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In India, the changing of seasons heralds the rise and fall of various pet trends. As the newest addition to the roster, Indian fantasy sports are rapidly evolving with the integration of technology and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/data-analytics" rel="dofollow">data analytics</a>, transforming them from mere tools of intuition and fandom to something akin to the deep learning AIs of today.
&ldquo;Today&rsquo;s fantasy sports are no different than estimating the stock market using complex algorithms. Everything is a skill these days, and the one who optimises the data best becomes the winner,&rdquo; said FIFS&rsquo; (Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports) Director General Mr. Joy Bhattacharjya on the growing complexity of the sport in an exclusive interview to WION.&nbsp;
The mounting reliance on technology gained legitimacy at the Big Data Gameathon, an initiative spearheaded by Dream11 and FIFS. No longer did participants rely on basic stats, but rather built models that encompassed not only the players&rsquo; stats but also the pitch and weather conditions, and their performance against certain types of bowlers - to the minutiae of how a batsman plays against leg spinners on turning tracks.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ipl-2025-srh-vs-pbks-today-match-prediction-toss-pitch-report-and-playing-xi-8953893" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025 | SRH vs PBKS Today Match - Prediction, Toss, Pitch Report and Playing XI</a>
The point was made quite clear, saying AI is making advanced prediction models accessible to everyone, with or without coding skills. As one expert put it, &ldquo;Today, for someone who hasn&rsquo;t coded in decades, AI allows them to pose intelligent questions and receive valuable insight. That is transformative.&rdquo;
The purpose of the collaboration between FIFS and the ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) is to harness the potential within sport to inspire innovations while taking care of a new breed of sports-tech entrepreneurs. Their method is straightforward, though very impactful: Take India&rsquo;s obsession with cricket, integrate high-level <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/artificial-intelligence">Artificial Intelligence</a> challenges, and prize the top achievers.
Under a month, the Gameathon has scaled from 150 teams to over 650, demonstrating the massive interest this interdisciplinary approach of sports and technology has. Their partnership with the MIB further credibility and reach to ensure this momentum sustains for a long-term ecosystem.
&ldquo;What we&rsquo;re doing is combining a passion for sports with a passion for technology, which is a force we can&rsquo;t stop,&rdquo; Joy said. "Students are developing models for their favorite games and competing at levels where they are recognised not just for monetary prizes, but for notoriety. That&rsquo;s the real motivator.&rdquo;
<h2>'Focus is on India'</h2>
While cricket has captured the imagination of the nation first due to its cultural influence, the goals are far more expansive. There are already plans to apply the same principles to the ISL and I-league. The aim is to use Indian sports to further AI literacy and innovation in technologies.
&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t see any reason why this could not be applied to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/premier-league">Premier League</a> games or any other sport around the world. But right now, the focus is on India,&rdquo; he added.
Perhaps the most exhilarating feature of AI in sports technology comes in the field of talent identification. India's enormous area coupled with its huge population means that myriad athletes with exceptional talent go unrecognised due to the lack of accessibility and infrastructure. AI-driven sports tech can make that possible.
&ldquo;Consider how the internet transformed education in remote areas of India&mdash;AI has the power to do the same for sports,&rdquo; Joy said fervently. &ldquo;We're thinking about the equalisation of access to coaching, scouting, and player development. Every athlete in the global hinterlands would be able to be viewed, analysed, and provided with a systematic approach to achieving their goals.&rdquo;
With the advancement of Artificial Intelligence technologies, and with the development of more complex fantasy strategy disciplines, the question of whether AI is capable of substituting human spontaneity becomes a matter of debate. Although for now, it remains up to people&mdash;their imagination, the zeal to create, and technology.
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Sports: Indian fantasy sports are rapidly evolving, transforming them from mere tools of intuition and fandom to something akin to the deep learning AIs of today

