Gallant Sports led by Nasir Ali exudes confidence towards India’s dream to Host 2036 Olympics

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.