New Delhi, August 1, 2026: Calling for a new era of global collaboration to play sports more sustainable, inclusive, and technology-driven, policymakers, international sports leaders, industry experts and sustainability champions came together at the International Sports & Sustainability Conclave 2026 held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Organised by Green Hockey Oceania, India and Green Hockey AG, Switzerland, the conclave marked one of India’s first international platforms dedicated to integrating sport, sustainability, innovation, and global partnerships. The event focused on promoting environmentally responsible sporting infrastructure, advancing youth engagement, and strengthening international cooperation through sport.

A Force for Unity Through Sport

Welcoming the delegates, Mr. Sudhanshu Pandey, Acclaimed Actor and Co-Founder Green Hockey Oceania India, said sport has the unique ability to unite people beyond boundaries and inspire positive societal change.

Haryana’s Sporting Ambitions

Mr. Gaurav Gautam, Sports Minister, Government of Haryana, said this is a commendable initiative by Green Hockey Oceania and Green Hockey AG for the youth of India. India has witnessed a transformational journey in sports over the past 12 years through landmark initiatives such as Khelo India, Fit India and the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, creating an empowered, energetic and aspirational young generation.

Shri Vipul Goyal, Minister of Local Bodies and Civil Aviation, Haryana, said Haryana has built a strong sporting ecosystem by providing world-class infrastructure, financial assistance and comprehensive social security to its sportspersons. The state’s vision is to nurture excellence while encouraging innovation in emerging sporting disciplines. Initiatives such as Green Hockey, which combine sports with sustainability through environmentally responsible technologies, are both timely and encouraging, particularly for a state committed to promoting green development.

He said Haryana is ready to extend all possible support to develop a robust ecosystem for Green Hockey, including facilitating manufacturing and related infrastructure in the state.

Building the Ecosystem: The Founders Speak

Highlighting the importance of the Swiss partnership, Mr. Gaurav Yadav, Co-Founder, Green Hockey Oceania, said the vision is to create a complete ecosystem for ice hockey in India.

Mr. Nitin Kumar, Co-Founder, Green Hockey Oceania and national-level ice hockey athlete, spoke about India’s untapped potential in ice-based sports.

The partnership aims to democratise access to ice hockey and skating while promoting grassroots participation, innovation, and international collaboration. This partnership marks the beginning of a new era for green hockey in India.

Swiss Engineering, Global Ambition

Earlier in his keynote address, Mr. Riccardo Signorell, Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Green Hockey AG, Switzerland, spoke about the company’s vision for India.

Throughout the conclave, speakers agreed that the convergence of Swiss engineering, Indian entrepreneurship, and public policy support has the potential to accelerate the development of sustainable sports infrastructure across the country.

Live Showcase at the Sport Expo

A major attraction of the Sport Expo, held at Bharat Mandapam, was the live showcase of Green Hockey’s Swiss-engineered sustainable sports for all seasons, including the revolutionary SHARKBLADES and OceanIce 2.0 synthetic ice surface and the world’s first immersive Black Ice experience, demonstrating how entertainment infrastructure can be developed.