Bengaluru, Mar 3 (UNI) As India’s sports industry surges towards a projected $130 billion valuation by 2030, the demand for skilled professionals has never been greater.
Currently employing 47 lakh individuals, the sector is expected to require over 1 crore trained personnel in the next five years.
Recognising this need, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) and TENVIC Sports, co-founded by former international cricketer Anil Kumble, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to build a robust academic and infrastructural ecosystem for Indian sports, here on Monday.
With India’s growing presence on the global sporting stage, the necessity for worldclass support systems, athlete development, and career transition programmes is more urgent than ever. Many retired athletes, armed with invaluable skills like leadership and resilience, often struggle to find structured career pathways due to a lack of formal academic credentials.
To bridge this gap, the MAHE-TENVIC partnership will establish an interdisciplinary academic framework encompassing sports coaching, management, technology, and sciences. A dedicated Research & Incubation Hub will drive innovation in high-performance training, sports infrastructure, and athlete support systems.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Anil Kumble, Co-Founder of TENVIC Sports, said: “Since founding TENVIC 15 years ago, my vision has been to bridge the gap between sports and education. Today, through our partnership with MAHE, that dream is becoming a reality.”
Vasanth Bharadwaj, Co-Founder of TENVIC Sports, echoed this sentiment: “Our collaboration will nurture Indian talent in sports coaching, technology, sciences, and management, accelerating India’s rise as a formidable force in the global sports arena.”
A major highlight of the initiative is the creation of High-Performance Sports Centres across MAHE campuses, enabling professional athletes to pursue academic qualifications without compromising their training. These centres will also offer students hands-on experience and internship opportunities in sports-related disciplines.
Beyond athlete training, the collaboration aims to facilitate career transitions by equipping former athletes with industry-relevant skills, preparing them for corporate and entrepreneurial roles. Engaging with industry stakeholders, sports organisations, and policymakers will be central to this effort, ensuring long-term impact across India’s sporting landscape.
Dr Ranjan Pai, President of MAHE and Chairman of Manipal Education and Medical Group, highlighted the significance of the collaboration: “MAHE’s partnership with TENVIC reflects our commitment to innovation and excellence in higher education. By developing professionals who excel both on the field and beyond, we are contributing to a fitter, more competitive sporting culture in India.”
Lt Gen MD Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor of MAHE, added: “This partnership is a milestone in our vision of holistic education. Sports is not just about competition; it builds character, discipline, and leadership. We are proud to support India’s aspirations as a global sporting powerhouse.”
With education, industry expertise, and innovation at its core, the MAHE-TENVIC partnership is set to reshape India’s sporting future—empowering athletes, professionals, and the industry at large.
