallant Sports, and what drives your passion for revolutionizing sports infrastructure in India?
NA: My inspiration to start Gallant Sports came from a deep passion for improving the way India views and engages with sports. When India won its first individual Olympic gold in 2008, it ignited a desire in me to contribute to building world-class sports infrastructure. The initial focus was on delivering affordable facilities to schools. However, as we expanded, I faced the ‘non-glamorous’ aspects of entrepreneurship—finance, administration, and compliance. These challenges pushed me to grow, adapt, and become more resilient. I learned that true passion is about more than just dreams; it involves grit, determination, and adaptability. This journey fuels my commitment to revolutionizing sports infrastructure in India.
9 Cricket: Could you walk us through the journey of Gallant Sports from its inception to its current status as a leader in sports infrastructure and fitness in India?
NA: Gallant Sports began with a simple yet powerful goal: to provide affordable, high-quality sports facilities for schools. Initially, I was deeply passionate about delivering these facilities with the best playability and durability. However, as we scaled, I encountered the complexities of running a growing business—finance, administration, and compliance. These challenges were overwhelming at times but forced me to grow and adapt. Today, Gallant Sports stands as a leader in the industry, managing over 10 sports centers and completing projects in over 200 schools. We continue to focus on creating world-class sports infrastructure and fostering a vibrant sports culture.
9 Cricket: How is Gallant Sports aligning its efforts with India’s aspiration to become the world’s best sports-playing nation by the Olympics 2036?
NA: Aligning with India’s aspiration to excel by the Olympics 2036 involves more than just building state-of-the-art facilities. It requires integrating advanced technology, sustainable materials, and AI-driven systems for athlete safety. As Gallant Sports grows, we are committed to creating injury-free, world-class sports infrastructure across India. Our projects are designed to support community use and maintain high standards of playability. The challenges we face, including navigating the complexities of large-scale operations, have strengthened our resolve and adaptability, enabling us to contribute effectively to this national aspiration.
9 Cricket: In your view, how has the sports culture in India evolved over the years, and what role has Gallant Sports played in this evolution?
NA: The evolution of sports culture in India has been remarkable, with increased visibility for sports beyond cricket, such as football, kabaddi, badminton, and wrestling. The rise of leagues and success stories of athletes have contributed to a more diverse sports culture. Gallant Sports has played a significant role in this evolution by providing high-quality, affordable sports facilities and creating multi-sport arenas under Gallant Play. These efforts are not only promoting fitness but also helping to build a supportive sports community. My journey has taught me that true growth happens when we embrace challenges and adapt, contributing to a richer and more inclusive sports culture.
9 Cricket: What do you see as the future of sports in India, and how is Gallant Sports preparing to contribute to this future?
NA: The future of sports in India is promising, with a growing emphasis on a diverse range of sports and increased investment in infrastructure. Gallant Sports is preparing for this future by expanding our manufacturing capabilities and increasing our presence in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. We are focused on developing multi-sport arenas that promote health, fitness, and social integration. The challenges we’ve faced have taught us the importance of adaptability and grit, essential for contributing to the evolving sports landscape and fostering a vibrant sporting culture.
9 Cricket: How has the “Make in India” initiative impacted Gallant Sports’ operations and growth, particularly with the start of manufacturing athletic tracks and interlocking tiles?
NA: The “Make in India” initiative has had a profound impact on Gallant Sports, especially with our move to domestically manufacture athletic tracks and interlocking tiles. This initiative has allowed us to shift from relying on costly European imports to producing high-quality, affordable sports surfaces locally. By partnering with domestic and international raw material manufacturers, we are able to offer durable, injury-free sports solutions tailored to the Indian market. This transition not only supports the “Make in India” mission but also enhances our operational efficiency and contributes to the growth of the domestic manufacturing sector.
9 Cricket: How does Gallant Sports promote sports within communities, and what initiatives are in place to make sports accessible and affordable for diverse demographics?
NA: Gallant Sports is dedicated to promoting sports within communities by creating affordable, high-quality sports facilities accessible at the district level. Our multi-sport facilities, under the Gallant Play brand, cater to all age groups and demographics, providing a platform for everyone to engage in sports. These initiatives are designed to foster a love for physical activity and build a supportive sports community. My experience has shown me that embracing the challenges of entrepreneurship, including navigating complex operational aspects, is key to making a meaningful impact and ensuring that sports are accessible to all.
9 Cricket: Can you elaborate on the cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices that Gallant Sports integrates into its sports infrastructure solutions?
