Are you one of those who have an in-born passion for sports? If your answer to that is an affirmation, and if you have ever expressed your feeling to make a career in this field then chances are that someone or the other has pulled you back saying sports is good for your mind and body but won’t earn you a daily bread. In order to bring about a change in this mindset and to make a lucrative career in sports widely possible, Nilesh Kulkarni, the founder of IISM and former Indian Test Cricketer, in association with Mumbai University has announced its three years Bachelor of Sports Management programme.

Q) What inspired you to make a career in sports? What was your main motive behind the foundation of IISM?

For me, the inspiration was winning of India in 1983 World Cup. It was 10 years ago. That was the moment when I started to pick up cricket and make a career in it. This is because I had heroes to look up to, to idolise and worship.

We thought of the foundation of International Institute of Sports Management when the Indian Premiere League was introduced in 2008. Back then, the BCCI offered a contract to International Management Group (IMG), UK to execute the event. That was the first annual property India had in form of business of sports. That’s when we realised that there is a potential and subsequently it turned out to be a right decision purely. Previously, IPL was introduced and now we have around 13 leagues, which have been introduced in India within a span of 12 years.

Q) What Being a former cricketer, how important do you thinks sports is in shaping and grooming a person for real world scenarios?

I think sports has a very unique offering with regards to how we look at failures, accepting challenges and of course your aspirations to win. It gives you an understanding that the challenges need to be accepted, failures need to be changed into opportunities and that further need to be converted into making sure that it is a potential win.

Q) What is the “Bachelor in Sports Management” programme all about? How exactly will it help those who wish to undertake this course?

Our Bachelor of Sports Management is a three-year Bachelor degree in association with University of Mumbai. This course offers specialisation in Sports Management & Sports Coaching in the third year. The basic idea behind initiating Bachelor in Sports Management is to make opportunities for students with a plethora of verticals and specialisations that are offered and available in India. Sports Industry is growing and we see only the tip of the iceberg when we look at the business of sports at the moment. I see a movement shift in the India industry just the way the Management, Engineering and Information Technology movement took place in the early 90s. I see sport as a movement happening in India and this course will definitely cater to those needs because the understanding of the business of sports will be introduced to the students

Q) What do you think is the main problem that the youth faces when aspiring for a career in sports? Has it improved with time or is it still vastly existent?

The fundamental challenge that the youth faces is patience and the perseverance being in this field. I think they need to realise that they do not have a ‘two-minute maggie’ sort of an option where they get instant results, they need to have patience and pursue the opportunity that they get to make a career. The good part about sport is that you get immense satisfaction and a sense of realisation for a fact that you are making a career of your choice. These are two contrasting things that will help you to make a career in sports.

Q) What Do you think this course will open up new opportunities for students who want to make a career in sports but not exactly become a sportsperson?

Obviously, those who have played sports but could not make it big in their respective stream while playing it can still think of making a career by association with it. They can make a successful career in the business and management of sport. I think this will definitely open more doors for them. In my opinion, sportspersons have the sense of understanding on accepting failures by addressing it and making sure that they don’t repeat it. I am sure that perspective will give them an edge along with the understanding of the management and the marketing of the business aspects of sports.

Q) What We know parents in India are reluctant towards children wanting a career in sports. What suggestion would you give to someone wanting to convince his parents to join this course?

It is very simple. If they are passionate about sports then here is the right opportunity for them. They have an advantage of getting bachelor and master’s degree, which are courses as general as BBA, MBA, BMS, etc. purely from a general management perspective. It offers an opportunity of getting a specialised degree. This will definitely help them to pursue a career in Sports Management.

Q) What Any tip you would like to give to someone before he makes up his mind to ensure a career in sports?

Remember one thing that it is not an easy field to be in. It is challenging and demanding! One thing that I can assure you is that it is immensely satisfying because if you are passionate, then take it up. This is the field that you should need to think about. In the end of the day, your ‘Mondays’ won’t be a routine. Instead, you’ll start liking Mondays.