CAREER IN SPORTS

INTRODUCTION

In the evolution of man from hunters to the modern day, activities such as running, throwing or even warding off physical dangers have come to reflect today in the sports that we play.

Sports helps in creating a holistic personality, healthy and stable body functions, maintaining hormone levels and higher immunity levels, besides managing stress and depression.

Sport is an exciting and healthy pastime to many, but if sport is really ones passion it can be a very rewarding and satisfying career too.

Sports careers include professional sports participation, training as well as the establishment and running of facilities providing sports services. The popularity and importance of sports are remarkably growing in recent years. With greater cash inflow, those with potential and talent can now consider taking up sports as a career.

There are successful players like Sachin Tendulkar (cricket), Abhinav Bindra (shooting), RVS Rathore, Sushil Kumar, Mary Kom (boxing), Viswanathan Anand (chess), Pankaj Advani (Snooker and Billiards), Shikha Tandon and Rehan Poncha (Swimming), saina nehwal, Anup Sridhar (Badminton) and Mahesh bhupati, sania mirza, Rohan Bopanna (Tennis), Gagan AP (Swimming), and many others who have raised the profile of sports people in India and have attracted youth to take up their respective games as a full time passion.

If one has to look at the growth and development of sport in India, 1982 was a water shed year. The Asian Games hosted at Delhi provided new infrastructure like modern stadia and holistic and fulsome training and coaching structure with the onset of Sports Authority of India. Media covered the Games in a big way and television beamed matches live to homes. All these aspects were replicated at a much higher scale and magnitude during the Common Wealth Games in 2010 providing spurt to sport on the whole in the country.

In recent times, various career opportunities in sports have opened up for interested youngsters. There are different graduate and postgraduate programmes for those wanting to build a career in sports.

Besides playing at State, national and international levels, a sportsperson can work as a coach/fitness instructor, umpire/referee or sports commentator. A career in sports journalism and photography is also much sought after these days. Individual sportspersons have become consultants in space.

If you have interest in sports and are not able to become a player then don’t get dishearten. Apart from being a sports person and playing for country there are some other ways also to connect with the sports industry

Coaching / Training: Coaching is a well respected and a much needed profession. Coaching at the top level, national and international, usually requires a lot of experience. For one the educational institutes, schools and colleges employ physical trainers who are usually referred to as PGTs and TGTs. Parents nowadays are preferring schools that offer a lot of physical activities like yoga, swimming, horse riding, etc. other than regular games and sports. All these activities require trained coaches and trainers. Other than that a large number of trainers are employed by fitness centres and institutes. Also there is a growing demand for skilled trainers to work on personal basis as well.

Umpiring / Refereeing: Games and sports are rule specific and need a judge to oversee that the game runs in its true laws and spirit. Other than having solid judgment for the game, a referee needs to be physically and mentally fit as well. He or she needs to be in control of the game and while being strict also has to show reserves of calm and patience. State and national sports organizations employ umpires and referees. They also work as freelancers, having a full time job and working in their spare time as referees.

Sports medicine: It is one aspect where there is acute shortage of trained personnel. Doctors, physiotherapists, dieticians, nutritionists, etc. are very much required to build, maintain and monitor optimum physical fitness. During the course of play also physios are needed to treat minor injuries, sprains etc. Doctors are also needed to train athletes on list of banned substances and to educate them on avoiding illegal drugs intake. Sometimes even common medicines may interfere with blood samples hence a sportsperson has to be well educated on what to take and what to avoid according to the WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) guidelines.

Sports media: Media has grown manifold in sports and even its role and functions have grown with time. Media is a fast growing industry in India and huge spurt in number of newspapers and television channels have only grown the need for trained media persons.

Sports Journalism: Most of the newspapers and TV channels have strong sports team nowadays. Normal strength of a sports desk is around 10 people that include sports editor, correspondents on various beats, sub-editors, anchors, page designers etc. Usually the entry into sports journalism is as a trainee reporter or trainee sub-editor and one moves up from there.

Sports Photo Journalist: Action photographs are lifeline for a sports story and brilliant photographers are worth their weight in gold in media houses. They try to tell the story in pictures and other than being at their creative best, they also need to be at the right place in the right time. With the advent of TV and sports channels, sports camerapersons are in huge demand. They cover for news bulletins and programs and also are required for live coverage. Once again live coverage is a very responsible job and requires great experience and expertise.

Sports PR Professionals: A number of Public Relations agencies have sprung up in the field of sports which require PR professionals with a passion for sports. Sports federations need PR managers, event organizers need PR managers and even sportspersons themselves need PR experts to guide them in the media field. Events like IPL and F1 have opened doors for a huge number of PR managers who work exclusively for sports.

