Sanand Salil Mitra is a widely respected figure in the sports industry and academia, recognized for his humility, deep knowledge and transformative contributions. Educated as an AI specialist Engineer, empassioned for competitive sports and an entrepreneur to the core, he has always driven the change from ground up. As the Managing Director of SporTech Innovation Lab, he has dedicated himself to advancing India's sports ecosystem through groundbreaking initiatives, including the development of India’s first sports-focused human resource platform, a policy-centric podcast and a comprehensive sports encyclopedia. His work strives to make sports knowledge and technology accessible to all, creating a lasting impact beyond the elite strata.
In his role as Strategic Advisor for the Sports Management Programme at Jio Institute, Sanand rolls up his sleeves with quiet determination and innovation, shaping the next generation of sports leaders. His vision & foresight for India’s 2036 Olympics bid, meticulously aligned with the country’s developmental goals and the NEP 2020 framework, has earned him admiration across sectors. He has also encapsulated this vision in his forthcoming book, which reflects his deep commitment to blending strategy with purpose.
An international gold-medalist archer and a sought-after coach, Sanand’s journey is marked by two decades of dedication, from establishing centers of excellence in archery across the nation, conceptualising & executing mega archery events to contributing to state and national sports policies. His expertise has been sought by institutions such as the Indian Railways, the Pune Municipal Corporation and the Army Sports Institute, where his insights have guided the creation of infrastructure and policies that continue to benefit athletes.
Sanand’s voice carries weight in both academic and professional circles. He has delivered keynote addresses at prestigious platforms, including IITs, IIMs and various international summits such as the Nasscom SportsTech Summit and has pioneered thought-leadership initiatives like the Kreedangan roundtable leadership thinktank. These efforts bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and academicians to collectively shape a sustainable and inclusive sports ecosystem. His contributions include forging state sports policies for three states and leading strategic initiatives. He is also a prolific writer, writing frequent blogs on a range of sports, society & technology subjects alongwith his upcoming book, offering a unique perspective on leadership inspired by his journey as an archer and corporate leader.
Humbled by the numerous accolades he has received, including the ”Sportsman of the Decade” award, from national awards to having a road named in his honor, Sanand remains steadfast in his belief that success is a collective endeavor. His areas of expertise, spanning sports technology, policy, diplomacy, performance analytics and athlete management have solidified his reputation as an authority on sports. Through his work, Sanand continues to inspire a vision of sports as a force for unity, growth, and excellence. His journey is a testament to what can be achieved with dedication, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to creating a better future for the sports community.