Uniting talent, innovation, and collaboration with “I Am Game
Mumbai: The inception of “I Am Game” is rooted in the collective vision and passion of its founders. Recognizing the immense potential and untapped talent within India’s sports sector, the founders sought to address the systemic challenges and create a cohesive, supportive environment for athletes and sports professionals. The idea for “I Am Game” emerged from a shared belief in the transformative power of sports and the need for a platform that could unite various stakeholders in the sports ecosystem.
We believe in it because it represents a unique convergence of diverse voices and expertise within the sports industry. Our mission is to foster collaboration and innovation, bringing together international, national, and regional sports federations, franchise owners, broadcasters, stadium managers, event management companies, and other professionals who are passionate about sports. By creating a dynamic, interconnected network, we aim to nurture talent, enhance performance, and support individuals at every level of their sporting journey. It is more than just a convention; it is a movement to build a sustainable and supportive sports environment in India. Our annual Conclave serves as a pivotal event where the sports community comes together.
Through these efforts, “I Am Game” aims to create a more connected diorama, empowering individuals and elevating India’s presence on the global sports stage. By leveraging the collective expertise and passion of our community, we are confident that we can make a significant impact and pave the way for a brighter future in India.
Mandeep Malhotra, with over 25 years in advertising, has been a key driver of brand growth through his expertise in strategic media planning, business development, and client relations. His leadership has earned his teams over 200 top industry awards, including Cannes Lions and D&AD Pencils. He co-founded The Social Street and previously led DDB Mudra Group’s 16 specialist units, cementing its place as one of India’s top agencies. Now consulting on digital transformation for brands, Mandeep’s journey from humble beginnings to industry veteran highlights his versatility. He’s also an avid biker and proud father of two.
Karan Singh Chettri, Founder and CEO of ESP 360 Degree Solution, brings over 26 years of expertise in experiential marketing and event management. Known for leading innovative projects like Cage Football with ESPN Star Sports and launching the Premier Hockey League, his passion for sports drives his vision for India as a global sporting force. His “I am Game” (IAG) initiative aims to transform India’s sports landscape by promoting participation, nurturing grassroots talent, and fostering a strong sports culture. Leveraging his background, the IAG project will include large-scale events, awareness campaigns, and collaborations across the sports sector.
MadeInMedia.in’s Kalpana Ravi in an interaction with Mandeep Malhotra and Karan Chettri explored the challenges faced in the Indian Sports sector, their initiatives in the field of sports, and the future of I Am Game…..
Excerpts:
What inspired the founders to create “I Am Game,” and what specific challenges in India’s sports sector were they looking to address?
The inspiration behind IAMGAME came from our collective realisation that while India has an abundance of talent, there is a significant gap in the infrastructure, resources, and strategic collaboration necessary to nurture this talent to its full potential. We were particularly motivated by the fact that despite our large population, our performance on the global stage, especially at events like the Olympics, has been limited. We wanted to address these challenges by creating a platform that unifies the various elements of the sports ecosystem, providing a space for collaboration, innovation, and growth.
How has your collective experiences and passion for sports shape the vision of “I Am Game”?
Our experiences in the business and sports sectors gave us unique insights into the challenges and opportunities within India’s sports landscape. We’ve seen firsthand the potential that exists, but also the barriers that hold back athletes and professionals. Our passion for sports, combined with our business acumen, drove us to create a platform that not only addresses these barriers but also fosters a culture of excellence and collaboration. IAMGAME was born from a desire to create something that would make a tangible difference in the lives of sportspersons and elevate India’s status on the global sports stage.
Can you elaborate on the initial steps taken to bring these ideas to life?
The first step was to gather insights from various stakeholders—athletes, coaches, sports federations, and brands—to understand their needs and challenges. We then set about designing a platform that could effectively address these issues while promoting collaboration and innovation. We are also focusing on building partnerships with key players in the industry, ensuring that IAMGAME would have the support and resources needed to make a significant impact.
What makes this venture unique as compared to other sports initiatives in India?
