SPORT IKONS : Neeraj Chopra, and Manu Bhaker
Neeraj Chopra, Manu Bhaker, Sarabjot Singh, Swapnil Kusale, Aman Sehrawat, and the Indian hockey team were instrumental in securing six medals for India at the Paris 2024 Olympics, comprising one silver and five bronze.
Manu Bhaker, a Haryana native, is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Public Administration at DAV College, Chandigarh. Her journey exemplifies the balance between athletic excellence and academic success. Bhaker has consistently shone on the international stage, winning gold in the women’s 25m pistol team event at the 2022 Asian Games and an individual gold in the women’s 10m air pistol event at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, where she set a new Commonwealth Games record. At just 16, she became the youngest Indian to win a gold medal at the ISSF World Cup in 2018. Her shooting career began at the age of 14 when her father invested ₹1,50,000 to support her passion.
Neeraj Chopra, PVSM, VSM, OLY, born on December 24, 1997, is hailed as India’s greatest javelin thrower. He made history by winning the gold medal at the 2020 Olympics, becoming the first Asian athlete to do so in javelin. He further cemented his legacy with a gold at the 2023 World Athletics Championships, again marking a first for an Asian athlete. Chopra has secured gold medals in nearly every major javelin competition, maintaining an impressive streak of podium finishes in 23 consecutive events since 2020.
Born into a Haryanvi Ror agricultural family, Chopra began his education at BVN Public School in Panipat. His interest in javelin was sparked by watching athletes practice at a nearby stadium while he trained at a gym to address his obesity. At 13, he moved to Panchkula to train at the Tau Devi Lal Sports Complex and later completed his schooling at Dayanand Anglo-Vedic College in Chandigarh. Recognizing his talent, the Indian Army recruited Chopra in 2016, where he received specialized training at the Mission Olympics Wing at the Army Sports Institute in Pune. In 2021, Chopra also enrolled at Lovely Professional University in Jalandhar, Punjab, to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
2016 Rio Olympics
At the 2016 Rio Olympics three exceptional women — P.V. Sindhu (Badminton), Sakshi Malik (Wrestling), and Dipa Karmakar (Gymnastics) — brought pride to the nation. Sindhu and Malik earned India its only silver and bronze medals, while Karmakar narrowly missed a podium finish, placing fourth in her event. These achievements were shaped by the guidance of veteran coaches Pullela Gopichand, Kuldeep Singh, and Bishweshwar Nandi.
At just 21, Sindhu became one of the youngest badminton players to break into the world’s top 10 rankings, inspired by her coach Pullela Gopichand’s victory at the All England Open Badminton Championship. Her talent and dedication earned her the Padma Shri in 2015, India’s fourth-highest civilian honor. Following her remarkable performance at the Rio Games, she, along with Sakshi Malik and Dipa Karmakar, was awarded the Khel Ratna, India’s highest sporting honor.
Sindhu’s commitment to her sport is evident in her rigorous training schedule, which begins as early as 4:30 a.m. Sakshi Malik, who made history as the first Indian woman to win a wrestling medal, and Dipa Karmakar, the first Indian woman to qualify for Olympic gymnastics, both showcased immense determination and grit. Their inspiring journeys continue to motivate the nation.
What is the Job all about?
Coaching, fitness training, and sports education encompass a wide range of activities, including cricket, athletics, shooting, badminton, wrestling, gymnastics, javelin, shot put, and boxing. These disciplines are integral parts of the broader field of sports and physical education.
Fitness has become the 7th largest growing industry globally, now closely tied to lifestyle management. There’s a growing demand for professionals who can address the diverse challenges associated with fitness, including both mental and physical stress.
In the realm of sports, there are team coaches (for football, hockey, cricket, etc.) and individual coaches (for tennis, golf, shooting, athletics, boxing, chess, etc.). Another rapidly growing profession is that of fitness trainers, who have become especially popular among film stars, the wealthy, and senior executives. These individuals often employ personal trainers to monitor their blood pressure, sugar levels, and overall health. These trainers develop personalized exercise regimens and diet plans to help their clients maintain a healthy balance in life.
Additionally, some professionals specialize in organizing large-scale sporting events, from test matches to national and international competitions in athletics, football, hockey, and more.
In Goa, football and cricket are particularly popular. Sesa Goa, for instance, offers specialized training for young, talented footballers at their camp and hostel in Sanquelim. Over four years, these players receive free training and are often recruited by major clubs.
Can you go for it?
A career in sports, personal fitness, or teaching physical education offers a wide range of opportunities, thanks to the diverse talents required in these fields. The demand for professionals in this sector is vast, making it a career with tremendous potential.
Many individuals have successfully launched “Keep Fit” centers, such as Norbert’s Fitness Academy, Neomi’s in Miramar, and Basilio’s in St. Inez, Panaji. If you’re interested in opening your own physical training center, you’ll need not only expertise in fitness but also business acumen. In addition to your coaching qualifications, pursuing an entrepreneurial course, such as the one offered at Fr. Agnel’s CIBA in Verna, can help you understand the business side of things.
If your goal is to become a personal trainer, it’s essential to complete a program in nutrition and dietetics. Being methodical, punctual, and polite—yet firm—are key traits, especially when working with high-profile clients.