In India, the changing of seasons heralds the rise and fall of various pet trends. As the newest addition to the roster, Indian fantasy sports are rapidly evolving with the integration of technology and data analytics, transforming them from mere tools of intuition and fandom to something akin to the deep learning AIs of today. “Today’s fantasy sports are no different than estimating the stock market using complex algorithms. Everything is a skill these days, and the one who optimises the data best becomes the winner,” said FIFS’ (Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports) Director General Mr. Joy Bhattacharjya on the growing complexity of the sport in an exclusive interview to WION. The mounting reliance on technology gained legitimacy at the Big Data Gameathon, an initiative spearheaded by Dream11 and FIFS. No longer did participants rely on basic stats, but rather built models that encompassed not only the players’ stats but also the pitch and weather conditions, and their performance against certain types of bowlers - to the minutiae of how a batsman plays against leg spinners on turning tracks. Also Read: IPL 2025 | SRH vs PBKS Today Match - Prediction, Toss, Pitch Report and Playing XI The point was made quite clear, saying AI is making advanced prediction models accessible to everyone, with or without coding skills. As one expert put it, “Today, for someone who hasn’t coded in decades, AI allows them to pose intelligent questions and receive valuable insight. That is transformative.” The purpose of the collaboration between FIFS and the ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) is to harness the potential within sport to inspire innovations while taking care of a new breed of sports-tech entrepreneurs. Their method is straightforward, though very impactful: Take India’s obsession with cricket, integrate high-level Artificial Intelligence challenges, and prize the top achievers. Under a month, the Gameathon has scaled from 150 teams to over 650, demonstrating the massive interest this interdisciplinary approach of sports and technology has. Their partnership with the MIB further credibility and reach to ensure this momentum sustains for a long-term ecosystem. “What we’re doing is combining a passion for sports with a passion for technology, which is a force we can’t stop,” Joy said. "Students are developing models for their favorite games and competing at levels where they are recognised not just for monetary prizes, but for notoriety. That’s the real motivator.” 'Focus is on India' While cricket has captured the imagination of the nation first due to its cultural influence, the goals are far more expansive. There are already plans to apply the same principles to the ISL and I-league. The aim is to use Indian sports to further AI literacy and innovation in technologies. “I don’t see any reason why this could not be applied to Premier League games or any other sport around the world. But right now, the focus is on India,” he added. Perhaps the most exhilarating feature of AI in sports technology comes in the field of talent identification. India's enormous area coupled with its huge population means that myriad athletes with exceptional talent go unrecognised due to the lack of accessibility and infrastructure. AI-driven sports tech can make that possible. “Consider how the internet transformed education in remote areas of India—AI has the power to do the same for sports,” Joy said fervently. “We're thinking about the equalisation of access to coaching, scouting, and player development. Every athlete in the global hinterlands would be able to be viewed, analysed, and provided with a systematic approach to achieving their goals.” With the advancement of Artificial Intelligence technologies, and with the development of more complex fantasy strategy disciplines, the question of whether AI is capable of substituting human spontaneity becomes a matter of debate. Although for now, it remains up to people—their imagination, the zeal to create, and technology.

Exclusive | How artificial intelligence and data analytics are transforming fantasy sports

