MICA Ahmedabad embraces sports business specialisation

Reflecting the dynamic changes in India's sports landscape, MICA (formerly known as Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad) announced the addition of a sports business specialisation to its curriculum. This significant development comes as the institution responds to the burgeoning opportunities and transformations within the sports industry across the nation.

Renaming one of its most prominent areas, 'Media and Entertainment Management' to 'Media Entertainment and Sports', MICA will now offer a spectrum of courses including sports business, gaming, and e-Sports, among others, according to an official release.

Dr. Shailendra Raj Mehta, President & Director of MICA, emphasized the rapid evolution of the Indian sports ecosystem. He remarked, “Emerging trends such as virtual reality experiences, e-sports, and digital streaming revolutionize how sports is played, consumed, and monetized. MICA’s move to re-orient our specialization will ensure our students stay ahead of the curve.”

Dr. Githa Heggde, Dean of MICA, Ahmedabad, underscored the need for professionals equipped with a comprehensive understanding of sports business models and diverse skill sets. She expressed confidence that this approach will not only add value for stakeholders but also unlock numerous professional opportunities for students in the rapidly evolving sports sector in India.

Professor Santosh Kumar Patra, Head of Media Entertainment and Sports Management at MICA, highlighted the substantial role sports play in the experiential business, accounting for twenty-five percent of the total business in this segment. He emphasized the growth potential of sports beyond cricket and the necessity for specialized knowledge and skills to effectively manage the business in this new era of experience-driven entertainment.

Acknowledging inputs from various stakeholders including alumni, the advisory committee, and industry leaders, Professor Patra explained, “Considering the need of the growing industry trends and after getting inputs from multiple stakeholders, including alumni, the advisory committee, and industry leaders, we decided to re-orient our focus to sports business in India.”

MICA's initiative signals a proactive response to the evolving demands and opportunities within India's sports industry, positioning its students to thrive in this dynamic and rapidly expanding sector.