PLAY FORWARD 2026: India, Germany explore sports partnership ahead of 2036 Olympics
India is looking to Germany for help in improving its sports infrastructure, training young athletes and building a stronger sports industry. The two countries explored closer cooperation at PLAY FORWARD 2026, an Indo-German Sports and Business Conclave held at the German Football Association (DFB) Campus in Frankfurt on October 30, 2026. The discussions focused on India’s sporting ambitions for 2036, including its plans to develop athletes capable of competing at the highest international level.
The event, presented by Bosch Global Software Technologies and organised in collaboration with the DFB and other stakeholders, brought together sports officials, business leaders, scientists, former athletes and technology experts. Participants discussed how India could benefit from Germany’s experience in football development, sports education and scientific training. A proposed 10-year roadmap is expected to bring these ideas together, though its implementation details are yet to be announced.
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India and Germany discuss sports development ahead of 2036
A major focus was identifying talented athletes early and providing them with better coaching, facilities and professional training.
India’s Consul General in Munich, Satrughna Sinha, addressed the gathering and spoke about opportunities for cooperation between Indian and German sporting institutions.
Discussions involving sports scientist Professor Jan Mayer and former National Statistical Commission chairman Bimal Kumar Roy examined how scientific methods could improve talent identification.
Artificial intelligence could help find India’s next sporting stars
Technology was another major talking point. Participants explored how artificial intelligence and data analysis could help coaches track athletes, study performance and identify promising talent.
Vikresh Gyanani, CEO of Evoco and a technology leader at Bosch Global, discussed the possible role of emerging technologies in sports development.
Broadcasting also featured in the discussions, including how regional languages and digital platforms could help Indian sporting events reach larger audiences.
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German football clubs and Indian experts discuss future partnerships
Representatives associated with Borussia Dortmund and TSG Hoffenheim joined discussions on developing Indian football.
Former German footballer Dietmar Beiersdorfer, Borussia Dortmund’s Julia Farr and TSG Hoffenheim’s Fabian Veit were among those who examined opportunities for young players, coaches and football clubs.
Former Indian cricketers Chetan Sharma and Robin Singh participated in discussions about cricket’s development in Germany. Para-athlete Deepa Malik highlighted the need for accessible sports facilities and better support for athletes with disabilities.
What happens next for India-Germany sports cooperation?
Organisers plan to develop a PLAY FORWARD Whitepaper covering 2026 to 2036. It is expected to examine sports infrastructure investment, international partnerships, AI-based training and pathways for young athletes.
Kaushik Moulik, founder of PLAY FORWARD, described the gathering as “the beginning of a larger mission” to connect India and Germany through sports.