Double Olympic medal-winning shooter Manu Bhaker has taken a significant step off the field by enrolling in a prestigious postgraduate programme at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Rohtak. The champion athlete, who clinched two bronze medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics, is now part of the seventh batch of the institute's executive Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Management (ePGDSM).
Blending Sports Excellence with Academic Pursuits
On December 18, IIM Rohtak formally welcomed its newest cohort for the 16-month executive programme. This unique batch brings together a diverse group, including national and international athletes like Manu Bhaker, working professionals, and sports enthusiasts, all united by an interest in the business of sports.
Manu Bhaker secured her admission after successfully navigating IIM Rohtak's rigorous selection process, which included written tests and interviews. The shooter expressed that academic pursuits have always been a personal interest, and she sees immense value in understanding the science and strategy behind sports through formal education.
"I enrolled since studies also remain my interest area, and studies like sports management really help a sportsperson to understand the science behind sports," Manu stated. She added that "IIM-Rohtak maintains the highest standard of education, so I decided to do my sports management from here."
IIM Rohtak's Vision for India's Sports Ecosystem
The induction ceremony was graced by Shyam Singh Yadav, a former international sportsperson, coach, and current Member of Parliament, as the guest of honour. The event highlighted the institute's commitment to contributing to the nation's sporting framework.
Addressing the gathering, IIM Rohtak Director, Professor Dheeraj Sharma, elaborated on the programme's broader objective. He spoke about the institute's larger vision of strengthening India's sports ecosystem by developing capable, ethical, and future-ready professionals who can manage the growing sports industry.
The ePGDSM curriculum is designed to provide structured learning in several critical domains essential for modern sports administration. These include:
- Sports Marketing and Finance
- Sports Event Management
- Legal Frameworks and Governance in Sports
Professor Sharma emphasized that these skills are becoming increasingly crucial as the sports sector in India expands rapidly and moves towards greater organization and professionalism.
A Trend of Athletes Embracing Education
Manu Bhaker's decision to pursue higher education while being at the peak of her athletic career reflects a growing trend among Indian sportspersons. They are proactively preparing for life and leadership roles beyond their active competition years. Programmes like the ePGDSM at premier institutions such as IIM Rohtak provide them with the managerial and strategic toolkit needed to transition into sports administration, management, or entrepreneurship.
This move not only enhances the individual athlete's career prospects but also enriches the overall sports landscape in India by creating a pool of experienced, educated professionals who understand the field from both a participant's and a manager's perspective. It marks a positive shift towards building a more sustainable and professionally managed sports industry in the country.
