26th June 2024, Kolkata: The CII IWN West Bengal entrepreneurship taskforce hosted a session with Mr. Snehasis Ganguly, current CAB president and first-class cricketer, and Jhulan Goswami, former captain of the Indian women’s cricket team, today at The Park. Moderated by Ms. Shaleni S. Biswas, Chairperson, Entrepreneurship Taskforce, CII IWN West Bengal & Managing Director of Easy Note Stationery Pvt. Ltd., the discussion explored opportunities in sports, the guests’ journeys, and the emergence of sports as a business. Additionally, Ms Sujata Guin, Chairperson, CII IWN West Bengal & Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer, Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Ltd set the context to the discussion by adding valuable perspectives on the sports business. Mr. Ganguly and Ms. Goswami shared their experiences, offering valuable perspectives on navigating athletic careers and leveraging sports for entrepreneurial ventures, highlighting the growing intersection between sports and business.
During the event, speakers underscored the crucial attributes necessary for success in the highly competitive world of sports. They emphasized perseverance, dedication, and strategic acumen as fundamental qualities for achieving excellence. Through their narratives, the speakers highlighted the importance of these traits, sharing personal stories and experiences that vividly illustrated how they contributed to their successes.
Moreover, the event provided invaluable insights into the intersection of sports and business, showcasing how the principles of athletic competition can be seamlessly integrated into entrepreneurial ventures. The discussions revealed the vast opportunities within the sports industry for business innovation and growth. Attendees learned how to leverage their passion for sports into successful business endeavors, exploring various avenues such as sports marketing, management, technology, and merchandise. The speakers illustrated that with the right blend of athletic discipline and business strategy, one could tap into a lucrative market brimming with potential.
The event highlighted the significance of investing in grassroots programs and youth leagues. These initiatives have been pivotal in nurturing emerging talents, thereby enhancing the overall quality of sports within the country. By providing young athletes with opportunities for global exposure, these programs have helped develop future sports stars. This strategic focus on grassroots development has not only fueled the growth of the sports industry but also opened numerous opportunities for individuals to consider sports as a viable business prospect. Entrepreneurs can explore various sectors, such as sports training, management, and marketing, capitalizing on the burgeoning talent pool and the increasing popularity of sports at both national and international levels.
Speaking on this event:
Jhulan Goswami, Former Indian Cricketer said, “Let your performance, not your gender, speak for you. Follow your passion despite obstacles, stepping out of your comfort zone to achieve success. Enjoy your presence in the team and believe in yourself. Winning and losing are part of life; stay motivated and resilient through it all.”
Mr. Snehasish Ganguly, Former Class Cricketer &President of CAB said, “Growth requires vision. Even when satisfied with current success, remember that life is never a straight line. Embrace the rule of vision; a grand vision will shape your future. Keep the goal in sight and let it guide you, because ambition and foresight pave the path to enduring success.”
Sujata Guin, Chairperson of CII IWN WB said, “The evolution of Sports into a thriving business hinges on melding athletic rigor with savvy business acumen. This powerful synergy not only elevates sporting standards but also unlocks vast entrepreneurial opportunities. By strategically investing in talent development and embracing technological advancements, the sports industry propels economic growth and global influence.
Shaleni S. Biswas, Chairperson of Entrepreneurship Taskforce, CII IWN West Bengal said, “At this event, we joyously celebrated the harmonious convergence of athleticism and entrepreneurship, recognizing that sports have not only forged champions but also nurtured visionary business leaders. Mr. Ganguly and Ms. Goswami epitomized how unwavering dedication and strategic acumen propelled them to success in both the realms of sports and business, igniting a beacon of inspiration for a new era marked by innovation and boundless opportunities. In today’s dynamic landscape, the sports industry offers a plethora of avenues for entrepreneurial endeavors, ranging from technology-driven solutions to fan engagement platforms, thereby highlighting the vast potential and endless possibilities for individuals to thrive in this exciting intersection of sports and business.”
Athletes are characterized by their sense of discipline, dedication, strategy, innovation, and resilience. It is a testament to how disciplined execution and visionary leadership can transform passion into profitable ventures. Sports and Entrepreneurship, hence, are so successfully connected.”