IISM Orientation Program 2023 – Empowering Future Sports Leaders
                     IISM Orientation Program 2023 – Empowering Future Sports Leaders
The highly anticipated “Orientation Program 2023” of IISM was held at  
Rangsharda Auditorium, Bandra. This year’s Orientation Program aimed to  
welcome and empower the incoming batch of students. The candidates from  
Bachelor of Sports Management (BSM), Master of Sports Management  
(MSM), Post Graduate Program in Sports Management (PGPSM), 
Bachelor  of Sports Science (BSS), and Master of Sports Science (MSS), 
along with their  parents, attended the event.
The event featured inspiring talks by two celebrated sports icons: Mr. 
Mohammad  Kaif, Former Indian Cricketer, and Mr. Yuvraj Walmiki, Indian 
Professional  Field Hockey Player, who shared their valuable insights and 
experiences with the  aspiring sports leaders of tomorrow. Along with these two 
esteemed guests, our  Founder Director, Mr. Nilesh Kulkarni, our Co-Founder, 
Ms. Rasika Kulkarni,  our advisor, Dr. Anil Karnik, the Assistant Director of 
Garware Institute of Career  Education and Development, Ms. Shilpa Borkar, 
our Chief Operating Officer,  Mr. Amit Gupte, and our Associate Dean, Mr. 
Amitava Pal, welcomed the  students and offered their sage advice.
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  
opportunities that lay ahead on this exhilarating journey.
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 and commitment in them.
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  curriculum and the vast opportunities that await them at IISM. The 
students were  awestruck and eager to learn from the best.
One of the highlights of the Orientation Program was the captivating talk by 
Mr.  Mohammad Kaif, a former Indian cricketer. With his vast experience in 
cricket,  Mr. Kaif shared invaluable lessons on leadership, discipline, and the 
essence of  teamwork. His inspiring journey from being an aspiring cricketer to 
leading India  to glorious victories was both motivational and insightful.
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  
companionship between the sports legend and the future sports leaders.
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  
the importance of self-belief and determination.
His talk shed light on the challenges faced by athletes, especially those hailing  
from underprivileged backgrounds, and how sports can be a transformative 
force  in their lives. Mr. Walmiki’s words resonated deeply with the audience,  
encouraging them to be catalysts of change and inclusivity in the sports 
industry.
The Orientation Program at IISM was an exceptional blend 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  
burning passion for sports and a strong desire to make a difference in the 
industry.
The institute’s commitment to providing holistic education and exposure to real- 
 world challenges was evident throughout the program.
As we bid adieu to the Orientation Program, we eagerly anticipate witnessing 
the  growth and accomplishments of the students as they embark on their  
transformative journey at IISM. We are confident that they will rise as dynamic  
leaders, leaving an everlasting impact on the sports landscape.