A Star-Studded Orientation 2026 at IISM

Every journey begins with a first hello.

For the Class of 2026 stepping into the International Institute of Sports & Management (IISM), that hello came in the form of an Orientation unlike any other.

Designed to inspire, inform, and welcome, Orientation 2026 brought together celebrated personalities from Indian sport, exciting institutional announcements, and the people who will shape the next chapter of every student’s journey.

It was a day of first introductions, new friendships, curious questions, and limitless possibilities. For students, it marked the beginning of their careers in sports. For faculty, it was the opportunity to welcome the next generation of talent. And for IISM’s founders, it was another proud milestone in carrying forward a legacy of nurturing India’s sporting professionals.

A Celebration of Sport and Spirit

The day began on a stirring note with a heartfelt rendition of the National Anthem by Sport Heroes, setting the tone for everything that followed. It was a reminder that sport is about far more than just competition. It represents unity, discipline, pride, and purpose, values that continue to define IISM.

Adding to the grandeur of the occasion were two distinguished guests whose journeys have left a lasting mark on Indian sport.

Orientation 2026 welcomed Mr. Rahul Bose, President of Rugby India, and Mr. Parthiv Patel, former Indian cricketer and Assistant Coach of Gujarat Titans. Their presence transformed the event from an orientation into an inspiring conversation about leadership, resilience, and the future of Indian sport.

Mr. Rahul Bose: “Love What You Do”

Mr. Rahul Bose, the incredible former rugby player and current President of Rugby India, said something that changed the atmosphere of the room:

“Love what you do or find love in what you do because if what you do is with love then no matter how big or small you were before, you will only get bigger.”

He reminded students that sports management and sports science aren’t just about chasing money, success, or fame. While those things matter, he emphasised that the real satisfaction of the profession comes from making a difference in someone’s life.

Drawing on anecdotes from Indian Rugby and its projected growth, he highlighted the four personal qualities that guide his own work:

• Truth

• Accountability

• Transparency

• Ethics

He urged students to speak the truth and never do wrong, because success follows from that.

Mr. Parthiv Patel: The Power of Belief

Mr. Parthiv Patel highlighted that sport, or any field within sport, will test you. The only thing that helps you come back stronger is your ability to believe in yourself.

“It’s become quite cliché, but you gotta have the ‘Belief’ to succeed in anything you do.”

He also spoke about the evolving Indian sports ecosystem, and how the country will need more sports professionals and institutes like IISM to groom them.

Sharing the story of winning the first-ever Ranji Trophy for Gujarat, he explained that the Class of 2026 has an open field of opportunities ahead of them, one they must make the most of!

Mr. Nilesh Kulkarni’s Welcome Address

IISM’s Founder-Director, Mr. Nilesh Kulkarni, spoke words that sparked the fire every sports professional needs.

He underlined that as India works toward hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the 2036 Olympics, it will generate a large scale of jobs both in and around the field, jobs that IISM aims to prepare its students for.

His final takeaway:

“As you kick off the journey with IISM, ensure you chase all your dreams and aspirations while upholding your parents’ trust in choosing sports as a career.”

He welcomed the 2026 cohort to IISM on behalf of his entire team with such heartfelt and inspiring words.

Introducing IISM’s Team

By this point the energy in the room was palpable, the perfect build-up to introduce the vision and impact of IISM’s Founders & Directors.

IISM’s Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Amit Gupte, introduced Founder-Director Mr. Nilesh Kulkarni and Co-Founder and Managing Director Ms. Rasika Kulkarni, along with their portfolios across the field.

Ms. Rasika Kulkarni then took the stage to unveil two exciting developments that signal IISM’s continued commitment to innovation and growth.

Bridging the Gap: Sports Lekh

An IISM initiative to make the sports industry more accessible.

The International Institute of Sports & Management (IISM), proudly introduced “Sports Lekh” — an initiative designed to bridge the gap between sports academia and the dynamic sports business world.

As a first-of-its-kind initiative from a sports education institute, Sports Lekh serves as an elite platform.

