SPORTS
Career in Sports:

The days have gone where Sports was considered to be as a pastime or a matter of hobby alone. It has attained a prestigious statues all over the world. The importance of various games is increasing day by day year after year. One can very well judge this from ever increasing popularity of Olympics, Cricket, Tennis Boxing to list a few.

One can well imagine its importance by the craze of sports lovers seen at the time of matches, the coverage it gets in newspapers, magazines and television programmes. It involves both prestige and huge sums of money. For few it is a full-fledged business to organize matches. On the one hand, a good player or a good team can bring international fame to the country, on the other it may fetch lucrative returns in the form of cash prizes and awards. Even otherwise an international championship involves as much as hundred million dollars. In order to cash upon the popularity of international sports events and avail of the opportunity they provide for advertising their products, the corporate world is spending astronomically high amounts of money by way of sponsorships.

Some of the prominent Indian companies which are sponsoring games are Pepsi, Reliance, MRF, Wills, Gold Flake, Ceat ,Titan, Hero Honda, Bajaj, Videocon, Samsung, LG India, kingfisher, JCT, Phillips, Coca Cola, Tata. One of thereforerunner public sector units is sponsoring players and tournaments. In addition, training facilities to the sportspersons are also offered by some of the big companies. Britania, Tata, MRF are some of the companies which have extended these facilities. These facts, in a way, indicate the potential of sports and scope it can provide to the players.

With the corporate world shouldering its responsibility for betterment of Sports, career opportunities in sports are increasing. While there are a host of jobs provided by the government organizations like Sports Authority of India, National Institute of Sports, Universities, College, Schools, Public and Private Sector Companies, job opportunities are also provided by Indian Railways, Indian Airlines, Panjab & Sind Bank, State Bank of India etc. Jobs to sportspersons are offered in the form of Sports Quota. For example, the Indian Railways alone takes 300 sportspersons in their jobs under sports quota. Besides getting lucrative salaries, the sports persons are also offered adequate facilities such as freedom from attendance in the office and are also given training opportunities.

For the students in the age of 9 to 11 years, National Sports Talent Contest is organized by the SAI for identifying the sports talent and providing adequate training in sports. Around 3000 students are selected every year.


Sports today provides a wide range of career opportunities. Unlike the earlier days when a player, after his retirement, could hardly earn sufficiently as his career was virtually jeopardized today the situation has changed considerably for the better. One can actively participate as a player in his hay days, represent his state or country, and make money as a professional player. Once he takes retirement he has the option to become a manager, administrator, selector, coach, etc. The following career opportunities are open to you:

Universities / College /School Teacher
Qualified Health Club Parctitioner.
Physical Fitness Expert/Director
Stadia Manager / Administrator
Distinguished Sports Scientist.
Supervisory / Counsellor/ Sports Officer in various Govt. Semi Government, and Private Organisations.

Sports Manager
Sports Physiotherapist
Specialist in Sports Coaching and Selection.


Sports Journalist:

Today we are living in a world where information is revolutionizing all walks of life and sports is no exception. Information is perhaps the first requisite. Besides exclusive sports magazines, today. If one is enterprising one can start sports coaching institute or may even start writing, if he has a flair for and ability to write. While one can become a sports journalist or columnist even without being a sportsman, it is but natural that a seasoned sportsman will enjoy wide readership and also get good salary. One fine example of this is Sunil Gavaskar and a host of others renowned players.

Gommentator:

As the T.V. is getting more and more popular a good portion of its time is allotted to sports activities. With the growing number of private cable TV networks the scope for opportunities as commentator on television and even radio are growing.

Self - employment/ Business Opportunities:

Growing industrialization leading to ever- rising pollution in urban areas, spread of literacy has made people more health fit. It has metropolitan cities; such health centres are having a mushroom growth. They are charging a hefty fee from their clients. Sports persons are most potential people for opening health and fitness centres because they are experienced and generally have good health, robust physique, stamina and strength to impart training. By making appropriate investment in creating the necessary infrastructure one can earn handsomely. In fact, it has become a full-fledged business like any other commercial business. Future in this field is indeed very bright.

