Formation of Sports Business Development Wing of MACCIA
Strong Beginning of Maharashtra’s Sports Economic
Transformation
Sunil Walawalkar Appointed as Chairman
Historic Step in the Centenary Year of MACCIA
Mumbai : Maharashtra witnessed a historic moment in the
sports sector today. A major step towards strengthening the sports economy
was taken in Mumbai with the official formation of the Sports Business
Development Wing by the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and
Agriculture (MACCIA) on 21st Jan 2026.
Marking its centenary year, MACCIA has launched this important
initiative to give sports a formal industrial identity and to position
it as a key contributor to the state’s economic growth. The newly formed
wing aims to open new avenues for employment generation, investment
opportunities, and global engagement in the sports sector. The Sports Business Development
Committee was announced on 4 March 2026 by Ravindra Mangave
(President, MACCIA).
Experienced Leadership Team Announced
The Sports Business Development Committee has been
announced as follows:
• Chairman
– Sunil Walawalkar
• Co-Chairman
– Mandar Vaidya
• Members –
Kshitij Vedak, Balasaheb (Bal) Toraskar, Vipul Solanki, Vaishali Bhide-Barve,
Poulomi Kundu.
In addition, Ravindra Mangave (President,
MACCIA) and Karunakar Shetty (Vice President, MACCIA) will guide the
committee as ex-officio members. Their experience and leadership are expected
to provide strong direction and support to the initiatives of the Sports Business
Development Wing.
Historic Step in the Centenary Year of MACCIA
The formation of the Sports Business Development Wing
during the centenary celebrations of MACCIA is considered a visionary
move. After making significant contributions in industrial, agricultural, and
commercial sectors, MACCIA has now extended its focus to sports, aiming to
integrate it into the mainstream economic framework of the state.
Strong Commitment to Recognise Sports as an Industry
The newly established Sports Business Development Wing
will work towards transforming sports from being viewed only as a recreational
activity into a structured economic sector. The focus will be on promoting entrepreneurship,
generating employment, attracting investment, and encouraging international
participation. A comprehensive roadmap will be prepared to make
Maharashtra’s sports industry more organised, professional, and financially
sustainable / strong clarified Ravindra Mangave (President, MACCIA).
Special Focus on MSMEs, Investment and PPP Models
The committee has been entrusted with strengthening the Micro,
Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) ecosystem within the sports sector. Key
priorities include improving ease of investment, promoting Public-Private
Partnership (PPP) models for sports infrastructure development, and
encouraging innovation in sports technology and manufacturing. The committee
will also prepare policy recommendations to request the Government to officially
recognise sports as an industry and introduce supportive measures.
Maharashtra Aiming to Become a Sports Industry Hub
Through this new initiative, the sports sector in
Maharashtra is expected to receive strong professional and business support.
The move is likely to boost employment, attract investment, and create
global opportunities. Experts believe this step will play a decisive role
in positioning Maharashtra as one of India’s leading sports industry centres.
A New Era for the Sports Sector
The establishment of the Sports Business Development
Wing marks the beginning of an industry-driven transformation in
Maharashtra’s sports ecosystem. With strategic planning, strong leadership,
and a long-term vision, the sports sector is expected to make a significant
contribution to the state’s economy in the coming years.
Photo Caption (From Left): Kshitij Vedak, Sunil Walawalkar, Poulomi Kundu,
Karunakar Shetty, Ravindra Mangave, Mandar Vaidya, Vaishali Bhide-Barve,
Balasaheb (Bal) Toraskar.
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