Allied careers in sports will keep growing

There’s more to sports than what happens on the pitch and more career opportunities than you would think, according to sports psychologist Sumiran Tandon and strength and conditioning coach Ramji Srinivasan. They spoke of the options during a session on alternative careers sponsored by Sastra University on Saturday as part of the ongoing virtual conclave Mission Admission. Excerpts:

Do you see allied careers in sports growing in the coming years?
Ramji Srinivasan: Careers related to sports have grown in India in the last 10 years and will keep growing. You can choose to be a fitness trainer, sports trainer, data analyst, video analyst, sports psychologist, sports nutritionist, commentator and so on.

Sumiran Tandon: A young player needs all the tools to weather the growing competition and thus demand for professionals will keep growing.

Have the private leagues created more opportunities?

Ramji: They have opened up massive opportunities. I would like to see Indians as strength and conditioning coach, nutritionists and psychologist, but right now teams bring in people from abroad. It is an opportunity for youngsters to learn from them.

Are sports management courses abroad a better choice?

Sumiran: When you are applying for a course, whether in India or abroad, try to read up about the curricula and faculty, go and visit the institute if possible. See if what they are teaching is what you want to learn. Also look up the professors there and try reading their research papers.

In careers in sports how much is practical knowledge preferred over theory?

Sumiran: The knowledge you earn from visiting the field and observing the athletes cannot be achieved while sitting in a classroom.

Ramji: Bridging theory and practice is what makes a successful professional. You have to be able to make quick decisions. Your grasp of the subject helps, but how you deal with any situation determines your success.