NA: Gallant Sports integrates cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices into our infrastructure solutions. We use 100% recyclable, permeable turf that promotes water conservation and reduces environmental impact. Our dynamic bases support groundwater recharge through rainwater harvesting systems. These innovations are crucial for creating a sustainable future for sports infrastructure in India. The journey of managing these technological advancements and sustainable practices has taught me the value of resilience and adaptability, reinforcing our commitment to environmental stewardship and excellence.
9 Cricket: What measures does Gallant Sports take to promote an inclusive sports culture that breaks barriers of age, gender, and ability, and how successful have these initiatives been?
NA: At Gallant Sports, promoting an inclusive sports culture is a priority. We design our facilities to be accessible to everyone, incorporating features like ramps, wide doorways, and specialized equipment for athletes with disabilities. Gender-neutral changing rooms and adaptive sports programs ensure that all individuals can participate. We also organize women-centric leagues and events to support female athletes. These measures are making a significant impact, helping to break down barriers and create a truly inclusive sports environment. My journey has shown me that true growth in this area comes from embracing challenges and adapting to meet diverse needs.
The defending champions of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), have reinforced their squad with a well-thought-out strategy in the WPL mini-auction. With their four domestic picks, RCB has bolstered their roster with players who bring versatility, depth, and a competitive edge while staying true to their bold and fearless style of cricket.
Among their key acquisitions is Prema Rawat, a talented leg-spin all-rounder bought for ₹1.2 crore, whose control and consistency add a vital element to RCB’s spin arsenal. Joining her are pace-bowling all-rounders Joshitha VJ, Raghvi Bist, and Jagravi Pawar, each secured for ₹10 lakh.
Going into the auction RCB had ₹3.25 crores in the purse and four slots to fill. All of these four slots have been filled with players who have shown promise in the domestic circuit and were carefully chosen to provide more edge to RCB’s established core, ensuring a more dynamic and balanced squad.
As highlighted by Head Coach Luke Williams, adaptability was central to RCB’s strategy heading into the auction, given the unpredictability of venues and match conditions.
“We’re delighted with the work our scouts have done throughout the season and during the camps we hosted, which gave us the chance to carefully evaluate players,” said Williams. “Prema brings great control as a wrist spinner, which is invaluable in T20 cricket, and strengthening our spin arsenal was a key priority. Additionally, the pace-bowling all-rounders provide the flexibility we need to handle various match scenarios.”
He further emphasized the immediate focus of RCB’s selections: “We’ve built this squad with the upcoming tournament in mind, and we’re confident that these players can make an impact in the XI right away.”
RCB’s 2024 title-winning season was highlighted by outstanding performances from players like Ellyse Perry, who won the Orange Cap with 347 runs, and Shreyanka Patil, who claimed the Purple Cap with 13 wickets. To further bolster their squad, RCB made a key move in October, trading in England’s star top-order batter Danni Wyatt-Hodge, renowned for her ability to deliver under pressure.
With a balanced mix of experienced internationals and fresh domestic talent, RCB is determined to maintain its dominance in the upcoming WPL season. The team’s carefully crafted roster reflects their unwavering commitment to their “Play Bold” philosophy, ensuring they remain one of the most dynamic and competitive squads in the league.
Former England international-turned-commentator Isa Guha issued a public apology on live television before the start of the third day’s play of the ongoing Gabba Test between India and Australia on Monday, December 16. Guha had used a controversial remark for Indian pacer JaspritBumrah on Day 2 of the third Test in Brisbane on commentary and there was a huge hue and cry over the usage of the word ‘primate’ by her.
Guha issued a sincere apology saying that there was no malice and it is a word that can be interpreted in very many different ways.
Yesterday in commentary I used a word that can be interpreted in a number of different ways. Firstly, I’d like to apologise for any offence caused,” Guha said on Fox Sports’ broadcast. “I set myself really high standards when it comes to empathy and respect of others. If you listen to the full transcript I only meant the highest praise for one of India’s greatest players. And someone that I admire greatly as well. I’m an advocate for equality and someone who has spent their career thinking about inclusion and understanding in the game,” she added
“I was trying to frame the enormity of his achievement and I’ve chosen the wrong word. And for that I am deeply sorry. As someone who is also of South Asian heritage I hope people would recognise there was no other intention or malice there, and I hope this hasn’t overshadowed what has been a great Test match so far – and I look forward to seeing how it progresses,” Guha further said.
