The dynamic world of sports management

As a career, there is a lot for someone interested in sports, to unlock beyond the field. With a galore of opportunities, sports management professionals are in demand the world over

Danuska Da Gama | NT KURIOCITY

Sports — the arena where passion, sweat, and adrenaline collide — has transcended mere recreation to become a global industry. Behind every thrilling match, every record-breaking performance, live streaming, sports presentation (victory ceremony), and every championship trophy, lies a team of dedicated professionals who manage the business side of sports.

Back in the day, sports management was never heard of, but today, in the metros especially, it is sought after by youngsters. Several Goans too have ventured into this line, by sheer chance or after an opportunity came knocking at their door.

The passion for sports

Deeply passionate about sports, whether it is watching a high-stakes game or participating in local tournaments, sports has always been a central part of Priya Prakash’s life. And so, turning this passion into a profession has been nothing short of a dream come true for Prakash who is currently working with Sports Authority of Goa. Prakash’s career stints with sport include Lusofonia Games, Hockey India League, Badminton Premier League, Premier Futsal, FIFA U17 Men’s World Cup, ISL, FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup and National Games Goa.

“In my role, I get to organise and oversee various sporting events, ensuring they run smoothly. This career not only excites but also allows me to make a significant impact on the sports industry in my country. It brings together the thrill of sports and the satisfaction of contributing to the growth and development of athletes and sports programs. The sense of accomplishment I feel after a well-organised event is immensely gratifying,” she says.

Peter Fernandes who works as project manager at Deloitte, (project management unit for Sports Authority of Goa for the 37th National Games) also agrees that there is no better feeling of fulfillment than to be working actively in the field of sports.

One of the better parts of working in this field is that sports events are of short duration, usually three-six months work contracts with high salaries. The workforce is usually young and one gets to build a nice network of friends and colleagues throughout the country.

Most sports events are ticketed and broadcasted events; hence there is no scope for any errors. “The planning and execution has to be on point. If you have good work ethics and are able to work under pressure with non-negotiable strict delivery deadlines, a job in the sports field is meant for you,” says Fernandes.

The sports field demands a super active mind and body. One needs to quickly adapt to working with multiple agencies engaged in execution of sports events. “The work days closer to the start of the sports event tend to be filled with long working hours. So one needs to have the patience and resilience to get through lack of sleep and uneven food eating patterns on a few occasions,” he says.

“Working for major sporting events like the Indian Super League (Football) or Indian Premier League (Cricket) also gives one an opportunity to travel to multiple cities across India, says Fernandes, adding that his friends have had opportunities to work in sports events abroad such as the FIFA World Cup, Cricket World Cup, among others.

And working closely with national and international athletes has been incredibly inspiring, says Prakash. “These athletes’ dedication, discipline, and perseverance are a motivation,” she says, adding that travelling across the country offers a unique perspective, broadening her understanding of the various cultural nuances that influence sports and community engagement in different parts of the country.

By organising events, managing teams, and supporting athletes, as a sports manager in whatever role is designated, one can contribute to the overall development of sports in the country. Suhail Pervez who works with a national sports federation, has worked in Goa for sports events. “The sports industry offers a wide range of positions, from sports marketing to athlete management, game development, and sports psychology. There’s a niche for every passion, and these roles are dynamic and exciting.”

He says that the sports community fosters connections, networking, and beneficial professional partnerships. Besides, working in sports encourages physical activity and wellness. “Even office-based roles often embrace a wellness culture,” says Pervez.

Scope in Goa

Sports management encompasses a wide range of roles. From shaping the strategies of professional sports teams to organising events and analysing performance data, there are innumerable paths within this dynamic field. These include athletic director and coach, sports analysts, in management and logistics, broadcast, marketing, and several others.

In Goa, football may be the state sport, but even though people say that the sporting culture isn’t like other places, Goa has been host to several international sporting events and nationals too, the most recent being the 37th National Games.

“One has the opportunity to work for the government departments such as the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs or Sports Authority of Goa. There are also multiple opportunities to work for sports events that take place in Goa such as the Indian Super League, FIFA events and other major events held in Goa such as the World Chess Championship and International Futsal League. There are also opportunities to work for sports associations in handling their operations and managerial duties,” explains Fernandes whose career in sports started with Lusofonia Games 2013, after which he worked with FIFA in Goa in 2015 and then with Khelo Rugby in Kolkata.

There are always professionals who can work behind the scene to ensure the event goes on smoothly. Also, if ever you’ve witnessed a state level, or a local tournament, and feel it could have been promoted or organised better — that’s exactly the role of a sports manager.

“Today, in Goa, members of the association do the running and managing. As much as they should be appreciated, the sad reality is that sometimes even if they want to hire sports managers, they don’t know of people who can do it locally. And if they do happen to know some, who bears the cost?” says a senior sports administrator in Goa.

There is scope in football as we’ve seen during ISL. We’ve loved the ISL campaign over the years, though the numbers of fans at stadiums have dwindled. There’s also water sports and adventure tourism, a heritage sports league, MMA, boxing and other sports that could utlise sports management effectively.

Challenges Ahead

While the scope is vast, sports management faces challenges like balancing budgets, adapting to technology, and ensuring ethical practices. Aspiring professionals must stay agile and passionate.

So, whether you’re drawn to the roar of the crowd or the thrill of a well-executed game plan, sports management awaits you. As the legendary Pele once said, “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.”

A career in sports management is not just a job. It is a passion-driven journey that can bring immense satisfaction and purpose.

 

Mahima Shetkar who recently completed her final exams in college has been volunteering in the sports field for the last three years. “I started working with the Goa Amateur Boxing Association in the field of social media and public relations. I slowly got the hang of administrative work and learned the rules of the game. For championships, I now do registrations, medal ceremonies, time-keeping and announcing. I have also tried my hand at refereeing. Working as a volunteer for boxing at the 37th National Games, gave me the chance to interact with young sports management professionals. I will now be pursuing a diploma in Pune,” she says.

 

Skills you need

Ethics: Strong ethical values are crucial for decision-making and maintaining integrity.

Communication: Excellent written and oral skills are essential for public relations, marketing, and team coordination.

Leadership: Effective leadership is vital for managing teams, coaches, and personnel.

Financial asset management: There is a need to understand budgets, revenue, and financial aspects of sports organisations.

Organisation and planning: This includes managing events, schedules, and logistics.

Business communication: Interaction with sponsors, partners, and brands is essential.

Time management: One has to handle multiple tasks efficiently.