Gone are the days when cricket was the sole obsession for Indians. Achievements like multiple gold and silver medals in various disciplines have shattered this notion, driving interest and awareness toward other sports. To improve the status of lesser-known games, Dr Vipul Lunawat, Founder-Director of the Institute of Sports Science & Technology, shared his journey with EduKida.

Dr Lunawat holds a Ph.D. in Sports Management and brings over 20 years of experience in the sports and management industry. An accomplished international roller and ice skater, he has represented India in global events and World Championships as an athlete, coach, and administrator. His accolades include national awards, and he is an alumnus of the “Young Entrepreneurs Programme” at IIM Ahmedabad.

What inspired you to establish the Institute of Sports Science & Technology, and what vision drives its mission?

As an athlete representing India in the sport of roller skating, I realised that we as athletes are lacking in a lot of areas as compared to our western counterparts. May it be sports sciences or the management, our sport has no proper structure as such. Hence, I had applied to various international sports universities and institutes around the world to formally study sports management. The research done for my own education helped me realize that there is no such formal sports management program in India and it sparked an idea to start India’s first sports management program back in 2009. ISST is India’s first dedicated sports & fitness education institute which provides professional courses in sports management and allied sports & fitness education, determined to develop athletes, managers and other sport-support staff.  ISST envisions becoming the supreme centre for sports, fitness & performing arts education, development, technology & research which will inculcate a sporting culture and a feeling of well-being in the society. With this vision, our mission is to reach out to those individuals interested in making a career in sports & fitness. We aim to provide them professional guidance through our various courses & services.

With over 20 years of experience in the sports and management industry, how have you seen the landscape evolve, particularly in India?

The sports landscape in India has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past two decades. One of the most significant changes has been the rise and evolution of professional leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), Indian Super League (ISL) etc. to name a few. These leagues have not only elevated the profile of cricket, kabaddi and football in India but have also revolutionized the way sports are consumed and commercialized. The role of technology in sports has also become increasingly prominent. Many corporates like Tata, JSW, Reliance, Adani group etc. and few non profit organizations like Olympic Gold Quest, Go Sports Foundation etc. have invested heavily in sports at the grassroots level as well as the elite level. Wearable technology, advanced analytics and virtual reality are being used to enhance player performance, optimize training patterns, and provide fans with upgraded experiences. However, infrastructure development, particularly in smaller cities, remains a significant issue. Additionally, there is a need to improve the overall governance and administration of sports in India. Despite all the challenges, the future of Indian sports looks promising considering India’s drive to host the 2036 Summer Olympics and the steps taken towards this goal.

As an international roller and ice skater representing India, how did your experiences as an athlete influence your approach as a coach and administrator?

My experiences as an international roller and ice skater have been instrumental in shaping my approach to coaching and sports administration at ISST. The values of discipline, commitment, and mental resilience that I learned throughout my career continue to influence the way I lead and mentor athletes. At ISST, we emphasize the same, by creating a collaborative, inclusive environment for everyone. As a sports administrator or a coach, it is always helpful if you have been an athlete as you can exactly be in the shoes of your students to understand their mindset and then design effective programs for them. It is important for a sports administrator to always understand the issues and problems athletes face at the grassroots level to uplift the standard of their respective sport.

Can you share insights into your journey through the “Young Entrepreneurs Programme” at IIM Ahmedabad and how it shaped your professional outlook?

The “Young Entrepreneurs Programme” which I completed at the prestigious IIM, Ahmedabad changed the way I look at my business and my style of working. The first lesion we were taught was how to delegate and you cannot do everything by yourself if you need to achieve something big. It is very important to work as a team, identify skilled people and delegate important tasks to grow faster. One of the key skills taught at the institute was how to find effective and long lasting solutions to problems you face as an entrepreneur. Doing this program tremendously helped me to scale up my work force and grow my business.

As a fitness enthusiast and marketing expert, how do you integrate your passion for fitness with your expertise in marketing?

I personally believe in “practice what you preach” and I am very health conscious and make sure I exercise at least 60 minutes a day, have a nutritional diet and take ample amount of recovery. Whether promoting our fitness programs or high-performance services, my marketing strategies are built on understanding the needs and behaviours of our target audience. By blending my passion for fitness with my marketing knowledge, I ensure that ISST stands out in the competitive fitness and sports education space. This helps to position ISST not only as a leading institute but also as a trusted partner for athletes looking to enhance their performance and fitness professionals seeking world-class education. My passion for fitness drives me to craft authentic, compelling marketing strategies that resonate with fitness enthusiasts, students, and athletes. My expertise in marketing allows me to effectively promote ISST’s educational programs and high-performance services, ensuring that more people benefit from our programs. 

What role do you believe adventure sports and a connection with nature play in promoting a healthy and balanced lifestyle?

Adventure sports provide a distinctive combination of physical, mental, emotional, and social advantages that contribute to overall well-being. These activities enhance fitness, alleviate stress, strengthen social networks, and offer a profound sense of personal fulfilment. Engaging in adventure sports not only boosts physical activity but also fosters a deeper connection with nature, promoting a balanced lifestyle that nurtures both body and mind. As individuals increasingly seek holistic health solutions, adventure sports stand as a powerful means of supporting long-term well-being and enriching life experiences.