KJSIM & INSMA hosts Conference on Shaping the Future of Sport in India

Held in association with the Indian Sport Management Association (INSMA) at the Somaiya Vidyavihar campus, the event brought together sports industry veterans, professionals, and MBA Sports Management students to explore the critical drivers shaping India’s sports ecosystem.

The K J Somaiya Institute of Management (KJSIM) recently hosted a Sports Management conference themed "Shaping the Future of Sport in India: Innovation, Inclusion & Integrity." Held in association with the Indian Sport Management Association (INSMA) at the Somaiya Vidyavihar campus, the event brought together sports industry veterans, professionals, and MBA Sports Management students to explore the critical drivers shaping India’s sports ecosystem.

Dr. Christos Anagnostopoulos Delivers Keynote on Governance in Sports

The highlight of the conference was a thought-provoking keynote address by Dr. Christos Anagnostopoulos, UNESCO Chair on Governance and Social Responsibility in Sport. Dr. Anagnostopoulos addressed the rise of sports in India and emphasized the need for good governance and ethical practices within national sports federations. Drawing comparisons with global models such as Norway, he underlined the importance of adopting legal frameworks and governance practices to address challenges and unlock India’s potential as a global sporting powerhouse. His insights were particularly timely given the recent introduction of the National Sports Governance Bill 2024, providing actionable solutions for stakeholders to develop a robust and sustainable sports ecosystem in India.

Keynote Speakers Discuss Innovation, Inclusion, and Integrity

Several additional keynote speakers and experts shared their insights on driving innovation, inclusion, and integrity in India’s sports sector:

• Pradyot Sharma from the International Sport and Culture Association and Aman Jain of IOS Sports & Entertainment discussed the role of innovation and the regulatory frameworks needed to promote inclusion and integrity in sports.

• Vijayaraghavan Venugopal, Co-founder of Fast & Up, explored the evolution of India’s sports industry, sports branding, and its role in nation-building.

• Aditya Datta, Founder of Impetus Sports, and Ramakrishnan R, Co-founder of Baseline Ventures, shared valuable insights into sports marketing, branding, and fan engagement, highlighting the evolving nature of the sports industry in India.

Panel Discussion on Governance, Education, and Innovation in Sports Management

The conference also featured an engaging panel discussion with prominent academics and industry leaders:

• Prof. Meena Barot (K J Somaiya Institute of Management)
• Dr. Sandhya Manjunath (James Madison University)
• Dr. Shiny Raizada (Symbiosis School of Sport Sciences)
• Neel Shah (Global Institute of Sports Business)

The panelists discussed the future of governance, education, and innovation in sports management, emphasizing how these elements are crucial for the growth and professionalization of the sports sector in India.

Research Papers Showcase Diverse Sports Topics

In addition to the keynote sessions, the conference featured the presentation of 31 research papers from students and professionals. Topics ranged from gender pay gaps in sports and motorsports in India to governance policies and women empowerment through sports, showcasing the depth of thought and research being undertaken in the field of sports management.

INSMA President Highlights the Conference's Global Impact

Dr. Sarthak Mondal, President of INSMA, expressed his excitement about the success of the event, noting, "The vision of INSMA is to bridge the world of academia and industry in Indian sport. This conference was a great step forward, with over 175 attendees from 20+ cities and 8 countries across the globe. We look forward to further innovating with integrity alongside our industry partners."

KJSIM's Commitment to Sports and Education

Reflecting on the conference's success, Raman Ramachandran, PhD, Dean and Director of K J Somaiya Institute of Management, highlighted the institute's commitment to fostering well-rounded individuals through sports. “At K J Somaiya Institute of Management, we believe sports are integral to shaping not only top athletes but better human beings. As part of Somaiya Vidyavihar University, with a legacy of over 82 years, we emphasize values like innovation, inclusion, and integrity. Every student, regardless of their business studies, engages in sports twice a week, as we believe it shapes better human beings. This conference reflects our commitment to the transformative role of sports in education,” said Dr. Ramachandran.

Building a Future-Ready Sports Ecosystem

The conference served as a significant platform for dialogue, bringing together industry leaders, academics, and students to discuss how India can build a future-ready sports ecosystem through innovation, inclusion, and integrity. The event reinforced KJSIM’s position as a leading institution in sports management education and provided valuable insights for stakeholders looking to advance the sports sector in India.

This event marked an important milestone in India's journey towards becoming a global sporting powerhouse, with the conference laying the groundwork for future innovation and growth in the field.

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