Sports Administrators and Managers: Able sports administrators are required for maintaining and running sport federations and organizations. As sport becomes increasingly professional, the requirement for trained managers and administrators is only bound to increase. Right now job opportunities exist in both public and private sector.

EARNING

The remuneration of sportspersons totally depends on the sporting activity chosen. In this vigorous and spirited field, what matters is not merely the number of years of experience in the field, but also the capability of the sportsperson to deliver excellent performance consistently.

EDUCATIONAL AND TRAINING FACILITIES

A number of government colleges also run full time courses in physical education right up to the doctorate level. A basic structure of sports education in India may look like as under:
(i) NIS Diploma
(ii) Bachelor in Physical Education (B P ED)
(iii) Masters in Physical Education (M P Ed)
(iv) M Phil Physical Education
(v) Doctorate in Physical Education

Several Institutions offer various Diploma/Degree/Post-Graduate degree level courses in the field of sports. Some of the important Institutions and courses offered by them are as follows:

Indira Gandhi Institute of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Block ‘B’, Vikaspuri, New Delhi.

Name of Courses	Duration	Eligibility	Age
B.Sc. in Physical Education, Health Education and Sports	3 years	Passed 10+2 in Second Division from CBSE, New Delhi or Certificate in Physical Education of at least one year duration with a total of 12 years of School Education	17-20 years up to 22 years for National players.
Post- Graduate Diploma in Physical Education	1 year	B.Sc. Physical Education. Sports Sc. or B.A. (Hons.), B.Sc. (Hons.)/B.Com. (P), B.A. (Pass), B.Sc. (Gen.) from any University Recognized by the University of Delhi with 45% marks & who has participated in Inter Unit Tournament/I^st or Second Position in Inter-College Tournament/Senior National Sports events recognized by IOA.	Maximum age 20 years Relaxation of age Maximum 1 year.

Netaji Subhash National Institute of Sports

Name of Courses	Duration	Eligibility	Age
Master Degree Course in Sports Coaching (in Athletic, Basketball, Football, Gymnastics, Hockey, Swimming, Volleyball, Wrestling & Weightlifting ) Only at the SAI NSNIS, Patiala	2 years	Graduate with NIS Diploma (I/II) Five years Coaching experience.	Below 45 years.
Diploma Course in Sports Coaching (a) At SAI NS Southern Centre, Bangalore (Athletics, Hockey, Kho-Kho, Softball, Swimming, Taekwondo, Tennis, Kabaddi, & Volleyball) (b) At SAI NSNIS, Patiala (Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Boxing, Cycling, Cricket, Football, Fencing, Gymnastics, Handball, Hockey, Judo, Squash, Swimming, Tennis, Table Tennis, Volleyball, Weightlifting, Wrestling & Wushu ) (c) At the SAI NS Eastern Centre, Kolkata (Archery, Athletics, Canoeing, Kayaking, Rowing, Sepaktakraw, Football.) (d) At the SAI NS Western Centre, Gandhi Nagar (Cricket, Handball, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho.)	1 year	Degree from any recognized University with proficiency in Sports. OR Matriculates with participation in Senior Nationals, Inter Services, All India Police Games, All India Railways and All India Steel Board meet and National Sports Festival for Women for at least three years.	Between 23-35 years for male and 21-35 years for female candidates (up to 38 years in the case of SC/ST).

*For further details please see latest Notification/Prospectus of concern Institute.

National institute of sports

· M.Sc. (sports coaching) (Affiliated With Punjabi University Patiala)

· Post Graduate Diploma In Sports Medicine (Affiliated With Baba Farid University Of Health Sciences Faridkot And Recognized By Mci)

· Diploma In Sports Coaching (At Sai Centre - Patiala, Bangalore, Kolkotta And Thiruvananthapuram)

· Six Week Certificate Courses In Sports Coaching

· Coach Development Programme

· Ioc Solidarity Courses In Sport

· Advance Courses For In Service Coaches

· Refresher Course In Sports Coaching

· Sports Massage Course

· Ground Management Course (For Ground Men)

EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

Sportspersons can avail of the sports quota to acquire a job, although it is limited to admissions in the clerical grade, in various Government and Private Concerns. Among the organizations having sports quota are the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Border Security Force (BSF), the Railways, Income Tax Department, Customs and Central Excise Department, Post and Telecommunications Department, Police Department, the Army and some banks.

Others organizations like State Bank of India and Indian Airlines have built up national-level teams by offering security of jobs, generous travel benefits, promotions and leave packages to top players in various disciplines. Private companies too are in the fray: while Mahindra & Mahindra patronizes Hockey, and JCT Football. Both organizations provide employment to all their team players.

On retiring from active play, sportspersons can also look forward to satisfying assignments as Umpires and Referees. For this, appointments or certification by recognized state or national bodies is required.

