Manipal, April 29, 2026: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, in collaboration with TENVIC Sports, has launched the first phase of its academic programmes, marking a significant milestone in its landmark partnership to strengthen India’s sports ecosystem through integrated education and athlete development.
As part of this initiative, MAHE and TENVIC Sports have introduced specialised academic courses in
These programmes will equip students and working professionals with academic knowledge and practical skills to build successful careers in the rapidly expanding sports industry. The institutions plan to introduce additional courses in Sports Coaching, Sports Sciences, and Sports Media in the near future.
These MAHE-TENVIC offerings are accessible through the MAHE Plus portal, which delivers microcredentials and certificate programmes in online, blended, and face-to-face formats. Here is the link: https://maheplus.manipal.edu/ The platform enables learners to gain industry-relevant skills from expert faculty while earning recognised certifications for career advancement.
To further strengthen the sports ecosystem, MAHE and TENVIC Sports will establish High-Performance Centres at the MAHE campuses in Manipal and Bengaluru. These centres will provide elite athletes with access to world-class coaching, sports science support, and residential training facilities while enabling them to pursue academic programmes through affiliated schools, colleges, and universities on campus.
The centres will initially focus on four sporting disciplines, with plans to expand to nearly a dozen sports over time. MAHE and TENVIC Sports have strategically selected these disciplines based on their potential for international success and the availability of structured professional leagues, creating pathways for both athletic excellence and sustainable sports careers.
The academic programmes will also include guest lectures from distinguished industry experts, including Siddharth Raman, Deepti Bopiah, and Sandeep Kannambadi, among others. Their participation will provide learners with valuable industry insights and practical exposure to the evolving dynamics of the sports ecosystem.
Over time, MAHE and TENVIC Sports plan to expand these academic offerings into full-fledged undergraduate and postgraduate programmes to build a sustainable talent pipeline that supports India’s ambition to emerge as a global sporting powerhouse.
Through this integrated approach combining education, technology, industry expertise, and athlete-focused residential programmes, the partnership aims to:
ü Develop highly skilled sports professionals
ü Strengthen the intersection of sports and emerging technologies
ü Enable structured career pathways within the sports industry
Addressing the gathering, Dr H.S. Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE, said, "MAHE’s collaboration with TENVIC underscores our commitment to innovation and excellence in higher education. By preparing the next generation of professionals, on the field and across India’s sports ecosystem, we are contributing to a fitter nation and a stronger sports culture."
Speaking on the occasion, Lt. Gen. (Dr) M D Venkatesh, VSM (Retd.), Vice Chancellor, MAHE, said, “For decades, athletes faced uncertainty beyond their competitive years. Through the TENVIC-MAHE High-Performance Centres, we are ending that era by blending elite training with flexible and meaningful academic learning that accommodates athletes’ demanding schedules. This dual pathway secures their futures on and off the field, transforms talent development, and builds a sustainable future for athletes.”
Dr Sharath K. Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor (Health Sciences), MAHE, said, “The MAHE–TENVIC partnership brings together education, performance, and purpose. By embedding flexible academic learning within high‑performance sport environments, we are expanding opportunities for athletes to prepare for life beyond competition, while contributing to a stronger and more professionally equipped sports sector in India.”
Anil Kumble, Co-founder, TENVIC Sports, said, "Today marks a red-letter day in Indian Sports where we address a critical industry reality: India's sports ecosystem faces a severe shortage of competent, industry-ready professionals driven by the growth of professional leagues, sports startups, and demand for qualified coaches. The Tenvic-MAHE programs bridge this skill gap. This long-term talent pipeline will systematically equip many to sustainably power India’s sporting growth for decades. The recorded Vision statement at the pre-incorporation meeting at the Bhadra Tiger Reserve in 2010 of impacting the lives of millions of Indians through Sports Education shall be realised"
Vasanth Bharadwaj, CEO and Co-founder, TENVIC Sports, added, "For decades, athletes faced uncertainty beyond their competitive years. Through The Tenvic-MAHE High Performance Centres, we are ending that era by blending elite training with flexible and meaningful academic learning to accommodate for an athlete's demanding schedules. This dual pathway secures their futures on and off the field, transforming talent development and building a sustainable future for many an athlete"
The collaboration between MAHE and TENVIC Sports represents a pioneering effort to bridge academia, athlete development, and industry requirements. Through interdisciplinary education programmes, research initiatives, and high-performance training ecosystems, the partnership aims to shape the next generation of sports professionals and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of India’s sports landscape.