It features exclusive insights, strategic breakdowns, and expert commentary from leading veterans across the Sports Management and Sports Science industry, spanning domains like sports marketing, broadcasting, public relations, sports psychology, and sports governance.

Innovation and Performance: A New Sports Science Centre

The IISM campus will now feature a dedicated space for a Sports Science Centre, a space that will be defined by innovation, curiosity, discovery, and unlocking performance in the best way possible.

Ex-students might be feeling a little envious right now, as the popular meme goes: “It always gets better after you leave.” Freshers, take note, you will miss the campus and everything it has to offer, so make the most of it.

That’s just one side of the story. Some of IISM’s alumni have gone on to become professors themselves. The Co-Founder and Managing Director introduced the “heart of IISM”, the Academics Team or the faces behind the next wave of sports professionals.

This was followed by introductions to the other arms of the IISM team, including the Corporate Relations Team, the Admissions Team, the Creative and Media Team, and the Admin Team.

Academic Overview: The World Is Your Textbook

After the introductions came the most important part of the day: the academic overview.

IISM’s Head of Academics, Ms. Avanti Desai, shed light on what’s ahead in sports management. She explained that while students will get some hand-holding and support, they won’t be relying on textbooks. The world is their textbook. Lessons will move beyond traditional methods and toward learning by doing.

Following the same spirit, Assistant Professor and Programme Lead for BSM and Sports Science, Ms. Manali Patil, oriented students on what lies ahead in Sports Science.

She highlighted the need for sports science at every level, from grassroots to elite competition, and explained how the components of anatomy, psychology, nutrition, and analysis work together to achieve performance that once seemed unthinkable.

Life at IISM: Beyond the Classroom

Education at IISM extends far beyond lectures and assignments.

Head of Marketing and Assistant Professor Mr. Karan Mange introduced students to what Life at IISM looks like beyond the classroom walls.

The candidness, fun, banter, and liveliness spread across events, masterclasses, and clubs left students thinking, “I want this too”, a reminder that life at IISM is a holistic journey.

Placement Prospects: The Part Every Parent Waits For

No orientation is complete without answering the biggest question on every parent’s mind: career opportunities.

Assistant Manager of Corporate Relations Mr. Parth Pandya, shared IISM’s placement journey, highlighting a 100% internship placement rate and an 83.09% job placement rate.

His advice to students was clear: embrace every opportunity, step outside your comfort zone, and never hesitate to gain practical experience.

He was followed by Mr. Bhavesh Singh from the Corporate Relations team, who encouraged students to stay curious, build meaningful professional relationships, and keep up with sports news every single day.

In an industry that evolves constantly, staying informed can often become a professional’s biggest advantage.

ISELP: Learning From Global Cultures

The “International” in IISM stands for International Experiential Learning. Mr. Parth Pandya introduced ISELP: the International Sports Experiential Learning Program by IISM as the golden ticket to exploring the world of sports business.

It isn’t just an educational trip to the sports capitals of the world. It’s a lifetime of experience packed into six days, from watching live matches and dining with sports professionals to visiting world-renowned stadiums. ISELP is an unforgettable chapter in any sports enthusiast’s life.

On Orientation Day 2026, Mr. Parth Pandya took students through ISELP’s journey over the years. From Australia and Dubai to Spain, France and the United Kingdom, each destination has offered students an immersive glimpse into the global sports industry, making ISELP much more than an international trip.

The Beginning of Something Bigger

As the event drew to a close, the excitement in the auditorium lingered.

A packed auditorium, deafening applause, curious faces, first handshakes, and a hot take on the FIFA finals, the afternoon reflected exactly what Orientation Day is about: welcoming the next batch and carrying IISM’s vision forward with energy, love, and grandeur.

It wasn’t simply the first day of college. It was the first chapter in hundreds of sporting journeys.

For the Class of 2026, the road ahead is filled with opportunities, challenges, and experiences that will shape them into the next generation of sports professionals. And if that journey has begun exactly where it should, with inspiration, ambition, and the unwavering belief that the future of Indian sport is theirs to build.