CII extends Sports Business Awards 2026-27 entry deadline to November 10

CII Sports Business Awards is a dedicated platform to celebrate excellence in the business of sport. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on Thursday extended the deadline for submitting entries for the fourth edition of the Sports Business Awards 2026-27 to November 10, with entries now coming in from organisations and stakeholders across the sports ecosystem.

The awards recognise organisations, institutions, entrepreneurs and initiatives contributing to the growth of India’s sports industry, spanning grassroots development, corporate participation, inclusion, technology and entrepreneurship.

Instituted by CII as a dedicated platform to celebrate excellence in the business of sports, the awards bring together stakeholders from leagues, federations, corporates, foundations and the emerging sports-tech ecosystem. The initiative aims to encourage innovation, investment and professionalism while supporting the development of a structured and sustainable sports industry in India.

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The 2026-27 edition features 10 award categories, including School Sports Programme of the Year, NGO for Sports Development, Grassroots Sports Initiative of the Year, Best Organisation Building Workplace Sports Culture, Best Corporate Organisation Promoting Para Sports and Excellence in Women Sports Development. Other categories recognise sports technology and innovation, corporate initiatives promoting sports in rural areas, Athlete Entrepreneur of the Year and Sports Entrepreneur of the Year.

Previous editions have recognised prominent organisations and individuals across Indian sport. Among the past winners are Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the Pro Kabaddi League, Puneri Paltan, Haryana Steelers, Reliance Foundation, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and sportswear brand Shiv Naresh.

The entries will be evaluated by an independent jury. The ceremony for the 2026-27 edition is scheduled to take place in Mumbai on December 10.

Organisations and individuals interested in participating can find the eligibility criteria, evaluation parameters and application forms for the respective categories at www.ciisports.in.