By US Singh *
Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. —Proverbs
Someone once said ‘Sports, like politics, in India, is an obsession’. This expression can be applied more aptly to the situation of Manipur, which is being increasingly recognised as the ‘power house of sports’ not only in India, but also at the international level. Notwithstanding the lack of requisite infrastructure and proper training, over the years, ill-equipped and poorly trained sportspersons from Manipur, both men and women, have outshone their National and International competitors in the sporting arena, bringing glory to the country and pride to the fellow beings.
Recognising the inherent sporting talent of the Manipuri players, National and International sports organisations are today turning their attention to tapping the potentials of the sporting pool in this tiny hill-locked State.
But the fact is that till very recently, not many people were serious about taking up sports as a career. It was considered a recreational activity or at best a hobby. Even those who pursued State and National level honours did so more for the love of the game than as a deliberate professional pursuit. Prize money was limited and few could eke out a living from sports.
However, with greater cash inflow, anyone with potential and talent can now consider taking up sports as a career. Sponsorships from corporate world, endorsements, contracts, prize money at stake and revenue from TV telecasts and awards have also all the more boosted the career prospects in sports.
Today, sports in no longer a pastime or a matter of hobby alone and it has attained a prestigious status. One can very well imagine its importance by the craze of sports lovers seen at the time of matches, the coverage it gets in newspapers, magazines and television programmes. While a good player or a good team can bring international fame to the country, it may also fetch lucrative returns in the form of cash prizes and awards.
In order to cash upon the popularity of international sports events and avail the opportunity provided for advertising their products, the corporate houses are today spending astronomical amount of money by way of sponsorships. With corporate world making its contribution, career opportunities in sports are also increasing. While there are a host of jobs provided by the Government organisations like Sports Authority of India, National Institute of Sports, Universities and Colleges, private sector companies are also opening up their doors to potential sportspersons and providing jobs through Sports Quota.
Moreover, unlike the earlier days when a player, after his retirement, could hardly earn sufficiently as his career was virtually jeopardised, now the situation has changed considerably for the better. One can actively participate as a player in his hay days, representing his State or Country, and make money as professional player and after retirement, he has the option of becoming a manager, administrator, selector, coach, etc.
We are today living in a world where information is revolutionising all walks of life, and sports is no exception. Besides exclusive sports magazines, there is hardly any newspapers or magazine today which do not cover sports. If one is enterprising one can start sports coaching institute or may even start writing, if he has a flair and ability to write well. While one can become a sports journalists or columnist even without being a sportsperson, it is but natural that a seasoned sportsman will enjoy wide readership and also get good salary.
As the TV is getting more and more popular, a good portion of its time is also being allotted to sports activities these days. With the growing number of private cable TV networks, the scope for opportunities as commentator on television and even radio are growing.
Growing industrialisation leading to ever-rising pollution in urban areas, spread of literacy has made people more health conscious. Sports persons are most potential people for opening health and fitness centres because thy are experienced and generally have good health, robust physique, stamina and strength to impart training. By making appropriate investment in creating necessary infrastructure one can earn handsomely. In fact, it has become a full-fledged business like any other commercial business.
Apart from other business opportunities in sports, marketing of several sports events is flourishing business now-a-days. One can choose any sports events and can buy marketing right from the organiser. You can distribute space and time for advertisements during that event and earn handsome amount. One can even open a shop for trading manufacturing sports goods and sportswear.
Last but not the least, reputed player after their retirement have good opportunities to start training of young sports enthusiasts.
Expert’s Opinion
‘‘There has been a perceptible change in the scenario of sports development in Manipur today. Unlike in our days, there are better training facilities in place for sportspersons today.
Apart from lack of proper infrastructures, fund crunch was another crippling problem that we used to face all the time during our playing days. Each of us were like one man army looking after all our needs. But now-a-days, with growing awareness of the importance of sports, the burden of the players has been lessen to a certain extent.
So, I feel setting up of a Sports Academy in the State recently, though already late when we compare with what is happening in other States, is in the right direction. Proper functioning of the Academy would help in grooming many a budding sportspersons not only from Manipur but also from other parts of the country. Just like parental guidance in a family, teachers in the Academy should pay special attention to the needs of the players not only on their playing skills, but also on their education. For instance arranging special tuition to make up on weak subjects.
However, for sports to flourish and encourage more people to take it up as a career seriously, we need to have an effective sports policy of the State. This would help not only in streamlining system of functioning the sports organisations in the State, but most importantly in keeping away undue bureaucratic interference at a distance.
Having said all these, the basic fact remains that sportspersons should have discipline, strong character, determination, humility, control over diet, respect for his coach and good rapport with his fellow players in the true spirit of a team’’.
—P Nilakomol Singh,
Ist Manipuri Olympian (Hockey)
Currently, Station Manager,
Air India, Imphal.