India's sports technology sector is on an upward trajectory, with projections estimating its value to reach $5.78 billion by FY29, as per the FIFS Deloitte Report. While the country has made significant strides in various sports, football still faces hurdles in competing at an international level. However, advancements in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/artificial-intelligence">artificial intelligence</a> (AI), data analytics, and sports science are transforming football worldwide, offering India an opportunity to bridge the gap.
By leveraging cutting-edge technology, India can create a structured talent pipeline, enhance scouting efficiency, and develop players through customised training programs.
In an exclusive interview with WION, Johannes Grafinger (Head of Performance, Laz Wels Upper Austrian Football Association, Austria) and Dietmar Beiersdorfer (Former German football player and coach) stressed upon the power of data-driven insights in player development, recruitment, and performance optimisation. With a vast pool of untapped talent, India stands at the cusp of a football revolution&mdash;one where technology becomes the driving force behind sustainable success.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/heres-why-yashasvi-jaiswal-is-moving-to-goa-from-mumbai-for-2025-26-domestic-season-8917320">Here's why Yashasvi Jaiswal is moving to Goa from Mumbai ahead of 2025-26 domestic season</a>
Johannes Grafinger emphasised the transformative role of performance analytics in football development. &ldquo;Integrating technology and performance diagnostics ensures a data-driven approach to nurturing young talent. Precise tests and individual analyses allow for targeted improvements, helping players maximise their potential,&rdquo; Grafinger explained.&nbsp;
He also highlighted how technology reduces scouting time by proactively matching talent with clubs. India, with its vast talent pool, can benefit from a tech-led scouting system that identifies promising players from remote regions, offering them structured pathways to professional football.
&ldquo;For a country like India, talent can come from any part of the nation. A technology-led scouting plan can help to find hidden gems sitting in pockets and develop them into quality international level players."
"Young talent can also showcase their own skills and get found rather than waiting to be picked. Access to quality digital training content can provide inspiration and help each athlete chart out an inspirational path for themselves and set pragmatic targets around what they want to achieve. Ultimately a pool of home-grown talent increases India's chances of competing in the international arena and also facilitate player export opportunities in the transfer market, he added.
Dietmar Beiersdorfer echoed similar sentiments, underscoring how AI, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/data-analytics">data analytics</a>, and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/sports-science">sports science</a> are shaping modern football strategies. &ldquo;Technology has evolved from being a post-match analytical tool to an essential part of real-time decision-making,&rdquo; Beiersdorfer said.
He stressed the importance of analytics-driven talent identification and recruitment, shifting from subjective scouting methods to a science-backed approach. For a developing football nation like India, leveraging technology can create a robust development model, ensuring that young players receive customised training plans tailored to their specific needs.
<h2>Technology as bridge</h2>
One of the biggest challenges developing football nations face is the absence of a seamless transition from grassroots to professional football. Kaushik Moulik, an expert in football philosophy, believes that technology can play a pivotal role in bridging this gap.&nbsp;&ldquo;By leveraging AI-powered performance tracking, digital training modules, and data-driven scouting, India can create a structured talent pipeline,&rdquo; Moulik shared.
European football, with its highly structured approach to data-driven performance analytics and talent development, provides a valuable blueprint. From AI-powered injury prediction models to real-time tactical analysis, clubs like TSG Hoffenheim have demonstrated how cutting-edge technology can transform the sport.&nbsp;
By adopting best practices from Europe, India has the opportunity to evolve from being a spectator nation to a competitive player in the international football ecosystem.
Meanwhile, Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports Director-General Mr. Joy Bhattacharjya shared his opinion on the topic. He said, "AI's ability to create tailored solutions for diverse individuals is significant. It can adapt to different sports' biomechanics, such as cricket and football, and even within cricket, distinguishing between a batter's and a bowler's needs."
"Unlike rigid prompts, AI leverages large language models and machine learning to provide context-specific insights. This is particularly impactful at the grassroots level in India, where language barriers exist, especially in rural areas. AI helps bridge this gap by simplifying instructions, making sports more accessible to a wider audience," he added.
Dietmar Beiersdorfer and Johannes Grafinger were part of the panel discussion on the topic &ndash;&lsquo;Leveraging technology to elevate the sports arena&rsquo;, at IndiaSoft 2025 organised by Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council (ESC). The discussion was moderated by Kaushik Moulik.

Football, Sports: With advancements in AI, data analytics, and sports science are transforming football worldwide, offering India an opportunity to bridge the gap

