Harsh Jain On How Luxury, Tech & Passion Are Powering Indian Sports Travel

Travelling for sport is not a new phenomenon, but as Harsh Jain explores, the way Indian fans are approaching it—seeking immersive, luxurious, and tech-enabled experiences— means a tourist is no longer just watching the game but playing a part in it. In this interview, Jain sits with Travel + Leisure India & South Asia to unpack the growing intersection of sport and technology that’s shaping the next big travel trend.

Excerpts From The Interview With Harsh Jain

T+L India: How do you see live sporting events influencing the travel decisions of Indians?

Harsh Jain: It’s great to see a growing trend of Indians travelling to watch live sport. It marks a fundamental shift in how fans want to experience and engage with the game. DreamSetGo enabled over 15,000 Indian fans to travel in 2024—double the figure from the previous year. Sports travel is no longer just about watching a match—it’s about full immersion. Whether it’s a World Cup final or a Formula 1 Grand Prix, fans are seeking experiences that combine sport, luxury, and culture. The rise in sports tourism reveals something powerful: for the modern Indian fan, sport is no longer just a hobby—it’s a reason to explore the world.

T+L India: Do you see fantasy sports encouraging more fans to attend live sporting events?

Harsh Jain: When we launched Dream11 in 2008, our goal was to transform passive viewers into active fans. Fantasy sports are like popcorn at the cinema—they elevate the experience and keep fans engaged right to the end. When a fan selects a player for their fantasy team, there’s a strong emotional connection—one that often compels them to see that player perform live. Many fantasy users now travel to watch their picks in action, deepening their bond with the sport. That passion is what we aim to nurture, both online and in stadiums.

T+L India: What emerging trends do you believe will shape the future of sport, tech, and travel?

Harsh Jain: Today’s fan wants an experience tailored to their preferences. Technologies like machine learning play a key role in delivering this personalisation. There’s also a growing expectation of continuity between virtual and physical platforms. Whether it’s fantasy points updating in real time inside a stadium, or earning exclusive digital memorabilia during a matchday experience, the blend of digital and physical is the next frontier. India is becoming
a multi-sport nation. In addition to football, hockey, tennis, kabaddi, and motorsport, emerging sports like padel and pickleball are gaining traction. What’s especially exciting is the rise of female sports fans and travellers from Tier-II cities—making the fan base younger, more aspirational, and more diverse than ever. Indians are also becoming increasingly global in their sporting preferences. As a lifelong Manchester United fan, it’s great to see football leading that charge.

T+L India: Dream Sports is a tech- forward company. With DreamSetGo in the mix, how do you see technology shaping sports travel experiences?

Harsh Jain: As the industry evolves, the future of sports travel will go far beyond tickets and itineraries. Imagine fans being able to explore venues in virtual reality before booking, using AI to build hyper-personalised travel plans based on their favourite players or teams, or accessing matchday services via voice assistants and smart wearables. Augmented reality could enhance the on-ground experience, offering real-time player stats, fantasy insights, or even exclusive content layered into the stadium environment.

T+L India: Do you recall your first major trip for a sporting event? Is there an experience that has stayed with you?

Harsh Jain: One of my most memorable early trips was to Old Trafford (Manchester United)—one of the most iconic football stadiums in the world. As someone who grew up watching matches on TV, being there in person was surreal. Fans from different countries coming together, singing in unison, debating formations, and bonding over a shared love for the sport—it was unforgettable. Also, Manchester United beat Arsenal 2–1 that day, ensuring that my first visit to Old Trafford became a core memory.

T+L India: Are there any Indian or global sporting events you’d like to attend in the future?

Harsh Jain: The 2028 LA Olympics would be a dream. I’m also looking forward to another nail-biting World Cup final—something like the last one between Argentina and France.

T+L India: On that note, is there a historic sporting event or moment you wish you could have witnessed live?

Harsh Jain: The 1983 Cricket World Cup Final. That wasn’t just a win—it was a turning point in Indian sporting history. It made millions believe we could compete and win on the global stage. To have witnessed that moment live at Lord’s, to feel the crowd erupt as Kapil Dev lifted the trophy—that would have been unforgettable.