Participant Profiles

Yashvardhan Singh

Name: Mr. Yashvardhan Singh
City: Sirsa
Profession: Head coach and Manager
Organization: Tennis Club Möggingen
Work Experience: 4 Years

Yashvardhan Singh, based in Germany, is an experienced tennis player and coach. He competes for Tennis Club Überlingen in the Badenliga (Germany) and Tennis Club Zollikofen (Bern) in the National League C (Switzerland). Alongside his playing career, Yash is also a tennis coach in two different clubs in Germany, where he focuses on improving player performance through strategic goals and structured practice sessions.

As Head Coach at Tennis Club Möggingen e.V. and co-trainer at TC 1902 Überlingen e.V., Yash employs performance metrics to track progress and update training methods. He is also known for promoting community engagement by collaborating with local clubs and schools and organising various tennis camps.

Beyond coaching, Yash has worked as a training consultant and personal trainer, achieving notable success in Europe and Australia. His coaching has been crucial in developing players’ skills and understanding of the game. As a player, he has competed in national tournaments and traveled globally for international competitions.

Yash holds a B.A. in History from the University of Delhi and is fluent in English, German, and Hindi.

Vipin Shah S

Name: Mr. Vipin Shah S
City: Kollam
Profession: Advocate
Organization: Kollam Courts
Work Experience: 2 Years

Vipin is an Advocate by profession and has been practicing in District Court, Kollam and other small-cause courts since 2022. He completed his BA.LLB (integrated 5-year course) from Kerala University. He practiced as an advocate junior of Additional Government Pleader Kottarakkara representing the State of Kerala in Munsiff court and Sub court in Kottarakkara, Kollam.

He is currently practicing with a senior counsel in District Court, Kollam in civil and criminal matters. He is an active participant in various sports and games in regional based tournaments. He is also an active participant in the local tournaments and sports events in his locality. He has represented his college in the field of sports by playing cricket at various events.

Vibhor Gautam

Name: Mr. Vibhor Gautam
City: Delhi
Profession: Graphic Designer
Organization: Freelance
Work Experience: 2 Years

Vibhor holds a Bachelor’s (Honours) degree in Sports Science from Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (Department of Sports Science). During his studies and analysis of various athletes throughout his curriculum, he pursued certification in Sports Digitalisation and Performance Management in 2021. He completed internships at “KHELO TECH PVT. LTD.”, amassing approximately 8-9 months of experience. His bachelor’s thesis focused on “Fitness Evaluation of Delhi Football Players Through a Test Battery. Currently, Vivhor works remotely for a company called “Aperio Sports” as senior graphic designer and social media content strategist.

Vibhor has worked as part of the media team at the 37th National Games 2023. He has also fulfilled multiple roles in various state events such as the Pro Tennis League 2022, Taekwondo, and Arm Wrestling. Since 2019, he has provided freelance services in media, photography, and graphic design at a professional level, accumulating approximately 1.2 years of experience in the sports industry both as an intern, full-time, freelance. He served as the graphic designer for the Literature Society at his university. With diverse experiences and studies in different fields of sports, he has created numerous professional and non-professional portfolios for athletes seeking sponsorships.

Siddharth Taware

Name: Mr. Siddharth Taware
City: Pune
Profession: Major Event Professional
Organization: Freelance
Work Experience: 15 Years

Siddharth’s career as a freelance sports management professional is indeed diverse and extensive, spanning over 15 years in various domains within the sports industry. He has worked with prestigious companies and organizations such as the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy – FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Ernst & Young, Qatar Olympic Committee, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Government of India, All India Football Federation and the Organizing Committee Commonwealth Games 2010, showcasing his expertise in Sports Operations management, Sports Marketing, and Event management.

Siddharth’s involvement in project management, venue operations, branding, merchandising, marketing, and event operations for significant sporting events like the FIFA World Cup, Indian Premier League, Premier Badminton League, Indian Super League, 12th South Asian Games 2016 and Arab Games 2011 Doha demonstrates his valuable contributions to the sports management industry. His commitment and track record of success in major sporting events globally highlight his expertise and dedication to the field of sports management.

Shivansh Soni

Name: Mr. Shivansh Soni
City: Bhopal
Profession: Director
Organization: Project Yogya
Work Experience: 5 Years

Shivansh He has been practicing as a litigation advocate for 5 years in New Delhi. Since 2022, he has established his independent practice, traveling to various courts across different cities and states, with a primary focus on commercial litigation. Currently, he is also associated with the law firm Zenturm Law Partners as an Associate Partner, where he represents and advises multiple businesses, government companies and financial institutions. Shivansh holds a Bachelor of Law degree from the National Law Institute University, Bhopal, and a Master’s degree from O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat. Additionally, he is an accredited mediator by the Strauss Institute of Dispute Resolution, California.