Those with communicating skill can take up sports journalism, work with television, newspapers or magazines that have a sports column or programme. They can also get on to state and national bodies in the field of administration. Sports goods manufacturers often require sportspersons for marketing, or developing sports goods.

Trained coaches are in demand at all training Centres set up by SAI and by state and central sports bodies. Coaches can find opening in sports clubs, schools and colleges and in-house coaches for corporate sports teams. Physical education instructors train and coach students in games and athletics. With the growing interest in health and fitness, there is an increasing demand for trained physical education instructors at health clubs and gymnasiums. Clubs, holiday and sports resorts and hotels take on PE/sports coaches for training their clientele as well as for organizing and maintaining the sports facilities provided.

METHOD OF ENTRY

One of the better options to look for training is the various facilities of the Sports Authority of India. Usually the entry is at the 12th level. One can begin career at the amateur level and start participating in the State level, regional level and finally graduate to the National level. While SAI is at the National level, it has various State level branches that cater to the regional sport talents. Other than this there are various State level organizations that look after nurturing sporting talents. In most cases, the government bears the cost of training and in bringing in top level coaches.

SELF-EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

There are vast self-employment opportunities for persons possessing Degree/Post-graduate, Diploma courses in Physical Education. They may also open sports goods shops. They may start coaching classes in various fields e.g. Judo, Swimming, Keep fit Classes. Good and reputed sportsman may find suitable job opportunities in Health Clubs of Hotels on contract basis. Various programs are produced by various agencies. Sports events are shown on T.V. They can also earn by writing articles on sports in various magazines and newspapers. Many advertising agencies viz. Cibaca, Proctle & Gamble, Pepsi, Coke, Cola, OCM, Reliance, Airtel, Bata, and Action Shoes etc. take national and international level sportsmen for the advertisement of their product on contract basis. They are showing health aspects of sportsman of their products through advertisement.

SKILLS REQUIRED

Intrinsic talent is the basic requirement for entry into a sporting career. Some other skills are:

Self Discipline
Self confidence,
Competitive spirit
leadership Quality
Organizing ability
a liking for the sport
energy and enthusiasm
Dedication and preservation
good communication and business skills
patience, perseverance and sporting spirit
High level of mental and physical stamina
commitment to the sport and to the profession
Passionate about sport, Keen Interest in sports and games
Resistance and will-power to corporate with injuries and setbacks

INSTITUTE

Sports Authority of India (SAI) was established in 1984 to promote sports consciousness and competitive activities in collaboration with National Sports Federations/Association and other allied bodies. In order to evolve an integrated approach towards development and promotion of sports, Sports Authority of India and Society for National Institutions of Physical Education and Sports were amalgamated in May 1987, thus making Sports Authority of India the model agency in the country for sports. The details of each centre are as under:

Name Of Centres	Area Of Sports Development Programmes
1. SAI N.S. Southern Centre- Bangalore	Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamilnadu, Pondicherry & Lakshdweep.
2. SAI N.S. Eastern Centre- Kolkata	West Bengal, Orissa, Bihar, A&N Islands (The Centre runs diploma courses in Cochin for training of coaches).
3. SAI N.S. Northern Centre- Patiala	H.P., J&K, Punjab and Chandigarh.
4. SAI N.S. Western Centre- Gandhinagar	Maharashtra, Gujrat, Goa, Dadar and Nagar Haveli.
5. SAI N.S. North-East Centre- Imphal	Implementation-and monitoring of various development programmes in all the eight States of North-East Regions.
6. SAI N.S. Central Centre- Delhi	Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and NCT of Delhi.

There are several other academies and institutes under Sports Authority of India (SAI) that impart training to young students to transform them into talented sportspersons. Some prominent sports institutes in India are:

· Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education, Gwalior;

· Lakshmibai National College for Physical Education, Thiruvananthapuram;

· MRF Pace Foundation, Chennai;

· Tata Football Academy, Jamshedpur;

· National Cricket Academy, Bangalore;

· Gujarat University, Ahmedabad;

· National Sports East Centre, Kolkata;

· Adarsh College of Physical Education, Osmanabad;

· Amity School of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Noida;

· Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports, Patiala; Bhupathi Tennis Academy, Bangalore;

· Indira Gandhi Institute of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, New Delhi.

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has initiated several schemes to support talent and to provide facilities for encouraging them.

Sports authority of India implements the following programmes:-

NSTC - National Sports Talent Contest Scheme;
SAG - Special Area Games Scheme;
SHS - Sports Hostel Scheme;
NCS - National Coaching Scheme;
SPDA - Sports Project Development Area;
Bharatiyam;
Sports Scholarship;
All India Rural Sports Tournament;
North-East Regional Sports Festival; etc.

SOURCE OF INFORMATION

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Dr. NIYATI GARG

CAREER IN SPORTS

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