1. IISM Orientation Program2023– EmpoweringFutureSportsLeaders Thehighlyanticipated“OrientationProgram 2023”ofIISMwasheldat RangshardaAuditorium,Bandra.Thisyear’sOrientationProgram aimedto welcome and empower the incoming batch of students. The candidates from Bachelor of SportsManagement (BSM), Master of SportsManagement (MSM),PostGraduatePrograminSportsManagement(PGPSM),Bachelor ofSportsScience(BSS),andMasterofSportsScience(MSS),alongwiththeir parents, attendedtheevent.

2. Theeventfeaturedinspiringtalksbytwocelebratedsportsicons:Mr.Mohammad Kaif, Former Indian Cricketer, and Mr. Yuvraj Walmiki, Indian Professional FieldHockeyPlayer,whosharedtheirvaluableinsightsandexperienceswiththe aspiring sports leaders of tomorrow. Along with these two esteemed guests, our Founder Director, Mr. Nilesh Kulkarni, our Co-Founder, Ms. Rasika Kulkarni, ouradvisor,Dr.AnilKarnik,theAssistantDirectorofGarwareInstituteofCareer Education and Development, Ms. Shilpa Borkar, our Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Amit Gupte, and our Associate Dean, Mr. Amitava Pal, welcomed the studentsandofferedtheirsageadvice. IISM has been at the forefront of providing comprehensive sports education, nurturing the dreams of countless sports enthusiasts, and shaping them into industry-ready professionals. Since its inception, IISM has continued to create a unique space for students to explore and excel in the dynamic sports industry. The Orientation Program was yet another remarkable feat where the institute endeavoured to introduce the new batch to its vision, mission, and the various opportunitiesthatlayaheadonthisexhilaratingjourney. The Orientation Program served as the perfect platform for the students to get acquainted with their future mentors, peers, and the academic environment. The event commenced with an enthusiastic address by the Founder Director, Mr. Nilesh Kulkarni, who warmly welcomed the fresh faces and instilled a sense of purpose andcommitmentinthem.

3. Ms. Rasika Kulkarni introduced team IISM and gave glimpses of their rich expertise and achievements in the sports domain. The academic team, along with the corporate relations team, gave the students a comprehensive overview of the curriculumandthevastopportunitiesthatawaitthematIISM.Thestudentswere awestruckandeagertolearnfromthe best. One of the highlights of the Orientation Program was the captivating talk by Mr. MohammadKaif,aformerIndiancricketer.Withhisvastexperienceincricket, Mr. Kaif shared invaluable lessons on leadership, discipline, and the essence of teamwork.HisinspiringjourneyfrombeinganaspiringcricketertoleadingIndia togloriousvictorieswasbothmotivationalandinsightful. Mr. Kaif emphasised the significance of resilience and perseverance in the face of challenges, drawing parallels between sports and life. His interactive session allowed the students to ask questions and seek guidance, creating a sense of companionshipbetweenthesportslegendandthefuturesportsleaders. The second awe-inspiring session came from the Prince of Indian Hockey, Mr. Yuvraj Walmiki, whose remarkable journey from a small apartment in Mumbai to the International hockey arena served as a testament to the human spirit’s invincible nature. Mr. Walmiki shared his struggles and triumphs, highlighting theimportanceofself-beliefanddetermination.

4. His talk shed light on the challenges faced by athletes, especially those hailing from underprivileged backgrounds, and how sports can be a transformative force intheirlives.Mr.Walmiki’swordsresonateddeeplywith theaudience, encouragingthemtobecatalystsofchangeandinclusivityinthesportsindustry. TheOrientationProgram at IISMwasan exceptionalblend of academic orientation, motivational talks, and networking opportunities. The event left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of the incoming students, kindling a burningpassionforsportsandastrongdesiretomakeadifferenceintheindustry. The institute’s commitment to providing holistic education and exposure to real- worldchallengeswasevidentthroughouttheprogram. As we bid adieu to the Orientation Program, we eagerly anticipate witnessing the growthandaccomplishments ofthestudents astheyembark ontheir transformative journey at IISM. We are confident that they will rise as dynamic leaders, leavinganeverlastingimpactonthesportslandscape.