Gandhinagar: Investments and business deals have always been at the heart of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (VGGS). But for its 11th edition, to be held in Jan 2027, the state govt is widening the summit’s canvas, with food and sports set to add new dimensions to the event.GIFT City is being readied to host the state’s maiden Global Food Festival, bringing together cuisines from more than 75 countries. The state govt is also planning a series of sports-related events, seminars and workshops around VGGS as it builds towards 2029 World Police and Fire Games (WPFG) and 2030 Commonwealth Games (CWG). Organisers are exploring several formats, including friendly matches in football, hockey and other sports. They are also considering a “fireside chat” featuring internationally acclaimed sporting personalities in conversation with an anchor.The 11th VGGS is scheduled to be held in Gandhinagar from Jan 10 to 12, 2027.Deputy chief minister Harsh Sanghavi said, “The first edition of the food festival will be organised at GIFT City to further strengthen its standing as a global fintech hub. Several events will be held at GIFT City during VGGS, with global CEOs and political leaders expected to attend. The food festival is expected to be a major attraction alongside the VGGS.”“All the partner countries will be represented at the food festival,” said an official involved in the preparations for the event. Cuisines from across India will also be featured, giving states and stakeholders a platform to showcase their culinary heritage and food enterprises before a global audience.The state is coordinating with Union govt on various aspects of the festival. Sanghavi said the event was being envisaged as India’s first “truly global food festival”.Govt is also looking to use the summit as a platform to build a broader sporting ecosystem in Gujarat and position the state as a major sports destination. A meeting chaired by Sanghavi in Gandhinagar on Monday discussed a preliminary framework of activities to be organised before, during and after the summit to promote sports and allied industries in the state.Sanghavi, who also holds the sports portfolio, said the initiative was in line with the Centre’s mandate to develop Gujarat as a major global sporting hub. He said the initiative would focus not only on the technical aspects of sports but also on inspiring young athletes by bringing leading sporting talent to Gujarat.“As Gujarat prepares to host major sporting events, including Commonwealth Games, and works towards securing the opportunity to host the 2036 Olympics, we expect an enthusiastic response to our efforts,” he said.“Top international teams and clubs will be invited to play friendly matches in the state,” an official said. “We are expecting about 1,000 people to attend these events. The details are still being worked out,” he added. The events could also be telecast live. Officials involved in VGGS preparations said seminars and workshops focused on the sports sector are also being planned.
