Sports as a Career in India

India’s culture in sports is still undefined. Although it has improved a lot as compared to what it was a decade back, it’s still in the developing / starting phase as compared to sports management abroad. So, let us explore sports as a career in India.

My Discovery of Sports Management as a Career

Being a national-level hockey player, I didn’t really know that there is a career in Sports Management until I took the Sports Management course at XEBS (XAVIER-EMLYON Business School) which gave me a better and broader idea about different facets of the Sports Industry. That short program actually helped me to know that there is a side other than playing on the field. I used to see people working around me when I played, but I was shocked to know that they are paid to do such jobs. I never in my wildest of dreams thought that Sports Management can help you earn and live life!

Before this, I had done a lot of volunteering in Sports events, starting from the Hockey India League to the Asian Athletics Championships to the Hockey World Cup, but once I discovered that Sports management can be a career, there was no looking back. I already knew a lot of people but didn’t use my networks properly because of a lack of knowledge about the industry. I started reaching out to people who already knew me and with God’s grace, I got to work in the Hero ISL for ODISHA FC and subsequently did an internship with Hockey India.

Initial Experience with Sports Management

Hockey India’s experience and exposure were something that helped me learn a lot as I got the end-to-end ownership of the overall tournament operations. I obviously made some mistakes but the learning I got from the tournament was immense. But that’s how you progress in life, right? I am really thankful to those at Hockey India who trusted in me to deliver. I will be forever grateful to them.

Then, I had got a chance to work in IPL 2020 but with it getting cancelled, I lost a big opportunity to work in India’s biggest league. Due to Covid, it was tough getting a job or even an internship, but, when you have the will and don’t give up, something or the other comes up. After three odd months, I got an opportunity to work with the Sports Department of Odisha and I couldn’t have missed this opportunity. I took it with both hands and it has been a really good experience till now. I hope I get to learn a lot from this. Working with in the Government department is fun and also tiring at the same time!

Networking in Sports Management Career

In all these years, all I have believed is, if you have got the right knowledge about the industry and clarity on what you want to do in life, you will surely succeed, doesn’t matter which industry it is. With sports just evolving in India, you can’t expect hefty pay cheques and a permanent job like any other industry. You should be ready to get fired any time.

With no proper structure of hiring in this industry, it’s necessary to build your network who can help you get work. With limited jobs available and not many jobs being advertised, you have to do a lot of cold reach-outs and emailing to get work in the industry. Here, “if you don’t speak to people, you will never get work”. After all, Networking is the key!

Don’t just reach out to people when you need them, reach out to people when you don’t. This is how it works. No one can guarantee success in life but knowledge, network and unconventional thinking can definitely improve your chances.

Be Good to Survive

If you want to survive in an industry like sports, you have to be good to everyone. A single bad impression might lead to the end of your career, because here only the jersey changes according to the tournaments, but people remain the same.

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About The Author

Sambit Mishra is a national-level hockey player. He has played for the state of Odisha at all levels. Currently he is plying his trade in the Sports business / management side of the sporting arena.

Sambit is both a passionate sports fan and an ardent player. His is directing all his efforts to bringing several positive changes to the sporting structure in India and is willing to move mountains to see his dreams become reality.

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