PT Usha and Pullela Gopichand honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award as FICCI concludes its 15th Global Sports Summit– FICCI Turf 2025

by Kheltoday · November 22, 2025

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Rakesh Thapliyal

New Delhi: The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) successfully concluded its 15th Global Sports Summit, FICCI TURF 2025 at Federation House, New Delhi. Under the theme “Indian Sports: Forging the Path to Global Excellence,” the summit united policymakers, athletes, global partners, and industry leaders to outline a collaborative strategy for India’s accelerated success in the international sporting arena.

A key highlight of the summit was the onboarding of Australia as the Partner Country, underscoring the commitment to enhanced ties and cooperation in sports technology, high-performance training, and infrastructure. The event was graced by the Australian High Commissioner to India, H.E. Philip Green, and the Indian High Commissioner to Australia, H.E. Gopal Baglay.

The event featured an eminent lineup of speakers and industry leaders, including Mr Vineel Krishna, Joint Secretary, Department of Sports, Government of India, Mr Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary, Department of Sports, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, PT Usha, President, Indian Olympic Association, Mr P.K.S.V Sagar, Chairman – FICCI Sports Committee & President, GMR Sports, Mr Jonty Rhodes, Cricketing Legend, South African International Cricket Team, Mr Gagan Narang, Olympian & Vice President, Indian Olympic Association, Mr Charu Sharma, Commentator & Co-Founder, Pro Kabaddi League, Mr Vikram Banerjee, Managing Director, England & Wales Cricket Board, Mr Yuvraj Mahanaaryaman Scindia, President, Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association among others.

Other key speakers included Dr Amit Bhalla, Co-Chair, FICCI Sports Committee & Vice President, Manav Rachna Group and Mr Sanjay Adesara, Chief Business Officer, Adani Sportsline.

The day culminated with the prestigious Indian Sports Awards 2025, celebrating institutions and individuals who have significantly driven India’s sporting momentum.

IOA President P. T. Usha was conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award (Female category), while badminton veteran Pullela Gopichand received the same honor in the Male category.

Upon receiving her award, P. T. Usha highlighted the shared responsibility for sporting success and said, “Indian sport rises when we rise together. Talent exists in every corner of the country, but opportunity must reach every child. Our focus must remain on the athlete: clear pathways, strong systems, fair selections and support rooted in science, nutrition and mental strength. With global partnerships, especially with countries like Australia, and with disciplined governance at every level, we can shape a new generation of champions.”