Sports and fitness education in India has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. Once viewed as just a recreational activity, sports are now seen as a legitimate career path, thanks to growing awareness, increased investment, and India’s success on the global stage.
Dr. Vipul Lunawat, Director of the Institute of Sports Science and Technology (ISST), Pune, shares insights with Triparna Ray on how sports education has evolved, the skills aspiring sports professionals need, and how technology is revolutionizing athlete training. In this exclusive interview, he also discusses the future of sports education in India and how ISST Pune is shaping the next generation of sports leaders.
How has the landscape of sports and fitness education in India evolved over the years, and what role has ISST Pune played in shaping this industry?
Over the years, sports and fitness education in India has seen a significant transformation. Initially, sports were seen as a recreational activity rather than a serious career option. However, with increasing awareness of fitness, health, and the growing success of Indian athletes on the global stage, the demand for specialized sports education has surged. Institutes like ISST have played a pivotal role in this evolution by offering a structured curriculum, quality practical exposure, and facilities that bridge the gap between traditional education and modern sports training.
At ISST, we’ve focused on creating a holistic approach to sports education, combining practical experience with theoretical knowledge. By focusing on specialized fields like sports management, sports science, and athlete development, ISST Pune has helped raise the standard of sports education in India and inspired many to pursue sports as a professional career.
Many aspiring sports professionals struggle with the lack of structured education in this field. How does ISST Pune address this gap, and what are the key skills that students gain?
The gap in structured education for aspiring sports professionals has been a challenge for the industry. At ISST, we recognize that it’s not just about on-field skills but also the academic, technical, and management aspects of sports. Our programs are designed to equip students with a deep understanding of sports science, sports management, coaching methodologies, and fitness technology.
Students gain a well-rounded skill set that includes leadership, team management, communication skills, negotiation skills, performance analysis, and injury prevention. They also learn about sports nutrition, biomechanics, and sports psychology, which are critical for optimizing athlete performance. Additionally, we focus on giving our students hands-on experience through internships and exposure to national and international sporting events, so they can directly apply their learning.
How does India’s approach to sports education compare with global standards, and what improvements do you think are necessary for India to become a global hub for sports professionals?
India’s approach to sports education is still catching up with global standards. While we have seen tremendous progress, there is still a need for more collaboration with international organizations, world-class facilities, and industry connections that help shape well-rounded professionals.
To become a global hub for sports professionals, India needs to focus on developing a strong grassroots infrastructure that supports all levels of athletes, from beginners to elite professionals. We need to provide more avenues for certification, expand opportunities for internships, and create global partnerships. Moreover, India’s focus should shift from just producing athletes to creating well-rounded sports professionals who understand the broader aspects of the industry, such as sports marketing, management, and technology.
Institutes like ISST are working to bridge this gap by offering specialized courses that are aligned with global standards and by facilitating international collaborations that bring global expertise to our students.
With sports management becoming a lucrative industry, what are the emerging career opportunities in sports management and fitness, and how can students prepare for them?
The sports management and fitness industry is experiencing rapid growth, and there are numerous career opportunities for students. Emerging roles include sports event management, sports marketing, sports analytics, fitness trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, sports nutritionists, and roles in media and broadcasting related to sports.
Students can prepare by gaining certifications in areas such as sports analytics, sports law, and digital marketing for sports. Additionally, pursuing internships with sports organizations, leagues, teams, and event management companies can provide hands-on experience. It is also important for students to develop soft skills like leadership, communication, and problem-solving, as these are essential in sports management.
At ISST, we focus on not just theoretical knowledge but also practical exposure, which prepares our students to take on leadership roles in sports management and fitness. We also emphasize the importance of networking, industry collaboration, and staying updated with global sports trends.
How do you see technology, including data analytics, AI, and sports science, transforming the way athletes train and compete?
Technology has revolutionized the way athletes train and compete. Data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) are enabling coaches and athletes to gain deeper insights into performance metrics, biomechanics, and fatigue levels. This allows for more personalized training programs and injury prevention strategies.
Sports science has evolved to focus on nutrition, recovery, and mental health, which are just as important as physical performance. Wearable technology, like fitness trackers and smart clothing, is now an integral part of an athlete’s routine. Moreover, AI-powered platforms are assisting in creating more accurate performance analysis and injury diagnostics, enabling athletes to improve their skills efficiently.
At ISST, we integrate these technological advancements like VO2 max testing into our curriculum, ensuring our students are well-equipped to use tools like performance analysis software and so on, helping them stay ahead of the curve in an increasingly tech-driven sports landscape.
Where do you see the future of sports education in India heading, and what role will institutes like ISST Pune play in shaping the next generation of sports professionals?
The future of sports education in India is incredibly bright. With growing investments in sports, the rise of fitness culture, and increasing recognition of the role sports play in holistic development, we will see more focus on developing talent from the grassroots to professional levels. There is also a need for more specialized and interdisciplinary sports education programs that combine coaching, management, fitness science, and technology.
Institutes like ISST will continue to play a central role in shaping the next generation of sports professionals. We are committed to creating an environment that fosters innovation, leadership, and a deep understanding of the sports industry. We will continue to focus on providing both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, helping students gain the skills needed to excel in diverse careers within the sports and fitness sectors.
By staying at the forefront of technological advancements and industry partnerships, ISST will remain a key player in moulding India’s next wave of sports professionals who can compete on the global stage.