He is passionate about sports and has observed the challenges that athletes face off the field, including political and practical issues that can impede their progress and dreams. These challenges, some of which he encountered personally, have left a lasting impact on him and have motivated him to make a difference in the sports ecosystem. Being acutely aware of the gaps in the current sports management framework, particularly in areas such as athlete financial support, governance, and dispute resolution, he believes that his legal expertise, combined with his experience as an athlete, uniquely positions him to address these challenges and advocate for the rights and well-being of athletes. His goal is to contribute to the development of a more equitable and supportive environment for athletes, where their talents and efforts are recognized, nurtured, and protected. The FIFA/CIES International Programme in Sports Management represents an ideal platform for him to bridge his legal expertise with his passion for sports.

Viraj Savla

Name: Mr. Viraj Savla
City: Mumbai
Profession: Legal Associate
Organization: Divyakant Mehta and Associates
Work Experience: 2 Years

He is working as a practicing advocate for more than 2 years handling all types of disputes across various courts and forums. He has conducted extensive research on finding case laws while conducting matters and also assisted in deposition meetings.He has also conducted arbitration proceedings securing favourable settlements .He conducts legal proceedings across various courts around the country. He has proficient knowledge about the legal system in India , research ,inspection, and business administration . He possesses leadership qualities too .He holds a Bachelor of law degree along with Bachelor of Legal Sciences from University of Mumbai . He has completed a diploma in Intellectual property Rights from University of Mumbai and also holds a diploma in Cyber laws from Asian School of cyber laws. He has a strong passion for sports and also holds a dilploma in Sports Laws from Enhelion. He is a member of Bar Association of India and also a member of Bombay Bar Association.

Rehan Rajeev

Name: Mr. Rehan Rajeev
City: Ernakulam
Profession: Football Coach
Organization: Aadins Football Academy
Work Experience: 1 Year

Rehan is a dynamic professional balancing a passion for sports coaching with a solid foundation in finance and digital marketing. Currently a part-time coach at Aadhins Football Academy, He brings a blend of strategic thinking and hands-on experience to his role, helping young athletes develop their skills both on and off the field.

Rehan graduated with a degree in Finance and Taxation from M.G. University, equipping him with a robust understanding of financial principles and regulatory environments. His academic background has given him a strong analytical edge, which he applies to problem-solving and strategic planning in his coaching role.

In addition to his financial expertise, Rehan has pursued further education in digital marketing, completing a comprehensive six-month course. This training has enhanced his ability to utilize digital platforms effectively, both in promoting football programs and engaging with a broader audience.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Rehan is driven by a commitment to excellence and a passion for helping others achieve their goals. His diverse skill set and unique experiences make him a valuable asset in any team or project, whether in the realm of sports, finance, or digital marketing.

Ajil Joseph P

Name: Mr. Ajil Joseph P
City: Thrissur
Profession: Manager
Organization: Dharsana Service Society
Work Experience: 2 Years

Ajil Joseph P, from Kerala, blends his passion for sports with his background in Mechanical Engineering, which provided him with skills in problem-solving, strategic thinking, and resilience. During college, Ajil co-founded a Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) chapter, where he honed his abilities in team collaboration and project management. His personal experience with ACL reconstruction led him to volunteer with an NGO supporting differently-abled athletes, focusing on adaptive sports like wheelchair basketball and para-swimming. Ajil played a key role in popularizing these sports, organizing camps, and leading teams to national and international success. Now, he aims to establish an academy for Unified Sports in India, aspiring to elevate sports from grassroots to podium. He believes that the FIFA sports management course will provide him with the tools to build a sustainable sports environment and advance global sports management and development.

Rahul Vishwakarma

Name: Mr. Rahul Vishwakarma
City: Bhopal
Profession: Football Analyst
Organization: Catch Sports
Work Experience: 2 Years

Rahul is an aspiring Football Analyst-Manager with a solid foundation in data analysis and football analytics. He holds a Master of Technology degree in Thermal Engineering and a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering. He is proficient in Python programming and has completed various certifications to enhance his skills in football analytics. He is currently working as a Football Analyst at Vidswap, where he filters and tags data, providing detailed analysis and actionable insights to clients worldwide. His experience also includes roles as an Associate Engineer at Virtusa and an Analyst Intern at Stepout, where he collaborated on multiple analytics projects.

