Rohtak, Haryana: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Rohtak, the only IIM to offer the exclusive Executive Post Graduate Diploma in Sports Management (ePGDSM) program, inaugurated the 6th Batch of this unique course on December 12, 2024. The ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Mr. Shiv Prakash Singh, Managing Director and CEO of Shiv Naresh Sports Pvt. Ltd, and Guest of Honor Shri Sunil Kumar, an Indian wrestler and bronze medalist in the Asian Games 2022. A significant highlight of the day was the launch of “Sports Management”, a book by Prof. Dheeraj Sharma. The event, attended by over 350 students and faculty members, marked the commencement of a transformative academic journey for the new cohort.
The program commenced with a ceremonial lamp-lighting, followed by a warm welcome address by Prof. Dheeraj Sharma, Director of IIM Rohtak. He highlighted the ePGDSM program’s agenda to further develop the country’s already vibrant sports culture. Prof. Sharma emphasized that this executive education diploma program focuses on sports management and aims to help executives learn about sports marketing, sport finance, event management, sports law, contracts, copyrights, sports manufacturing among other subjects.
Further emphasizing the importance of sports management and the program’s relevance, Mr. Shiv Prakash Singh spoke about the growing demand for skilled sports administrators and the opportunities in the field. He shared his journey and urged the new cohort to promote sports culture through local leagues and community engagement.
Inspired by the audience’s enthusiasm and sportsmanship, Sunil Kumar emphasized the importance of setting clear targets. He stressed the need for hard work and mental resilience in sports. He urged the students to take ownership of their goals and avoid excuses while fostering determination and accountability to achieve success.
The event then proceeded to its most anticipated moment, the book launch ceremony of “Sports Management,” authored by Prof. Dheeraj Sharma. Prof. Sharma shared his motivation for writing the book, highlighting how sports have shifted from focusing just on fitness and performance to being about entertainment, engagement, health, wellness, and business. The book aims to sensitize readers to these changes through his experiences and research. In his concluding remarks, Prof. Sharma congratulated the new entrants, thanked the esteemed guests, and encouraged students to embrace instructional, peer-to-peer, and self-learning opportunities for holistic growth in the field of sports management.
Executive Post Graduate Diploma in Sports Management (ePGDSM) is a 16-month specialized program offered exclusively by IIM Rohtak making it one of its kind amongst all IIMs. It equips participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the sports, entertainment, and allied industries. The program blends rigorous academic training with practical exposure through live projects and industrial visits, fostering a comprehensive understanding of sports marketing, law, finance, and management. Delivered through a combination of online and on-campus modules. ePGDSM is tailored for working professionals and sports enthusiasts, offering a unique opportunity to balance career growth with academic aspirations.