IISM Orientation Day 2025: A New Beginning for Future Sports Professionals

On 25th July 2025, IISM set the stage for the most inspiring start to an academic year — Orientation Day 2025. This ceremonial event marked the beginning of a transformative journey for our newest cohort of Sports Management (BSM, MSM & PGPSM) and Sports Science (BSS & MSS) students, packed with motivation, vision, and meaningful connections.
A Day Brimming with Energy & Emotion
With radiant energy and heartfelt excitement, students and their families gathered, embracing the event as the dawn of something new. The program began with the National Anthem vividly brought to life through a video titled “National Anthem by The Sports Heroes”, underlining IISM’s blend of patriotism and sports spirit.
Chief Guest Shri Vishwas Nangare Patil ji and Guest of Honour Shivam Dube graced the occasion with their warm presence:
We were honoured to host IPS Officer & ADG Anti Corruption, Shri Vishwas Nangare Patil ji, as Chief Guest. His stirring address focused on aligning personal ambition with national purpose, urging students to anchor their goals in serving the nation through sports. Emphasizing the value of time and relentless effort, he left students with one powerful message: “Dream high and work hard to reach that goal.” His words resonated deeply, setting a tone of determination for the year ahead.
“Shivam Dube, champion of the T20 World Cup ’24, joined us as Guest of Honour and connected instantly, sharing simple stories and real-life lessons from his journey.” He charted India’s evolution in sports, talked about the major shift from foreign dependence to Indian leadership, and motivated students to take their rightful place in this evolution. Highlighting the rising opportunities ahead—such as India’s bid for the 2036 Olympics and the Commonwealth Games—Shivam encouraged students to think expansively. He applauded their decision to pursue a sports education, calling it a bold first step toward shaping the future of the industry.
Founder’s Message:
In a memorable monologue, Mr. Nilesh Kulkarni addressed the surge of AI in education—urging students not to let algorithms constrain creativity. Instead, he urged them to push boundaries, value human ingenuity, lean on books, and embrace discomfort. He highlighted the sports industry’s potential for personal impact and encouraged students to strive to be exceptional among peers.
The event was further elevated by the presence of our founding leadership—Founder Director Mr. Nilesh Kulkarni, Co-founder Mrs. Rasika Kulkarni, Associate Dean Mr. Amitava Pal, and COO Mr. Amit Gupte. Together, they infused the ceremony with warmth and institutional support, proclaiming their commitment to nurturing future-ready professionals.
Curriculum Blended with Global Exposure:
Further academic promises showcased IISM’s robust curriculum, industry-aligned masterclasses, and experiential learning opportunities through the International Sports Experiential Learning Program (ISELP). Students were encouraged to explore global exposure tours like the upcoming international educational tour to Dubai or Australia—fostering a spirit of global learning.
Moreover, IISM introduced students to its vast network, detailing recruiters across sports verticals and experiential programs both within India and abroad. By the end, students had not only witnessed inspiration—they’d seen a clear map for growth.
Orientation Day 2025 was more than an event; it was a launchpad for dreams. With impactful stories from IPS officer Vishwas Nangare Patil ji and Indian Cricketer Shivam Dube, visionary messages from IISM’s founder, and an excitement-filled atmosphere, students stepped into a world where passion for sports finds its purpose.
Here’s to the Class of 2025—a batch ready to ignite, inspire, and lead. Welcome to IISM, and let the journey begin.
View this post on Instagram