IAMGAME is unique because it is not just a platform, but a movement aimed at transforming the entire sports ecosystem in India. Unlike other initiatives that may focus on specific sports or aspects of the industry, we take a holistic approach, bringing together all the key players—from grassroots talent to seasoned professionals, from sports federations to corporate brands—under one roof. Our goal is to create a sustainable and thriving sports environment where collaboration, innovation, and excellence are the norm.
How do you plan to foster collaboration and innovation within the sports ecosystem?
Collaboration and innovation are at the core of IAMGAME. We are creating a platform that encourages dialogue and partnerships among diverse stakeholders. Through our conclave, we aim to facilitate workshops, networking sessions, and panel discussions that bring together experts from different sectors. This environment of open communication and shared goals naturally leads to innovative solutions and collaborative projects that benefit the entire ecosystem.
What are the key objectives of the annual conclave, and how does it contribute to the overall mission?
The IAMGAME Conclave is a cornerstone of our mission. It serves as a gathering point for the entire sports community to share insights, discuss challenges, and explore new opportunities. The key objectives of the conclave are to foster collaboration, drive innovation, and build thought leadership within the sports industry. By bringing together stakeholders from across the ecosystem, the conclave helps to break down silos, spark new ideas, and set the agenda for the future of sports in India.
In what ways do you aim to support athletes and sports professionals across different levels of their careers?
IAMGAME is designed to support athletes and sports professionals at every stage of their careers. For emerging talent, we aim to provide opportunities for exposure and mentorship through our partnerships with sports federations and experienced coaches. For those at the peak of their careers, we offer platforms for brand partnerships, performance analytics, and career development. Our aim is to create a continuum of support that helps athletes and professionals thrive from grassroots to the global stage.
How do you envision “I Am Game” elevating India’s presence on the global sports stage?
We envision IAMGAME as a catalyst for elevating India’s presence on the global sports stage by creating a more interconnected and supportive sports ecosystem. By fostering collaboration between key stakeholders and promoting innovation in areas like sports technology and performance analytics, we believe we can help Indian athletes compete more effectively on the world stage. Our long-term vision is to see India recognised not just as a participant but as a leader in global sports.
What long-term impact do you hope this initiative will have on the sports industry in India?
Our hope is that IAMGAME will leave a lasting legacy in the Indian sports industry by transforming it into a more collaborative, innovative, and globally competitive environment. We want to see a future where Indian athletes consistently excel on the international stage, where sports is a viable career path for millions, and where India is known as a hub for sports excellence. We believe that by building a strong foundation today, we can achieve these goals in the years to come.
How does it bring together diverse stakeholders, and what role do they play in the movement?
IAMGAME brings together a diverse array of stakeholders—including sportspersons, coaches, sports federations, brands, government entities, and fans—by creating a platform where they can connect, collaborate, and share insights. Each of these stakeholders plays a crucial role in the movement, whether it’s by mentoring young talent, driving innovation, providing resources, or shaping policy. Our platform facilitates these interactions, ensuring that everyone has a voice and that their contributions help shape the future of Indian sports.
Can you share any success stories or examples of how you have already made a difference in the sports community?
While the IAmGame platform is in its nascent stages, the upcoming IAG Sports Conclave already illustrates the significant impact and transformative potential of this initiative on the sports community in India. As our first major undertaking, the conclave aims to set the tone for a series of impactful changes in the sports ecosystem, driving India towards becoming a global leader in sports.
The enthusiasm and commitment shown by leading companies, sports intellects, and industry experts in joining the IAG Sports Conclave signal a promising start. Their participation is not just a testament to the potential of the platform but also an indication of the urgent need for a collaborative approach to sports development in India.
What are the future plans for expanding “I Am Game” and its reach within the Indian sports sector?
Our future plans for IAMGAME include expanding our reach to more regions across India and increasing our engagement with grassroots talent. We also plan to enhance our digital platform to provide more opportunities for virtual collaboration and innovation. Additionally, we’re looking to establish partnerships with international sports organisations to bring global expertise to India and to showcase Indian talent on the world stage. Our goal is to make IAMGAME the go-to platform for everything related to sports in India.