For those aspiring to be a coach, discipline and the ability to motivate others are crucial qualities that will help you succeed in this rewarding profession.
Types of Careers:
• Sportsperson (Team or Individual) – Football, Hockey, Cricket, Athletics, Tennis, etc.
• Coach (for Individuals or Teams)
• Referee
• Fitness Trainer / Gym Instructor / Aerobics Instructor
• Yoga Instructor
• Sports Administrator
• Fitness Consultant / Personal Trainer
• Sales and Operations Manager
• Dietician
• Executive in Fitness Clinics & Clubs
• Freelancer
Is there a future in this field?
Sport is rapidly gaining popularity in India, leading to excellent prospects in various sporting careers. Opportunities abound for athletes, fitness trainers, gym instructors, referees, and sports coaches, making this an increasingly promising field.
Where to Begin
In Goa
• Don Bosco College, Panjim: Offers a two-year Postgraduate Program (B.P.Ed.) in Physical Education, available after completing an undergraduate degree in any field (Arts, Science, etc.).
• SESA Football Academy, Sanquelim: Provides free football training for four years, combined with academic studies, for young athletes aged 14-15 years.
• Fitness Trainer Programs: Available at Chowgule College and Norbert’s Fitness Centres.
Becoming a Referee
Football Referee: To become a referee, you must pass the test conducted by the All India Football Federation (AIFF). You’ll start as an Assistant Referee (Linesman) and must pass another test to advance. If you aim to become an international referee, you’ll need to pass the FIFA test.
Cricket Umpire:
• Pass the Umpire Certification Examination:
Most state cricket associations offer a four-day training course, with the exam conducted on the final day. The test includes theory, practical, and oral components.
• Initial Qualification:
After passing the exam, you can umpire matches organized by state cricket bodies. Typically, you must work as an umpire for two to three years before applying for the BCCI Level 1 examination.
• Eligibility for BCCI Umpire:
Must be at least 18 years old
Maintain a clean track record with no criminal offenses
Experience as a cricketer or competitive player is beneficial but not mandatory
• Enroll in BCCI Courses:
Enroll in courses offered by BCCI or recognized cricket associations in your state. These courses cover various aspects of umpiring, including game laws, decision-making, communication, and match management. Familiarity with the 42 laws of cricket is essential.
• Gain Practical Experience:
Alongside theoretical knowledge, practical experience is crucial. Start by officiating in local matches, school or college tournaments, and club-level games. Participating in matches governed by the State Cricket Association will further enhance your skills.
Outside Goa
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) operates the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports in Patiala, along with several other centers across the country. The institute offers world-class facilities for both academic programs and sports training. These include a gymnasium, swimming pool, indoor halls, cycling velodrome, squash courts, conditioning units, grass and synthetic hockey fields, cinder and synthetic athletic tracks, and outdoor courts.
The institute is renowned for producing high-caliber coaches across various sports disciplines through its Diploma in Sports Coaching and Master’s Course in Sports Coaching. Additionally, the institute offers the following programs:
• Master’s Degree in Sports Coaching
• Post Graduate Diploma in Sports Medicine
• Diploma Courses in Sports Coaching
• Refresher Courses
• Certificate Course in Sports Coaching
For those interested in sports management, Mumbai University offers the following programs:
• 3-year Bachelor of Management Studies in Sports
• 2-year Master of Sports Management
• 1-year Diploma/PG Diploma in Sports Management
After Std. Xll and Post Graduation Courses
• Indira Gandhi Institute of Physical Education & Sports Sciences (IGIPESS): Offers a variety of programs in physical education and sports sciences.
• Symbiosis Institute of Health Sciences (SIHS): Provides a Post Graduate Diploma in Fitness Management (1-year program). Specializations offered include:
Sports Conditioning
Performance Nutrition
Certified Fitness Trainer
6-month Diploma in Fitness Training
Eligibility: Std. XII pass
Course Fees: ₹25,000 (payable in two installments)
• Nike Aerobics Course / Reebok Instructor Certification Program: Offers a basic course consisting of 80 hours, including around 30 hours of theory, leading to Reebok Certified Instructor status.
• Talwalkars in Mumbai: Offers belt programs in Judo, Karate, and Kung Fu.
Employment Avenues
All reputable schools employ sports teachers, while football and cricket clubs require skilled coaches and referees. “Keep Fit” clubs depend on trained fitness mentors and guides, and major sporting institutions need experienced sports organizers.
Earnings
The early stages of a career in sports can be challenging, but with dedication and hard work, recognition follows. Once established, it’s possible to command competitive salaries, consultancy fees, or instructor fees. Professional athletes, such as cricketers and footballers, now earn substantial incomes, often supplemented by product endorsements. However, this level of success comes with time and requires a significant amount of perseverance and effort.
Don’t settle for just a degree or diploma — enhance your CV by completing online learning programs with certification in areas relevant to your chosen career. This will significantly improve your employment prospects compared to holding only a basic qualification. Additionally, consider boosting your confidence by enrolling in public speaking courses, such as those offered by Toastmasters International.
For government job opportunities, please check: www.employment-newspaper.com
page updated: August 2024