Upon completion of the program, Rahul aims to leverage his newfound knowledge and network to transition into a more specialized role within the sports industry. Whether in sports analytics, player scouting, or sports administration, he is committed to making a meaningful impact and contributing to the advancement of the sports management field.

Mukhiddin Irmatov

Name: Mr. Mukhiddin Irmatov
City: Uzbekistan
Profession: Regional Assistant Coordinator
Organization: Uzbekistan Footballers’ Union FIFPRO
Work Experience: 14 Years

Mukhiddin Irmatov brings over a decade of domestic and international experience in global logistics, distribution, and commercial management to the world of sports. Specializing in warehousing and organizing business events, he has honed his communication and negotiation skills through extensive industry experience. Mukhiddin has worked for more than 10 years in airport operations as an Operations Manager, where he managed VIP and VVIP delegations, organized charter flights, and played a pivotal role in business development for companies in China, the UAE, and the USA. His expertise includes organizing guest relations and managing world-renowned events, such as the Canton Fair World Expo in China, the Brand Marketing Expo in China, and the Gulfood Expo in the UAE. Additionally, Mukhiddin has significant experience in international trading contracts.

Mukhiddin holds a degree in International Commercial Law from Westminster University and an MBA in Marketing from Guangdong University of Finance & Economics. He has further enriched his expertise through the AFC Academic Centre of Excellence, earning an AFC Certificate in Football Administration and Management (ACFAM) program and certifications in child safeguarding programs.

Mishal Ashref

Name: Mr. Mishal Ashref
City: Nilambur
Profession: Center Head
Organization: Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools
Work Experience: 2 Years

Mishal is a professional footballer currently playing in Delhi’s B-Division and represented Delhi University. Additionally, he serves as a coordinator for Luca Soccer Club in Malappuram, leading the “Football for Future” Program where he oversees training programs and organizes community outreach activities. With 6 years of managerial experience, he specializes in talent identification and event management. Previously, he has worked as an organizer at Football Creatives Pvt Ltd, managing over 20 events and participating in community development initiatives to foster grassroots football. He collaborated with prominent organizations such as Decathlon, XSPORTS Asia, Gokulam Kerala FC, Redbull, and Coca-Cola. He was elected Sports Captain at Guidance Public School, overseeing district football and kabaddi championships.

Mishal holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics (Honors.) from the University of Delhi.

Aditya Anil Kumar

Name: Mr. Aditya Anil Kumar
City: Boisar

Aditya has been working as a Supervisor at Herbalife Nutrition since the past two years. He is an avid table tennis and badminton player and enjoys playing football. His hobbies include watching movies and reading books. He hopes to bring his skills sets of communication skills, interpersonal and problem solving skills to the class. He is currently pursuing B.Tech in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. He hopes that with his skill sets and his passion for sports, he will be able to make a difference in the sports eco-system. Pursuing the PILLAI/FIFA/CIES International programme in Sports management will help him to hone his management skills, and find opportunities and collaborations to switch to the sports industry.

Atharva Dawar

Name: Mr. Atharva Dawar
City: Gurgaon
Profession: Marketing Communications Intern
Organization: Wordswork Communications Consulting
Work Experience: 1 Year

Atharva has finished his 3 year degree at Ashoka University majoring in psychology and minoring in economics.He has extensive experience of playing football at the national and international level. Moreover, he was the vice-captain at Shriram School football team, Aravali, Gurgaon and has represented the team at the Nationals over multiple years wherein they always came in the top three positions. At the nationals, he was scouted and selected for the School Games Federation of India’s (SGFI) Football tournament, wherein he played for the North-Western team of India. At SGFI, he was again scouted to train for the next leg towards the India national U19.

In order to begin understanding the functioning of a sports company, Atharva undertook 2 separate internships with Baseline Ventures who are a leader in sports management with offices in India and Singapore. During his internship, as a part of the social media/digital team, he got an in-depth understanding of how a Sports Management company works. He got a chance to work closely with the head of Sports Management. In addition, Atharva has also interned with Super Six Sports Gaming company and was involved with authoring multiple blogs on upcoming games both nationally and internationally. Apart from this, he has also helped the marketing team to boost their social media presence, wrote scripts for their online videos and also did research to help them compete better in the market. This year Atharva has also undertaken two separate internships at DCM communications and Wordswork LLP.