Aparts from other business opportunities in sports, marketing of several sports events is a flourishing business nowadays. It was Mark Hume Mc Gormack who revolutionized the world of games and sports by introducing sponsorships. He established International Management Group (IMG), which is now promoting sponsoring and marketing a number of sports event in India and abroad. His IMG marketed recently held Wills World Cup Cricket internationally. He is considered founder of sports marketing industry. One can choose any of sports events and can buy marketing rights from the organiser. You can distribute space and time for advertisements during that event and earn handsome amount.

One can even open a shop for trading or manufacturing sports goods or sportswear.

The reputed players after their retirement have good opportunities to start training to the young sports enthusiasts.

Some Essentials for Planning a Sports Career *

Essential in Planning a Sports Career:

Some of the essential elements that may be of some help in making the many choices available in the area of sports are as follows:


Motivational Dynamics:

The very first factor which need to be considered is what motivates one to take to sport. Perhaps initially it is the orientation given by parents and environment, and facilities available to young ones besides the natural instinct for play, enjoyment etc. From the natural form of play to game patterns and then on to more organized forms of sport, for all good reasons an individual starts taking sports more seriously, willingly spending more time and placing it on higher priority than just a hobby or an outlet. At this point of time one also starts thinking of personal development and ambitions. One starts aspiring to assume a satisfaction. Being acquainted with sport a little more closely and being a physically active person, one naturally looks forward to sport as potential profession worthy of one's professional aspirations.

Self-Assessment:

Every individual is characteristically unique. In order to see as clearly as possible what kind of a person one has become through time, some kind of self-assessment is required. Such an assessment should be made in terms of the skill possessions including academic and physical strength, liking for type of games, degree of ease/ difficulty at working with other, recreational skills etc. to examine the weaknesses and the strengths of one's personality. In specific, self-assessment must lead one to realize the following traits related to sport and physical activity:

Do programmes related to sports and physical activity spark one's interest and imagination?
Do recreation and competitive activities attract you?
Do you appreciate sports by participation in them or by watching them or by organizing them?
Does watching TV or writing and recording about sport attract you or not?

Such traits are tremendously important for the consideration of the development of a sports career. Self- assessment of one's interest is highly important since it is the conscious efforts that enable one to expand and modify one's interest for better results.

Value, another attribute of personality, also have high relevance for planning a career in sport. The word ' value ' here refers to that which we consider to be excellent, important or desirables Each one of us places a high value on meeting our basic need of food, shelter, clothes and freedom etc. In addition, we must clearly visualize the salary, working conditions, service to others, job satisfaction, promotion avenues of sports career according to our personal order to preference.

Course of Study:

Choice of career is also dependent on the type of course of study available. In our country, at senior secondary level, physical education is available as one of the optional subjects. But, at college and university level, the only types of courses of study available in physical education are: (1) B.P.Ed. in colleges of physical education, and (2) B.Sc in general colleges.

Career Opportunities in the sport world:

In the Developed countries provide a fairly good amount of information with regard to career opportunities is provided through various government, non- governmental and professional agencies. In India, so far, not much of expert assistance is available. But there are other possible methods one can resort to obtain best possible objective information.
For example, good readers,


encyclopedias and other career related material are a good help. Talking to people having a comprehensive understanding of sport opportunities will also prove beneficial. However, once the career (s) of interest have been explored, one should:

Contact a successful person in the field and ask if he or she can arrange to discuss the career field in detail:
Request for information from various organizations that sponsors or serve as professional management associations within various career fields;
Read professional journals, magazines newspapers and books that may offer information on career;
Acquire some knowledge through social interaction and academic deliberation at professional platforms or any other such source to get maximum information to finally cash the opportunity.

