2024 SPORT ALUMNI NETWORK 5 – INSPIRING COMMUNICATIONS 25: Anirban Chakraborty
Anirban Chakraborty, born and brought up in Jamshedpur (eastern part of India) is currently based out of Bangalore (southern India). Recently graduated from TIAS 2.0, 2nd batch, University of Tsukuba with a Master’s degree in Sports and Olympic studies, he majored in Sports Management and Policy publishing original research titled ‘Analysing Japan’s Sport for Tomorrow Program (Tokyo 2020) and Host Town Initiative through Multi Stakeholder Diplomacy’. His story begins now –
“During my study in TIAS, I learnt a lot about different topics like Olympic and Paralympic history, Olympic and Paralympic legacy, Sports policy, Sports medicine, Anti-Doping, Budo, Sport Tech. and Biomechanics, among many more. When I joined TIAS, I came from a sport for development background having extensive experience in fundraising, safeguarding and consulting organisations in the field of sport for development. One of the reasons why I joined TIAS was to learn about value of Olympics and Paralympics along with learning from the best practices which Japanese implement in their sporting ecosystem. The value of discipline, importance to even the smallest aspect of training backed by data and sports science is what makes Japan as one of the successful sporting nation in the world. To see the legacy of Tokyo 2020 through educational visits to Kurobe and Hachimantai as part of post Tokyo 2020 Legacy project of JSC-JSA were experience of lifetime as I saw the maintenance of sports infrastructure, introduction to winter sports and how sports can be used as a powerful space for exchange. Our trip to Fukushima was also an experience on how Japan came back from 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami showcasing the value of resilience. My internship to Kobe was also interesting since I got to work with amazing entrepreneurs in Masaaki san and Tomoko san who helped me integrate into the Japanese culture and Kansai tradition along with meeting established individuals in the field of sports (CHEZA).”
“During my course, I also met some of our TIAS(1.0) Alumni including our Indian Alumni Mr. Aman Shah, Mr. Manikant Sharma with whom I had discussions regarding their work, the potential which India holds and the amazing work happening in India, their role and importance of all the stakeholders in the Indian sports ecosystem (SAI). It made me think a lot about my future and the career path I want to take. Their work inspired me which led me thinking of transitioning into a different career space. After a lot of thorough process, I decided to come back to India post-graduation (graduated University of Tsukuba in 2024 March) and pursue my future career here, looking for opportunities in the Olympic and Paralympic space in India since India is a future Olympic host along with various opportunities lies in the growth of sport.”
“I reached out to Deepthi Bopaiah, knowing her for quite some time, and who is the CEO of GoSports Foundation that has always inspired. After discussion with her and a thorough interview process, I received an offer from GoSports Foundation. It was like a dream come true considering I wanted to transition from fundraising to the programme team and also be a part of such a prestigious organisation which has over the years supported numerous Olympic and Paralympic athletes in their journey. Currently I am working as a Senior Programme Lead at GoSports Foundation. We at Go Sports Foundation, a national award winning non-profit work towards the development of over 200 of India’s talented, emerging and elite athletes, competing across Olympic, Paralympic, Commonwealth, and Asian Games disciplines, through its scholarship, support, and knowledge-building programs.”
One of the programmes I am currently leading is the Girls For Gold program , an exclusive high-performance programme for junior and emerging female athletes with best-in-class sporting expertise and facilities which is supported by Infosys Foundation & GoSports Foundation . This program follows a unique approach which is Academy-driven, Coach-led, Athlete-centric high-performance programme thereby creating a supportive ecosystem for the athletes to thrive. I am really excited to lead this program empowering young female athletes, coaches and academies through the program. I look forward to this new journey and learnings from this experience. The learnings from experiences in TIAS be it theoretical or practical will help me in this new journey. I also look forward to publishing my research this year.”
“I cannot thank enough to all the sensei’s, the TIAS2.0 supports staff, my sempai’s and of-course all my friends who helped me in this journey. Thank you, Randeep sensei, for all your support as well. It was crucial for my personal and professional development. If anyone wants to reach out for help or advice, please do not hesitate to contact me.
