Interactive sessions with eminent personalities have built my confidence in pursuing a career in sports

I belong to a Tier-II city called Sangli and choosing a career in sports here is uncommon. However, I still managed to pick a career in sports industry. Initially, I had mixed opinions regarding aspects of this field. I was apprehensive regarding the job and how would I face people. However, after listening to faculty and alumni of IISM - International Institute of Sports Management, I am now sure that my career is in safe hands.

During my research related to this course, I found that IISM was on the top of the list. I went through the website, attended the webinars conducted by IISM, which helped me to see the clear path of sports career and it cleared all my doubts regarding career in Sports Management. As compared to others, IISM provides best facility, infrastructure, management, faculties, internships, and  placements.

I applied for the course by appearing for an entrance exam called Sports Management Admission Test (SMAT), which is the first step for taking admission. After clearing SMAT, next round was the interview/group discussion. I cleared SMAT exam and Interview round with good percentile and got admission in this well-known college. IISM also organises the webinars for the students who want proper direction to choose sports career.

As I come from small town, I was a little afraid of the culture over here. But the environment gave me the confidence that if you have guts to play then you can be the next champion. The teaching technique is practical and unique here. We have also met legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Virendra Sehwag. To improve our skills, there are many interactive sessions conducted by college and eminent personalities are called to take sessions. In the first semester, we learnt a lot through “P to E” sessions.

There are various cells that are working for the students such as sports cell, social cell, student relation cell and I am the member of social cell. We work for NGOs, organise Blood Donation Camp, donate sports equipment and clothes to orphanage, etc. IISM ensures that students get to imbibe practical skills for which we are sent to get experience on field at live events. I got an opportunity to intern during the India v/s South Africa second test series held in Pune. And now, I’m heading to Guwahati, Assam for Khelo India Youth Games 2020.

I want to become an athlete or event manager, because I have experienced all of what an athlete faces. I want to help grass root-level players who are not able to make their sports career because of family or financial reasons.

About Author

Sukanya Joshi is pursuing Sports Management degree from IISM. Being a sportsperson, she has played Badminton, Table Tennis, Lawn Tennis, Chess, and Judo. She has done Masters in commerce and represented University at University Nationals in Badminton.  She is an NIS certified Badminton coach and has been serving as coach since 2012 at Academy and also worked as a badminton coach at Podar International School.

Note: The views expressed in this article are solely author’s own and do not reflect/represent those of Shiksha