Personal Professionalism:

The first and the responsibility of a profession in physical education is to present an image that reflects the purpose and goals of the discipline. One is expected to be continually participating in the dynamic pursuits of professional excellence. Some of the available opportunities are in the form of in-service training, while others manifest themselves through professional conferences, conventions and seminars as well as periodicals, journals and other ongoing research activities in sports. This brings first hand information regarding teaching - coaching strategies, techniques and in-depth understanding of latest scientific disciplines underlying sports and physical education.

Proper weight and good posture and other personal traits are always admired in sports professional. Beyond doubt, everybody cannot be perfect but it is within reach to present oneself as healthy and fit, a role model for society; practice what you preach.

In view of the need to invariably address small and big groups in physical education, it is highly important to be able to speak in an intelligent and effective manner. Good written expression should also be mastered to present the programme summaries, reports and future plans for effective action by the authorities and public.

It is also very essential to become active in existing sports clubs and physical education organisation. If, by chance, nothing exists in the immediate approachable environment, it would be most appropriate to organize one with the help of fellow friends and colleagues. It would help become visible in professional circles for potential and qualities. It also provides an opportunity for exchange of ideas, view research and new techniques.

An effort should be initiated to build a personal library of professional materials. If expensive periodicals and journals cannot be subscribed to, a pool system may be started with the help of other members. Support of money, literature, reference and the like may go a long way in the profession.

The professionals must establish a relationship outside sports field programmes also. It is always desirable to visit, meals, exchange views and spend leisure time with staff of other subjects. It may provide an opportunity to express oneself in the world of economics, politics, fine arts, etc. Such an effort is essentially required to strengthen and promote professional image.


Another important trait is to offer help on own to staff in charge for institutional programmes other than sports. The return of such an investment programmes will be in the form of much needed help during sports programmes which cannot be successfully organized individually.

Finally, for a corporate development a sincere desire to work with others should be displayed. One must be well-prepared, high-spirited, flexible, open minded and willing to accept the situation as a matter of fact.

However, it is equally important to be prepared to start with, to present oneself for professional identification. Accordingly, it is essential to write a professional resume, a brief bio-data for an immediate use as and when required. A record of certificates, honours, recommendation letters, various leadership positives help and assignment record (ad-hoc and special) can be of immense help in breaking through better opportunities in the career.

As one desires to be true professional in the area of physical education and sports, it is expected to always keep in mind that accepted traits of strong professional are being a leader and an ensured for conscious role model presentation, so as to achieve the objectives of physical education and sports.

In conclusion, it is submitted as a plain fact that today the only certainty has become the certainty of ever changing environment due to technological, political, economic and other such global factors. Hence, it is recommended to keep alert to events affecting sports world that have a significant impact on employment and career avenues. Such events are usually reported in newspapers and news magazines. Planning a career in sport is no doubt difficult, but exciting for all the reasons. This process can change your entire life; it contains all the adventures of unknown the new, different and unexplored; it is particularly one's own choice, where one charts one's own course.

BA/B.Sc. in Physical Education

1.    Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005(U.P) offers 3- year B.Sc in Physical Education, Health Education and Sports.
Eligibility-    Age between 17 to 20, passed +2 (10+2 pattern) or equivalent examination with 45 % marks.
    Notification- January, Last date- March.

2.    Banasthali Vidyapeeth, Faculty of Arts, PO Banasthali Vidyapeeth, Rajasthan 304022     offers Physical Education a one of the subjects for 3 - year BA (pass/hons) course.
    Eligibility-    Sr.Secondary (+2) of Rajasthan Madhyamik Shiksha Board, Ajmer or     equivalent.

3.    Indira Gandhi Institute of Physical Education & Sports Sciences, B-Block, Vikas Puri, New Delhi 110018 offers unique career opportunities (After 10 +2 onwards) university/college/school Teacher, Qualified Health Club Practitioner. Course offered are as under:

3- year Bachelor of Science (Physical Education, Health Education & Sports) (seats 70). Last date - June.

Eligibility-    Age between 17 to 20 years.
Candidates must have passed Senior School Certificate Examination under 10 +2 scheme in Second Division (40 %) of the Central Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi (pass in four subjects) or an examination recognised as equivalent thereto.


