Apart from studies and being good in academic performance we might be good at games and sports. The recent success of team India has brought more confidence amongst those who dream cricket as a career. We have seen some of the best performances by Indian athletes in international events like Olympics or world championships. Sports or games are not only for players but there are many other individuals who are associated directly or indirectly with the sports industry.
If we play well or practice hard we may also become successful in any sport but career in sports does not limit to only playing. Let us explore a few avenues which are in demand and the best thing is someone with limited academic qualifications may be part of these and get engaged for livelihoods.
We are aware that the sports sector is extremely crucial for the development of the country’s economy. Apart from players there are many other opportunities in the sports industry. Other countries have already leveraged sports for employment generation, tourism promotion by conducting marquee events, infrastructure and economic development. Besides this, major sporting nations have performed exceedingly well on health indicators as well.
The irony is that More than 90 per cent of the sports persons who take up sports as a passion leave sports because of non-availability of opportunities within the sports sector. The limited employment opportunities act as a deterrent for those who want to pursue sports because only 2-5 per cent reaches excellence in sports. The skill development in the sports sector could bring back hopes and positivity amongst many who want to continue sports as their passion.
There are many opportunities apart from being players . few options which can be choose by our young people includes Fitness Trainer, Group Fitness Trainer, Personal Fitness Trainer, Strength and Conditioning Coach, Fitness Centre Head, Yoga Assistant-Sports, Yoga Trainer-Sports, Yoga Instructor-Sports, Sports Nutritionist, Physical Education Assistant (Early Years) , Physical Education Assistant (Primary Years) , Physical Education Trainer, Community Sports Coach, Physical Education Head, Pool Maintenance Worker, Lifeguard Pool, Swimming Instructor, Advance Lifeguard Open Water, Beach Captain, Rescue Operation Head, Self-Defense Assistant, Self-Defense Trainer, Unarmed Self-Defense Instructor, Sports Masseur, Sports Goods Manufacturing Helper, Sports Bat & Racquet Craftsperson (Junior) , Sports Ball Craftsperson (Junior), Sports Goods Craftsperson, Sports Goods Production Supervisor, Sports Goods Factory Manager, Golf Club Junior Technician (Fitting & Repair) , Golf Caddie, Caddie Master, Golf Instructor, Store Sales Executive-Sports, Sports Gear Specialist, Store Manager-Sports , Camping & Trekking Guide, Gym Equipment Service Technician (Junior) , Gym Equipment Service Technician, Gym Equipment Service Supervisor, Essentials of Self-Defense , Fundamentals of Physical Fitness, Fundamentals of Special Population Fitness, Fundamentals of Sports Injury Prevention & First Aid, Fundamentals of Strength and Conditioning, Fundamentals of Yoga, etc .
There are different training providers across the country and aspirants may choose their field and take necessary training. There are also facilities to go abroad and get further training which would bring more chances when it comes to getting employment. The increase of sporting events brings more opportunity for the trained and skilled person in the country and abroad.
(Ranjan K Baruah is the Advisor of Skill Employment and Entrepreneurship Department of Bodoland Territorial Region, Kokrajhar and can be reached at 8473943734 or bkranjan@gmail.com)