Is Telangana’s New Sports Leadership Vision Bold—or Misguided?

 

Recent announcement from the Telangana government left me genuinely surprised — not because of the Telangana Sports Policy 2025 itself, but due to who has been appointed to lead its implementation.

The News

The state has set up a Board of Governors for the Telangana Sports Hub with the objective of driving its newly launched Sports Policy 2025. It’s being projected as a visionary move to build infrastructure, support athletes, and push Telangana into the national and international sports spotlight.

But what drew public attention was the appointment of Dr. Sanjiv Goenka as Chairman and Upasana Kamineni as Co-Chair. Both are prominent business figures — but their selection has sparked a mix of curiosity, optimism, and, in some corners, discomfort.

Who Are They?

• Dr. Sanjiv Goenka: Chairman of the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, which owns IPL and ISL franchises. His background lies in corporate finance, branding, and large-scale management.

• Upasana Kamineni: Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals and a prominent voice in healthcare and philanthropy, with involvement in fitness and wellness sectors.

Neither of them is a professional athlete or a seasoned sports administrator in the traditional sense. But both have connections to sports through ownership, sponsorship, and outreach programs.

Why Might They Have Been Appointed?

Let’s be fair — this is clearly part of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) approach. Telangana seems to be betting on strategic leadership, networking, and access to private funding streams to power its ambitious vision. And on paper, that makes sense.

• Goenka brings corporate governance and experience in managing sports ventures.

• Upasana is known for healthcare + fitness advocacy and outreach, which could align well with grassroots wellness initiatives.

Their appointment likely signals the government's interest in attracting investments, setting up global-level facilities, and bringing in managerial efficiency.

Positives

• Corporate Oversight: A shift from bureaucratic sluggishness to corporate-style execution could help bring timelines, metrics, and global benchmarking into the fold.

• Networking Potential: These individuals have access to major investors, media groups, and influencers who can fast-track visibility and sponsorships.

• Visionary Branding: Their selection adds polish and PR value to Telangana's sports branding — especially if it wants to be seen as a rising sports destination.

But Here’s the Problem…

Despite these merits, there’s a fundamental concern: What message does this send to professional athletes and coaches who have spent their lives in the field?

• Former Olympians, national players, and coaches — many of whom have directly faced infrastructural neglect and policy failures — might feel sidelined.

• It sets a worrying precedent where corporate power outweighs ground-level expertise.

• Public perception may read this as an elite club being handed the reins of a people's movement — especially if it’s unclear how much funding or commitment they’re personally contributing.

I couldn’t find any public record confirming direct financial contributions by either Goenka or Upasana Kamineni toward the Sports Hub or development fund. That lack of transparency raises a fair question: Is representation enough if there’s no skin in the game?

Final Thoughts

This board could still prove to be effective — especially if it works with athletes, not just around them. But going forward, the Telangana government must do two things:

• Clearly define roles, deliverables, and public accountability for the board.

• Include more athlete voices in decision-making, not just honorary seats.

For now, this feels like a high-stakes experiment — one that could transform Telangana’s sports culture… or turn into another missed opportunity.

Would love to hear what others think.

Do you think this is visionary leadership or misplaced priorities?