Bengaluru, March 3, 2025 – Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) and TENVIC Sports have announced a groundbreaking partnership aimed at developing a robust infrastructure and academic framework for India’s burgeoning sports sector. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signifies a commitment to cultivating highly skilled professionals and providing comprehensive career pathways for athletes.
Building a Comprehensive Sports Ecosystem:
The collaboration will establish an interdisciplinary academic program that integrates sports coaching, management, technology, and sciences. This framework will be fortified by a dedicated Research & Incubation Hub, designed to drive innovation in high-performance training, sports infrastructure, and athlete support systems.
A key initiative will be the creation of High-Performance Sports Centres across MAHE campuses. These centers will enable professional athletes to pursue academic qualifications while continuing their training, and offer students valuable hands-on experience through internships and practical exposure in sports-related fields.
Recognizing the importance of career transition, the partnership will also focus on equipping current and former athletes with the necessary skills and qualifications for successful transitions into corporate and entrepreneurial roles. MAHE and TENVIC Sports will actively engage with industry stakeholders, sports organizations, and policymakers to drive positive change throughout the sports landscape.
Addressing the Growing Demand for Skilled Sports Professionals:
India’s sports industry is experiencing rapid growth, projected to exceed $130 billion by 2030, up from the current $52 billion. This expansion necessitates a significant increase in skilled professionals. The partnership aims to address the critical need for qualified coaches, sports scientists, performance analysts, physiotherapists, and sports technologists.
Strengthening India’s Sporting Legacy and Athlete Development:
As India’s athletes achieve greater success on the global stage, the demand for world-class support systems and infrastructure is paramount. The partnership will focus on providing athletes with the tools and resources they need to excel, both during and after their competitive careers. By bridging education, industry expertise, and innovation, MAHE and TENVIC Sports seek to elevate India’s sporting achievements and create sustainable career paths for athletes.
Leadership Perspectives:
Dr. Ranjan Pai, President, MAHE and Chairman, Manipal Education and Medical Group: “MAHE’s collaboration with TENVIC demonstrates our commitment to innovation and excellence in higher education. Developing a new generation of professionals – excelling on the field and across India’s sports ecosystem – is a step towards a fitter nation with a competitive sports culture.”
Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor, MAHE: “Partnering with TENVIC is a notable milestone in our vision of holistic education nurturing well-rounded individuals who contribute meaningfully to society. Sports is not just about competition; it develops character, discipline and leadership. We are proud to support India’s aspirations as a sporting nation.”
Anil Kumble, Co-Founder, TENVIC Sports: “Since the founding of TENVIC 15 years ago, it has been my aspiration to bridge the gap between education and sports. I am pleased to announce that this vision has been realised through our partnership with MAHE.”
Mr. Vasanth Bharadwaj, Co-Founder, TENVIC Sports: “Our collaboration with MAHE will nurture and develop Indian talent in sports coaching, technology, sciences and management. Together, we aim to accelerate India’s growth as a prominent force in the global sports arena.”
This partnership represents a significant step forward in developing India’s sports industry, ensuring a future where athletes and sports professionals have the resources and support they need to succeed.