India's sports technology sector is on an upward trajectory, with projections estimating its value to reach $5.78 billion by FY29, as per the FIFS Deloitte Report. While the country has made significant strides in various sports, football still faces hurdles in competing at an international level. However, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and sports science are transforming football worldwide, offering India an opportunity to bridge the gap. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, India can create a structured talent pipeline, enhance scouting efficiency, and develop players through customised training programs. In an exclusive interview with WION, Johannes Grafinger (Head of Performance, Laz Wels Upper Austrian Football Association, Austria) and Dietmar Beiersdorfer (Former German football player and coach) stressed upon the power of data-driven insights in player development, recruitment, and performance optimisation. With a vast pool of untapped talent, India stands at the cusp of a football revolution—one where technology becomes the driving force behind sustainable success. Also Read: Here's why Yashasvi Jaiswal is moving to Goa from Mumbai ahead of 2025-26 domestic season Johannes Grafinger emphasised the transformative role of performance analytics in football development. “Integrating technology and performance diagnostics ensures a data-driven approach to nurturing young talent. Precise tests and individual analyses allow for targeted improvements, helping players maximise their potential,” Grafinger explained. He also highlighted how technology reduces scouting time by proactively matching talent with clubs. India, with its vast talent pool, can benefit from a tech-led scouting system that identifies promising players from remote regions, offering them structured pathways to professional football. “For a country like India, talent can come from any part of the nation. A technology-led scouting plan can help to find hidden gems sitting in pockets and develop them into quality international level players." "Young talent can also showcase their own skills and get found rather than waiting to be picked. Access to quality digital training content can provide inspiration and help each athlete chart out an inspirational path for themselves and set pragmatic targets around what they want to achieve. Ultimately a pool of home-grown talent increases India's chances of competing in the international arena and also facilitate player export opportunities in the transfer market, he added. Dietmar Beiersdorfer echoed similar sentiments, underscoring how AI, data analytics, and sports science are shaping modern football strategies. “Technology has evolved from being a post-match analytical tool to an essential part of real-time decision-making,” Beiersdorfer said. He stressed the importance of analytics-driven talent identification and recruitment, shifting from subjective scouting methods to a science-backed approach. For a developing football nation like India, leveraging technology can create a robust development model, ensuring that young players receive customised training plans tailored to their specific needs. Technology as bridge One of the biggest challenges developing football nations face is the absence of a seamless transition from grassroots to professional football. Kaushik Moulik, an expert in football philosophy, believes that technology can play a pivotal role in bridging this gap. “By leveraging AI-powered performance tracking, digital training modules, and data-driven scouting, India can create a structured talent pipeline,” Moulik shared. European football, with its highly structured approach to data-driven performance analytics and talent development, provides a valuable blueprint. From AI-powered injury prediction models to real-time tactical analysis, clubs like TSG Hoffenheim have demonstrated how cutting-edge technology can transform the sport. By adopting best practices from Europe, India has the opportunity to evolve from being a spectator nation to a competitive player in the international football ecosystem. Meanwhile, Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports Director-General Mr. Joy Bhattacharjya shared his opinion on the topic. He said, "AI's ability to create tailored solutions for diverse individuals is significant. It can adapt to different sports' biomechanics, such as cricket and football, and even within cricket, distinguishing between a batter's and a bowler's needs." "Unlike rigid prompts, AI leverages large language models and machine learning to provide context-specific insights. This is particularly impactful at the grassroots level in India, where language barriers exist, especially in rural areas. AI helps bridge this gap by simplifying instructions, making sports more accessible to a wider audience," he added. Dietmar Beiersdorfer and Johannes Grafinger were part of the panel discussion on the topic –‘Leveraging technology to elevate the sports arena’, at IndiaSoft 2025 organised by Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council (ESC). The discussion was moderated by Kaushik Moulik.

Exclusive | Scouting the future: Can India leverage technology for global success? Experts have their say

Indian Air Force Chief VR Chaudhari said that the Air Force's pilot training courses could be significantly enhanced with the use of Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics. Pointing out that the complete flight data of every sortie (flight) undertaken by a trainee pilot is stored digitally, he reasoned that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Analytics tools could be used to comprehensively evaluate the pilots, instead of just grading the pilots based on one test sortie.

He implied that the vast amounts of flight data and parameters from the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) could be used to continuously assess the pilot trainees, instead of just having their instructors grading them on specific test flights (at the end of a course module).

Speaking at the International Pilot Training Symposium at Air Force Station Tambaram, Chennai, he mentioned the advantages of having AI and software tools that could assess the vast amounts of flight data generated by a trainee and offer valuable insights on performance and progress.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/su-30mki-rafale-simulators-must-be-networked-for-complex-combat-scenarios-iaf-chief-655152">Su-30MKI, Rafale simulators must be networked for complex combat scenarios: IAF Chief</a>

"The AI and Data analytics interpretation of this detailed flight data would provide an accurate, evidence-based, and unbiased evaluation of a trainee's performance," he said.&nbsp;

Comparing the rapidly-evolving times, the Air Chief Marshal light-heartedly said, at one point in time cadets who used to join the Air Force would not even have driven a two-wheeler, but today the kind of tech-savvy youth that are coming in would have already landed fighter planes successfully on aircraft-carrier decks, in the realistic Flight Simulator video game.

He made this reference to touch upon the importance of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality in imparting effective simulation-based training and how these have become easily accessible for today's youth.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indias-jaishankar-emphasises-on-two-state-solution-in-talks-with-israeli-counterpart-655142">India's Jaishankar emphasises on 'two-state solution' in talks with Israeli counterpart</a>

On the need to provide training that is relevant for the tech-savvy generation and offer student-specific training as per an individual's capability, he queried, "Do they need the same training as us? Can some candidates progress faster than others? Can they (the top performers) move on to more complicated exercises within the same course timeframe?"

Referring to the linear approach (Basic-Intermediate-Advanced) pilot training that the Indian Air Force follows, he noted that the French Air and Space Force and Spanish Air Force had done away with the intermediate training phase.

He stated that the French trainees would train by flying basic trainer aircraft and then directly progress to Rafale fighter jets, thanks to the large-scale availability of sophisticated simulators for advanced fighter aircraft.

