In the past, India’s youth were often viewed primarily as beneficiaries of development programmes rather than active participants in shaping the country’s future. Young people had ideas and aspirations, but opportunities to collaborate, innovate, and contribute at scale were limited. Innovation was often confined to laboratories and major institutions, while leadership platforms for youth remained relatively fragmented.

In 2010, India hosted the Commonwealth Games and found itself in global headlines. But alongside the celebration came uncomfortable questions around delays, management concerns, and systemic shortcomings. Beyond the headlines, it exposed a deeper issue within India’s sporting ecosystem. The country had talent in abundance, but lacked a structured system to identify, nurture, and support athletes consistently. Success often depended more on individual determination than institutional support.

A decade ago, a young graduate in India often faced a familiar dilemma. A degree in hand did not always translate into a job. Opportunities were limited, hiring was slow, and the idea of starting a business was seen as uncertain and risky. Entrepreneurship lacked institutional support, access to capital was difficult, and most young Indians were conditioned to look for secure jobs rather than create them.

A decade ago, India’s massive youth population was often seen as a demographic challenge rather than a dividend. Millions of graduates entered the job market with limited opportunities, low employability, and few platforms to nurture innovation or sports talent. Starting a business was considered risky, and many bright young minds had to look abroad for better prospects. Sports was treated as a hobby rather than a serious career, and large sections of youth in rural and remote areas remained disconnected from quality education and skill development.