* Human Capital, e-mail: hucapital@gmail.co
Source: http://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Others/Career%20Corner.htm
Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. —Proverbs
Someone once said ‘Sports, like politics, in India, is an obsession’. This expression can be applied more aptly to the situation of Manipur, which is being increasingly recognised as the ‘power house of sports’ not only in India, but also at the international level. Notwithstanding the lack of requisite infrastructure and proper training, over the years, ill-equipped and poorly trained sportspersons from Manipur, both men and women, have outshone their National and International competitors in the sporting arena, bringing glory to the country and pride to the fellow beings.
Recognising the inherent sporting talent of the Manipuri players, National and International sports organisations are today turning their attention to tapping the potentials of the sporting pool in this tiny hill-locked State.
But the fact is that till very recently, not many people were serious about taking up sports as a career. It was considered a recreational activity or at best a hobby. Even those who pursued State and National level honours did so more for the love of the game than as a deliberate professional pursuit. Prize money was limited and few could eke out a living from sports.
However, with greater cash inflow, anyone with potential and talent can now consider taking up sports as a career. Sponsorships from corporate world, endorsements, contracts, prize money at stake and revenue from TV telecasts and awards have also all the more boosted the career prospects in sports.
Today, sports in no longer a pastime or a matter of hobby alone and it has attained a prestigious status. One can very well imagine its importance by the craze of sports lovers seen at the time of matches, the coverage it gets in newspapers, magazines and television programmes. While a good player or a good team can bring international fame to the country, it may also fetch lucrative returns in the form of cash prizes and awards.
In order to cash upon the popularity of international sports events and avail the opportunity provided for advertising their products, the corporate houses are today spending astronomical amount of money by way of sponsorships. With corporate world making its contribution, career opportunities in sports are also increasing. While there are a host of jobs provided by the Government organisations like Sports Authority of India, National Institute of Sports, Universities and Colleges, private sector companies are also opening up their doors to potential sportspersons and providing jobs through Sports Quota.
Moreover, unlike the earlier days when a player, after his retirement, could hardly earn sufficiently as his career was virtually jeopardised, now the situation has changed considerably for the better. One can actively participate as a player in his hay days, representing his State or Country, and make money as professional player and after retirement, he has the option of becoming a manager, administrator, selector, coach, etc.
We are today living in a world where information is revolutionising all walks of life, and sports is no exception. Besides exclusive sports magazines, there is hardly any newspapers or magazine today which do not cover sports. If one is enterprising one can start sports coaching institute or may even start writing, if he has a flair and ability to write well. While one can become a sports journalists or columnist even without being a sportsperson, it is but natural that a seasoned sportsman will enjoy wide readership and also get good salary.
As the TV is getting more and more popular, a good portion of its time is also being allotted to sports activities these days. With the growing number of private cable TV networks, the scope for opportunities as commentator on television and even radio are growing.
Growing industrialisation leading to ever-rising pollution in urban areas, spread of literacy has made people more health conscious. Sports persons are most potential people for opening health and fitness centres because thy are experienced and generally have good health, robust physique, stamina and strength to impart training. By making appropriate investment in creating necessary infrastructure one can earn handsomely. In fact, it has become a full-fledged business like any other commercial business.
Apart from other business opportunities in sports, marketing of several sports events is flourishing business now-a-days. One can choose any sports events and can buy marketing right from the organiser. You can distribute space and time for advertisements during that event and earn handsome amount. One can even open a shop for trading manufacturing sports goods and sportswear.
Last but not the least, reputed player after their retirement have good opportunities to start training of young sports enthusiasts.
Expert’s Opinion
‘‘There has been a perceptible change in the scenario of sports development in Manipur today. Unlike in our days, there are better training facilities in place for sportspersons today.
Apart from lack of proper infrastructures, fund crunch was another crippling problem that we used to face all the time during our playing days. Each of us were like one man army looking after all our needs. But now-a-days, with growing awareness of the importance of sports, the burden of the players has been lessen to a certain extent.
So, I feel setting up of a Sports Academy in the State recently, though already late when we compare with what is happening in other States, is in the right direction. Proper functioning of the Academy would help in grooming many a budding sportspersons not only from Manipur but also from other parts of the country. Just like parental guidance in a family, teachers in the Academy should pay special attention to the needs of the players not only on their playing skills, but also on their education. For instance arranging special tuition to make up on weak subjects.
However, for sports to flourish and encourage more people to take it up as a career seriously, we need to have an effective sports policy of the State. This would help not only in streamlining system of functioning the sports organisations in the State, but most importantly in keeping away undue bureaucratic interference at a distance.
Having said all these, the basic fact remains that sportspersons should have discipline, strong character, determination, humility, control over diet, respect for his coach and good rapport with his fellow players in the true spirit of a team’’.
—P Nilakomol Singh,
Ist Manipuri Olympian (Hockey)
Currently, Station Manager,
Air India, Imphal.
* Human Capital, e-mail: hucapital@gmail.co
Source: http://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Others/Career%20Corner.htm
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