IIM Mumbai Launches One-Year Sports Management Diploma: Apply Now!
The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Mumbai has taken a significant step forward in the realm of sports education by launching a one-year Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Management. This innovative program is a collaboration with the International Institute of Sports & Management (IISM) and is designed to train professionals who can contribute to the growth and development of the sports industry in India.
The course was officially announced during a seminar that saw the participation of prominent figures such as former BCCI administrative officer Prof. Ratnakar Shetty and WPP Media Head (Sports) Vinit Karnik. The event was well-attended by students, women cricketers, basketball veterans, and sports counsellors. Faculty members including Prof. Rauf Iqbal and Prof. Vivek Khanzode, along with IISM founder director and former cricketer Nilesh Kulkarni, engaged in discussions on the importance of strengthening sports management in India beyond cricket and improving support systems for athletes.
Speaking at the event, IIM Mumbai Director Prof. Manoj Tiwari emphasized the institute's commitment to translating India's love for sports into a professional career path. He stated, “India loves sports, and we want that love to also translate into their dreams which extend beyond the nation. With a course such as this, we are aiming at making sure our strengths as IIM and IISM help the future organizers and contributors of sports to grow on a global scale, not just national.”
Prof. Rauf Iqbal provided insight into the course's approach, highlighting that it will not be limited to event management. “We shall also teach students how to support the existing players, nurture them, manage their health and wellness requirements so that tomorrow we get those Olympic medals with the right training and management,” he explained. Prof. Vivek Khanzode added, “India is full of skill-sets; we need to simply organize the sector.”
Nilesh Kulkarni, Founder & Director of IISM, emphasized the importance of pre-planning and preparation in sports. He noted, “Sports is all about pre-planning and preparation, and with the experience we have gained, it allows us to prepare better to minimize the areas where issues persist.”
The program will combine classroom learning with practical exposure, ensuring that participants gain a well-rounded understanding of the sports industry. According to the institute, the initiative aims to address gaps in sports administration and create trained professionals who can work with athletes, teams, and sporting bodies across various disciplines. Participants and experts shared feedback on how structured training and management can help develop athletes from the grassroots level and improve India’s performance in international competitions.
This new diploma program is a significant step towards professionalizing the sports industry in India, providing a structured pathway for aspiring sports management professionals to contribute to the country's sports ecosystem.