Vishal C Salian

Name: Mr. Vishal C Salian
City: Navi Mumbai
Profession: City Lead
Organization: Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools
Work Experience: 5 Years

Vishal has been working as a Sports Management professional for the past 5 years. He started his sports management career as an intern with Sportz Village. Learning and growing from one of the best companies in the Sports Industry he received a contract to work with them for various sports like Football, Athletics, Marathon & Basketball. As an Operations Executive, he got an opportunity to work with clients such as Nike, Asics, Reliance Foundation, Lodha & NBA. He developed his skills in Vendor management, Venue Co-ordination, Apparels & Inventory management, Logistics, Registration & Data management, Merchandising, Volunteer management, Tele-calling, Presentation management, & Hospitality.

He is currently working as a Center Manager in Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools since the past one and half year in the Sales & Operations department. He is a passionate Sports Athlete right from his childhood and has competed in Athletics & Football in various Inter-School, Inter-College & District competition. He achieved the Best Athlete trophy twice, one in School & another in College and was selected to lead his Degree college as Sports Secretary from 2015 to 2017.

Vishal completed his graduation with Bachelors in Accounting & Finance from Somaiya college. He continues to be passionate and committed to sports and would like to enhance his career opportunities and learn new aspects of the Sports Industry. He believes the Pillai/FIFA/CIES International Programme in Sports Management is perfect for a working professional as it gives him an opportunity to learn and grow from all the speakers who have a lot of experience in their domain.

Akshada Ganesh Aptekar

Name: Ms. Akshada Ganesh Aptekar
City: Mumbai
Profession: Sports Coach
Organization: Pillai HOC International School, Rasayni
Work Experience: 2 Years

Akshada is an avid enthusiast deeply engaged in sports and games from a very young age. Her journey in the sports field began when she started taekwondo classes, which was followed by a strong focus on athletics and handball during her school years. She has also seized opportunities to play badminton and carrom, representing her school at the DSO level and achieving recognition in athletics at the CBSE National level.

Mazen Muhammed Saleem

Name: Mr. Mazen Muhammed Saleem
City: Puducherry
Profession: Academy Consultant & Inventory Manager
Organization: SMFA Football Academy
Work Experience: 5 Years

Mazen holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Pondicherry University, specializing in Marketing and Finance. As a sports enthusiast with a passion for football, he trained at the JSC Academy in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 2011 to 2017. He represented Puducherry in the National School Games in 2019. He was a member of Mahe School’s winning football team in the State-level Zonal School Games Championship during 2018 and 2019. As a part of his education, he has completed a marketing project at The Western India Plywood’s Kannur, Kerala. This marketing research delved into understanding brand awareness, the need for marketing especially digital marketing and developing marketing strategies at different levels, He also did a study on the management aspects of a printing press and how its business works at North Malabar Offset Printers Consortium Kannur, Kerala. He hopes to combine his business knowledge with his deep rooted passion for sports to make a mark in the sports industry.

Gokul A V

Name: Mr. Gokul A V
City: Ernakulam
Profession: PLC programmer
Organization: Electritech Solutions
Work Experience: 1 Year

Gokul A V is an electronics engineer working as a PLC programmer at Electritech Solutions, a company that provides automation services to various industries. Gokul developed his hardware designing skills as an intern at the startup company Teqard Labs Pvt Ltd. He has always been passionate about sports. He aims to align his professional life with his personal interests by joining the PILLAI/FIFA/CIES International Programme in Sports Management. He believes that this significant step will open new doors for him to pursue a career in the sports industry, combining his analytical skills with his love for sports. He is excited to make this transition and contribute to the world of sports through his technical and managerial expertise. He believes that this transition reflects a unique combination of skills and interests, setting the stage for a dynamic career ahead.

Sumesh Kumar Sivanandan

Name: Mr. Sumesh Kumar Sivanandan
City: Navi Mumbai
Profession: Sports Coordinator
Organization: Global Sports
Work Experience: 15 years

He’s working as a sports coordinator at Global Sports. He has also worked with Adlabs Imagica and has also been awarded employee of the month. He has worked as junior Associate Manager and Customer Service Agent with Reliance Communication. He has been active in the Sports field. He was the coordinator for National Level Handball which was conducted in Hyderabad. He has won 1st prize in open level Kalamboli Marathon and has won several medals at division, district and university level for Football, Athletics and Handball.