Adam Gilchrist and Ravi Shastri were on the broadcast for Fox alongside Guha and the former India head coach commended her for coming out to apologise voluntarily on live TV.
Building on its remarkable reception over the past two years, SA20, South Africa’s premier T20 franchise tournament, celebrates its growing popularity with ‘SA20 India Day’ The inaugural edition of ‘SA20 India Day’, recently held in Mumbai, reaffirms the league’s commitment to strengthen the enduring relationship between India and South Africa by fostering cultural and sporting connections.
The ‘SA20 India Day’ witnessed in attendance Graeme Smith, League Commissioner, Dinesh Karthik, SA20 India Ambassador and Mark Boucher, SA20 Ambassador, who discussed the league’s journey and vision, to firmly establish itself as one of the premier T20 franchise league competitions outside of India.
The upcoming edition – Season 3 – which aims to deliver unforgettable and Incredible experiences, kicks off on January 9th, 2025, with the final taking place at the Wanderers on February 8th, 2025.
Speaking about ‘SA20 India Day’, Graeme Smith, League Commissioner, said, “India is a key strategic market and an important part of SA20’s vision. The support and enthusiasm from Indian fans over the past two seasons have been Incredible. The ‘SA20 India Day’ is a testament to the league’s growing popularity and acceptance here. With six IPL franchises involved, we’ve raised South African cricket to a global standard with the best of local talent playing alongside some of the best international stars. We ensured that we create a product that resonates with fans worldwide, and in India, where we have received plenty of support. The future holds immense opportunities, and we can’t wait to witness how the league unravels itself in this part of the world.”
Dinesh Karthik, SA20 India Ambassador, expressed his excitement on being the first Indian to debut in the league, “It’s amazing to see how SA20 is creating opportunities for players and building a bridge between South Africa and India. This league has a bright future ahead. The enthusiasm of Indian fans is unmatched, and I’m confident SA20 will continue to grow in their hearts and deliver Incredible experiences.”
Mark Boucher, SA20 Ambassador, shed light on how the league has had a direct impact on the sport in South Africa, “The SA20 has provided young players with an opportunity to showcase their true potential while constantly nurturing growth in South Africa’s talent pool. Over the past two seasons, we’ve witnessed Incredible performances, with some players even graduating to represent the Proteas. This league doesn’t just benefit emerging talent; it also elevates the game of established players, who have further honed their skills by competing alongside international stars. The SA20 has truly been a saving grace for South African cricket.”
Staying true to solidifying grassroots, in alignment with ‘Schools SA20’, the ‘SA20 India Day’ also witnessed the guests interact with budding cricketers from Mumbai, with each player walking away with customized merchandise together with a picture of their favourite SA20 stars. ‘Schools SA20’, launched earlier this year in South Africa, is an extension of SA20’s mission to continue to provide opportunities for young cricketers in South Africa, building on the success of the Rookie Draft System*the League introduced for players in Season 2.
As the SA20 gears up for another exciting season, with some of the top batters and bowlers in attendance, the league is poised to leave an indelible mark across the world. With a continued focus on capitalizing on the growing reception and enthusiasm, it has garnered in India, SA20 aims to further strengthen its presence and appeal in the country.
Rookie Draft System
A new addition in Season 2 playing regulations, and is the League’s initiative to expose more young talent to a global stage and to some of the world’s best coaches and players
The first season was a huge success, with five of the six rookies drafted being incorporated into core squads for Season 3
The Season 2 rookie draft was a significant milestone, with 80 players aged 22 or under and without prior SA20 experience going up for selection
Teams are required to include a minimum of 10 South African players in their 19-player squad, ensuring strong local representation
Each team can have a maximum of seven overseas players
Each team to include a Rookie player, who must be South African
The strong focus on grassroots has enabled the SA20 deliver stars such as Nqaba Peter and Ottniel Baartman to make it into the Proteas squad
Schools SA20
The introduction of ‘Schools SA20’ is designed to discover and nurture cricket talent among both girls and boys across South Africa
The competition will run from September 2024 to March 2025, with schools from all 16 cricket provinces competing for the coveted title of Schools SA20 champions
Over 370 boys’ school teams and more than 200 girls’ school teams will participate with over 1000 matches being played
SA20 and CSA launched a dedicated girls’ competition, which will be a key part of the Proteas’ U19 Girls team’s preparation for the ICC U19 Women’s World Cup in Malaysia in 2025
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