Additional Qualification / Achievements: Weightage is given to the sports achievements at various levels, as per criteria of garding of sports achievement during the last years only. A candidate should have preferably represented national (Senior/ Junior/School National) in one or more sports/games recognised by the Indian Olympic Association for which Indian teams participated in Asian/Common Wealth/ Olympic Games. Students having participated in the following sports are considered for admission:

Athletics, Basketball, Badminton, Cricket, Football, Hockey, Handball, Judo, Kabaddi, Kho-kho, gymnastics, Table Tennis, Volleyball, Wt. Lifting OR
Secured more than 60 % marks in academic along with First, Second or Third position in Zonal Competitions OR
International in any recognised game/sport be admitted provided the candidate fulfills the minimum eligibility criteria OR
As per the University norms candidates with 40 % or more than 40 % marks can apply.

IGIPESS also offers 2- years Master of Phy. Education and Sports (M.P.S.E) (Seats 25). Last date - July.


4.    Guru Nanak Dev University, Faculty of Arts & Social Science, Amritsar 143005(Punjab) offers Physical Education as one of the subjects for 3 - years (with exam each year) BA, BA (Hons) course.
    Eligibility-    (10 +2) exam. Also offers M.A. Physical Education and Post-graduate     Diploma in Sports Physiotherapy.
Notification- May, Last date- June.

5.    Kurukshetra University, Faculty of Arts & Languages Social Science and Studies,     Kurukshetra 132119 offers Physical Education as one of the subjects for 3- year BA     course.
    Eligibility-    (10+2) exam of Board of School Education Haryana, Bhiwani or     equivalent. Also 3- year BSC (Physical Education, Health Education and Sports).
    Eligibility-    Certificate in Physical Education or 10 +2 exams. With 35 % marks in     aggregate with English as one of the subjects.

2- year MA (Physical Education).
    Eligibility-    Candidates who have passed any Graduate degree exam with 50 %     marks or 45 % marks in the subject concerned.

6.    University of Madras, Centenary Building, Chepauk, Triplicane, Madras 600005
Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak 124001.
Eligibility-    10 +2 examination or equivalent.

7.    Manipur University, School of Humanities & Social Sciences, Canchipur, Imphal 795003
Eligibility-    10 +2 examination or equivalent.

8.    Manonmaniam Sundranar University, University Campus, Abhishekpatti, Tirunelveli     627008
    Eligibility-    10 +2 examination or equivalent.


9.    Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Faculty of Arts, Aurangabad 431004
Eligibility-    12 year Higher Secondary of Maharashtra State Board of Secondary & Higher Secondary Education or equivalent examination.

10.    University of Punjab, Sector 14, Chandigarh 160014 Faculty of Arts offers Physical Education as one of the subjects 3- year BA, BA (Hons) coruse.
Eligibility-    Passed 10 +2 examination of Punjab School Education Board, Ropar or     equivalent.

Also offers 2- year MA (Physical Education) course.
Eligibility-    Candidates who have passed Bachelor's degree exam in Physical Education or Post Graduate Degree in Physical Education securing 45 % marks in aggregate are eligible.

11.    University of Pondichery, Faculty of Arts, R Venkataraman Nagar, Kalapet, Pondicherry     605104 offers Physical Education as one of the subjects for 3- year BA course.
    Eligibility-    Twelve years Higher Secondary Education, Tamil Nadu, Madras or     equivalent.

12.    Shivaji University, Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences, Vidya Nagar, Kolhapur 416004 (Maharashtra) offers Physical Education as one of the subjects for 3- year BA course.
Eligibility-    Twelve Year Higher Secondary of Maharashtra State Board of Secondary & Higher Secondary Education or equivalent examination.

Also offers 3- year B.Sc (Physical Education, Health Education and Sports) course.

Eligibility-    Candidates who have passed One-year Certificate course in Physical Education and state level participation in sports/games or 10 +2 examination.
Age -    17- 20 years