Watch | Eco-friendly material for your home decor

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Quoting a DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) trial in the US, the Air Chief Marshal said how an AI algorithm had defeated an experienced fighter pilot 5-0, in simulated fighting. He used this to stress how the AI had fought differently and stated that successful aviators train differently. Meanwhile, he also said that the role of pilots has transformed from flying the plane to operating a wide range of systems.&nbsp;

Air Force Station Tambaram, houses the Indian Air Force's Flying Instructors School (FIS). The FIS is tasked to impart quality training to experienced Air Force pilots and mould them into extremely skilled Qualified Flying Instructors.

At FIS, the flying skills and professional knowledge of these under-training QFIs are honed to enable them to undertake the arduous task of imparting flying training more effectively and efficiently.

The QFIs who successfully graduate from FIS are entrusted with the responsibility of training ab-initio pilots at flying training establishments and moulding them into future Air Warriors. The FIS was established in Ambala, Haryana, in the year 1948 and then moved to Tambaram, Chennai, in 1954. This year marks the platinum jubilee of the FIS.

Indian Air Force Chief VR Chaudhari said that the Air Force's pilot training courses could be significantly enhanced with the use of Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics.

Indian Air Force Chief VR Chaudhari said that the Air Force's pilot training courses could be significantly enhanced with the use of Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics. Pointing out that the complete flight data of every sortie (flight) undertaken by a trainee pilot is stored digitally, he reasoned that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Analytics tools could be used to comprehensively evaluate the pilots, instead of just grading the pilots based on one test sortie. He implied that the vast amounts of flight data and parameters from the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) could be used to continuously assess the pilot trainees, instead of just having their instructors grading them on specific test flights (at the end of a course module). Speaking at the International Pilot Training Symposium at Air Force Station Tambaram, Chennai, he mentioned the advantages of having AI and software tools that could assess the vast amounts of flight data generated by a trainee and offer valuable insights on performance and progress. Also Read | Su-30MKI, Rafale simulators must be networked for complex combat scenarios: IAF Chief "The AI and Data analytics interpretation of this detailed flight data would provide an accurate, evidence-based, and unbiased evaluation of a trainee's performance," he said. Comparing the rapidly-evolving times, the Air Chief Marshal light-heartedly said, at one point in time cadets who used to join the Air Force would not even have driven a two-wheeler, but today the kind of tech-savvy youth that are coming in would have already landed fighter planes successfully on aircraft-carrier decks, in the realistic Flight Simulator video game. He made this reference to touch upon the importance of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality in imparting effective simulation-based training and how these have become easily accessible for today's youth. Also Read | India's Jaishankar emphasises on 'two-state solution' in talks with Israeli counterpart On the need to provide training that is relevant for the tech-savvy generation and offer student-specific training as per an individual's capability, he queried, "Do they need the same training as us? Can some candidates progress faster than others? Can they (the top performers) move on to more complicated exercises within the same course timeframe?" Referring to the linear approach (Basic-Intermediate-Advanced) pilot training that the Indian Air Force follows, he noted that the French Air and Space Force and Spanish Air Force had done away with the intermediate training phase. He stated that the French trainees would train by flying basic trainer aircraft and then directly progress to Rafale fighter jets, thanks to the large-scale availability of sophisticated simulators for advanced fighter aircraft. Watch | Eco-friendly material for your home decor × Quoting a DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) trial in the US, the Air Chief Marshal said how an AI algorithm had defeated an experienced fighter pilot 5-0, in simulated fighting. He used this to stress how the AI had fought differently and stated that successful aviators train differently. Meanwhile, he also said that the role of pilots has transformed from flying the plane to operating a wide range of systems. Air Force Station Tambaram, houses the Indian Air Force's Flying Instructors School (FIS). The FIS is tasked to impart quality training to experienced Air Force pilots and mould them into extremely skilled Qualified Flying Instructors. At FIS, the flying skills and professional knowledge of these under-training QFIs are honed to enable them to undertake the arduous task of imparting flying training more effectively and efficiently. The QFIs who successfully graduate from FIS are entrusted with the responsibility of training ab-initio pilots at flying training establishments and moulding them into future Air Warriors. The FIS was established in Ambala, Haryana, in the year 1948 and then moved to Tambaram, Chennai, in 1954. This year marks the platinum jubilee of the FIS.

Indian Air Force chief mulls use of AI & Data Analytics tools to train, evaluate pilots

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