Tanvi Lunawat, Director of Operations, Institute of Sports Science & Technology (ISST)
Scholarships are transforming the lives of women athletes, enabling them to overcome barriers and achieve excellence in both academics and sports. The Dr. P. C. Shejwalkar Athlete Scholarship Program, offered by the Institute of Sports Science & Technology (ISST), is a beacon of hope, addressing financial constraints, academic flexibility, and strategic training to empower deserving athletes.
Women athletes often face unique challenges, including societal stereotypes, financial hurdles, and balancing rigorous training schedules with academics. According to a study by UNESCO, women hold only 20% of leadership roles in global sports organizations, underscoring the urgent need for initiatives like ISST’s scholarships.
India’s sports sector has seen a sharp rise, with annual investments exceeding $1 billion in infrastructure and training programs, as per a KPMG report. Programs like ISST’s scholarships are essential for ensuring women athletes are integral to this transformative journey. In this exclusive interview, Tanvi Lunawat, Director of Operations at ISST, elaborates on the institute’s efforts to equip women athletes with the academic and strategic skills needed to excel.
Women athletes often face unique challenges in balancing sports and academics. How does the Dr. P. C. Shejwalkar Athlete Scholarship Program address these challenges? What initiatives does ISST have in place to empower women athletes?
Women athletes often encounter hurdles such as financial constraints and societal biases, which can limit their opportunities. The Dr. P. C. Shejwalkar Athlete Scholarship Program is designed to alleviate these challenges.
This scholarship not only provides financial support but also offers academic flexibility, such as remote learning options and extended deadlines. Our goal is to ensure that female athletes can focus on their sports careers while gaining critical management and strategic skills. By doing so, we aim to prepare them for leadership roles in the male-dominated sports industry.
In your experience, how do academic knowledge and strategic skills enhance an athlete’s performance and career prospects in the sports industry? Could you share examples of ISST’s success stories, particularly among women athletes?
Academic knowledge, especially in areas like exercise physiology, nutrition, and biomechanics, is pivotal for athletes. These fields help them optimize training, recovery, and performance.
For instance, Yastika Bhatia, an Indian cricketer, completed a Distance Master’s Program in Sports Management at ISST. This program provided her with critical skills for a career beyond the playing field, showcasing how education can open new avenues for athletes.
With ISST’s diverse range of courses, how do you tailor the scholarship program to meet the individual needs of each athlete? How does ISST support athletes through distance learning and on-campus programs?
Our scholarship program is customized to the specific needs of each athlete. For those with demanding training schedules, we offer distance learning options with recorded lectures and academic support. On the other hand, our on-campus programs provide an immersive learning environment with hands-on mentorship.
The scholarship also recognizes athletic merit, ensuring deserving candidates receive support to pursue their dreams without compromising education.
As the Director of Operations, how do you envision the future of sports education in India? What steps is ISST taking to ensure Indian athletes, particularly women, are equipped to compete at both national and international levels?
The future of sports education in India is promising, with increased investment in talent development and infrastructure. At ISST, we are committed to supporting women athletes through initiatives like our scholarships and academic programs.
Notably, 80% of our visiting faculty are women excelling in the sports sector. Their mentorship provides inspiration and practical insights, preparing athletes for international competitions and career opportunities beyond sports.
Looking back, what have been some of the key milestones in ISST’s journey? How have these achievements shaped ISST into the leading sports education institute it is today?
ISST’s journey has been marked by several milestones, including the launch of specialized programs in Sports Management and Sports Sciences. The introduction of distance learning allowed us to extend quality education to students across India.
Additionally, our classroom-based programs, including the Master’s and Diploma programs, have enriched our curriculum, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application. These initiatives have positioned ISST as a leader in shaping the next generation of sports professionals.
Conclusion: Shaping the Future of Sports Education
Scholarships like the Dr. P. C. Shejwalkar Athlete Scholarship Program are essential in bridging the gap between academics and sports, particularly for women athletes. By providing financial support, academic flexibility, and strategic training, ISST is fostering a new generation of empowered women leaders in the sports industry.
This interview is proudly presented by Prittle Prattle News, a platform dedicated to thought leadership and innovation. Led by its Editor-in-Chief, Smruti Bhalerao, the publication continues to bring forth storylines that inspire change and drive progress.
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