Marking beginning of a new phase in sports management education in India, the Xavier Emlyon Business School (XEBS), a collaboration between XIM University, Bhubaneswar and Emlyon Business School, France, kicked off the first dual MBA/MSc in Sports Industry Management in association with the Department of Sports and Youth Services (DSYS), Government of Odisha, on August 30, 2021.

XEBS claims itself as the only education partner in the High Performance Centre (HPC) ecosystem of Odisha and aims to deliver world class sports education in India in collaboration with DSYS and KJS Ahluwalia group.

Rolled out under the aegis of XEBS Ahluwalia Centre of Excellence in Sports Management (XEBS CESM), the Masters program combines an MBA from XIM University and an MSc from Emlyon Business School, a leading management school of France.

According to a press release, a full-time two-year residential programme, the course will offer multi-campus experience across XIM University and Emlyon Business School. Top faculty from both institutions as well as industry experts from both the countries will teach the curriculum.

That apart, the batch will also get a chance to work closely with DSYS, Government of Odisha, and get hands on experience during their stay in Odisha. Earlier on 5 March 2021, the program was formally unveiled by ambassador of France to India, Emmanuel Lenain.

At the inaugural event held virtually, DSYS Secretary R Vineel Krishna termed the initiative propelled by the state government with a vision to create a vibrant sports ecosystem in the state.

“With a lot of investment taking place in the State in terms of sports infrastructure and events, the course will provide vast practical experience which probably is not offered in many other sports management courses,” Krishna said and added that students of the program will be exposed to a number of sports events and opportunity including the upcoming FIFA U-17 Women`s World Cup in October 2022 and the Hockey Men’s World Cup in 2023.

According to the press release, the dual degree has received enthusiastic response with nine students enrolled for the program from across different parts of the country. XEBS has earlier launched two certificate programs and it will shortly be opening applications for the third batch.

The launch of the first Indo-French dual degree master’s program highlights the innovative and integrative approach the State has in the field of sports and education, said XEBS chairman Ashley Fernandes speaking on the occasion.

Vice-Chancellor of XIM University, Father Dr Antory R Uvari, urged the students to take advantage of such a dynamic program being launched in Odisha with the support of the Government and welcomed all the students to Odisha.

Hockey legend and four-time Olympian Dhanraj Pillay in his virtual address advised students to be passionate about their learning process to get maximum benefit out of it.

Former Indian Hockey captain and Odisha Hockey Promotion Council chairperson DilipTirkey said Odisha government is also focusing on the development of athletics, shooting, rugby, football, weightlifting and other Olympic disciplines which will offer huge career opportunity to youth in the sports sector in the state.

XEBS Dean Prof Arun Kumar Paul, emlyon business school expert Prof Michel Desbordes and XEBS Board members including Dean of Programs, Emlyon Business School, Dr Annabel Mauve also spoke. Senior Manager (Operations) XEBS, Diksha Tiwari who has helmed admissions and ground operations of the CESM moderated the inaugural event.