Bengaluru: In a significant step towards strengthening India’s sports ecosystem, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) and TENVIC Sports have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch a comprehensive set of academic and infrastructural initiatives to develop highly skilled professionals for the sports industry and provide structured career pathways for athletes, during and beyond their competitive years.
Bridging Academia and the Sports Industry
MAHE and TENVIC Sports will establish an interdisciplinary academic framework integrating sports coaching, management, technology, and sciences to nurture talent for India’s rapidly expanding sports sector. The framework will be supported by a Research & Incubation Hub, fostering innovation in high-performance training, sports infrastructure, and athlete support systems.
A key component of this partnership is the creation of High-Performance Sports Centres across MAHE campuses, allowing professional athletes to pursue academic qualifications alongside their training and offering hands-on learning opportunities for students in sports- related disciplines through internships and practical exposure.
Recognizing the need for structured career transitions, the collaboration will also equip active and retired athletes with the skills and qualifications required to thrive in corporate and entrepreneurial roles. MAHE and TENVIC Sports aim to engage with industry stakeholders, sports organizations and policymakers to drive meaningful change across the sports landscape.
Addressing the Growing Demand for Sports Professionals in India
India’s sports industry is witnessing unprecedented growth. A recent Deloitte-Google analysis estimates that the sector – currently at $52 billion – will exceed $130 billion by 2030. The sports ecosystem, spanning manufacturing, technology, management, and operations, currently employs 47 lakh professionals and is projected to require over 1 crore skilled personnel in five years.
This surge is driven by increasing fitness consciousness, expansion of professional sports leagues, and Indian athletes excelling globally. To sustain this momentum, the industry needs a robust pipeline of qualified coaches, sports scientists, performance analysts, physiotherapists, and sports technologists, a gap this partnership seeks to bridge.
Strengthening India’s Sporting Legacy
India’s growing success in international sports has fuelled the demand for world-class support systems and infrastructure. With more athletes reaching elite levels, the country also faces a rising number of retirements. Many former athletes possess invaluable skills such as leadership, discipline, and resilience – attributes that make them well-suited for corporate and entrepreneurial careers. However, structured academic qualifications are often the missing link in their transition.
By integrating education, industry expertise, and innovation, MAHE and TENVIC Sports aim to elevate India’s sporting achievements, drive advancements in sports-related industries, and create seamless career pathways for athletes – both on and off the field.