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Nayana Nimkar
Gone are the days when becoming a doctor or engineer was considered the zenith of success. Youngsters now have access to different career choices complementing their interest and aptitude. The market today is so competitive that students give preference to courses that give them an opportunity to widen their career prospects. Niche career courses are being preferred by more and more students since these give them an edge over their peers. These niche courses help the students in becoming specialists in their fields.
Considering the many attractive options that the students face, MBA in Sports Management is chosen far more frequently over others due to its uniqueness and the career avenues it provides. This course offers a unique combination of business skills and sports. It enables students to get the traditional MBA training, including modules in business law and strategic management, and also hones their understanding of specialised sporting subjects. This course introduces students to the principles of sports marketing starting from understanding the psychology of every game to organising sporting events.
Work Profile
The job profiles of a sports manager in India is not just restricted to sports. Some of these are listed below:
Sports Marketing Manager: Marketing is a very important aspect of every business nowadays. The marketing manager is involved with the sports companies/teams and is responsible for the overall marketing of a brand. Considering the enormousness of the game sports managers are needed during seasons like IPL, Pro Kabaddi League, Hockey India League and other major sports events where the preparation for the same starts more than a year in advance.
Sports Analytics: Big data has had an impact on almost every sector and sports is no exception. Nowadays, even International schools incorporate sports analytics to study the performance of their sports stars. Analytics helps players to identify their strengths, weaknesses and understand the characteristics of their opponents. Analytics measures everything from the speed/ velocity of a person to mapping their performance every second. No wonder then that sports analytics is a booming platform for professionals today.
Media managers: Premium sports require good brands and media to be associated with. A media provider ensures the right audience and the right cost to be given for each sport. This is a very important service for all sports events. There are various channels that specialise in sports content such as ESPN, ZEE — Ten Sports, JSW Sports, Edu Sports, Libero Sports, IMG, etc.
Lecturers/ Trainers: With a degree in sports management, one can become a lecturer in reputed college/ universities. A lecturer can impart his knowledge on not only the practices and principles of sports management, but also help the budding managers to understand the legal and ethical dynamics of every sport. A trainer can help the players perform better by keeping them abreast with technology and practices and innovation.
Sports Event Manager: A degree in sports management will help you become a part of the reputed and loved sporting events in the country. Starting from planning an event to deciding on the theme and sponsors is all handled by the event manager. He is responsible for managing logistics, technicalities, staff and the overall look of the match or the event and to ensure smooth functioning.
Infrastructure management and development: Facility planning, redesigning and construction is the base for managing any event. The job requires handling contracts and agreements with industry agents and vendors. The manager in this role is responsible for ensuring that the facility, its workers, and the services are in accordance with state and local regulations as well.
If you have been inspired by movies like Chak De! and Mary Kom, and have a love for sports, then opportunities are blooming in our country. Choosing the right job is the only tactic.
— The writer is Director, Symbiosis School of Sports Sciences (SSSS)
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