India is poised to break into the top 10 rankings in the Olympics, a move that would mark a significant shift in the country’s global sporting stature, Katie Sadleir, CEO of the Commonwealth Games Federation, said at the second day of The Times Group ET NOW Global Business Summit 2025
“India’s work is transformational,” Sadleir said. “With the right leadership, infrastructure, and passion, India is on track to becoming one of the top 10 countries in the Olympics.”
Speaking alongside Luciano Rossi, President of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF), in a session titled “Crafting the Champion Mindset: How Sports Shape Nations,” Sadleir emphasised how sports serve as a catalyst for global soft power and national reputation.
“Sports are hugely significant in creating the image of a country,” she said. “Being recognised as a sporting powerhouse enhances a nation’s influence on the global stage.”
Sadleir praised India’s world-class sports infrastructure, calling it a testament to the country’s growing commitment to international competition. “The political support and passion of the people here are amazing,” she said. “The will is there, and people understand the power of sports and the Commonwealth Games.”
As India eyes a bid for the 2036 Olympics, Sadlier believes that successfully hosting major tournaments like Olympics will not only enhance its global influence but also provide a strong foundation for athletes to compete at the highest levels.
“Events like these will be crucial in elevating India’s global stature,” she said. “Hosting the Olympics would be an incredible achievement, and having the 2030 Commonwealth Games in India would be the right step toward that goal.”
Rossi, whose ISSF oversees 15 Olympic shooting events, echoed the importance of India’s role in the global sports landscape. He cited India’s Junior World Cup in shooting, scheduled to be held in Delhi, as a key milestone in the country’s sporting journey. “India is working hard—not just in Delhi, but in Bhopal as well. These efforts are concrete actions that showcase India’s seriousness about the future of sports,” he said.
Rossi highlighted the ISSF’s push for gender equality, stating that men and women competing together in shooting events could redefine the sport.”We want to see how the results are when men and women compete together. More women in sports is a priority for us, and ISSF is working hard on that,” he said.
Both speakers stressed that strong sports governance is critical for a country’s international reputation. “How you are perceived as a country also depends on the right structure, the right decisions, and the right leaders in sports,” Sadleir said.
Beyond national pride, hosting international sports events can yield economic and diplomatic benefits, said Rossi. He highlighted how international competitions can foster cross-border collaboration, even amid global conflicts. “There are wars happening around the world, but sport has the power to bring nations together. Challenges in sports can open communication and increase goodwill among countries,” he said.
About ET NOW Global Business Summit
The Times Group presents ET NOW Global Business Summit stands as a distinguished platform that has in the past hosted an illustrious array of personalities, both from India and around the world. This distinguished list includes luminaries such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the visionary Bill Gates from Microsoft, Brian Chesky of Airbnb, Arianna Huffington from Huffington Post Media Group, Dara Khosrowshahi, the leader of Uber, Reed Hastings representing Netflix, the innovative Steve Wozniak from Apple, renowned venture capitalist Guy Kawasaki, Anshula Kant from the World Bank Group, iconic actor Shah Rukh Khan, and the esteemed Economist and Nobel Laureate Paul Krugman, among other influential figures. The summit continues to be a nexus of unparalleled insights and global perspectives, bringing together the brightest minds to shape the future of business and innovation.