In India, where sports often take a backseat to academics, a visionary couple has revolutionized the landscape of sports education. Dr. Vipul Lunawat and Tanvi Lunawat founded the Institute of Sports Science & Technology (ISST) in 2011 with a mission to create a launchpad for individuals aspiring to pursue careers in the dynamic world of sports. The idea for this holistic sports education institute was originally envisioned by Mrs. Ujwala Lunawat, a National Gold Medallist in basketball and now the Chairperson of ISST. Under her mentorship and guidance, ISST was brought to life by Dr. Vipul and Tanvi Lunawat.
Dr. Vipul Lunawat holds a Ph.D. in Sports Management and has represented India at various international roller and ice skating events. He also completed the prestigious Young Entrepreneurs Program at IIM Ahmedabad. Tanvi Lunawat, an IT engineer by training, has extensive experience in organizing sports events and has also completed a Women Leadership program at IIM Ahmedabad.
Driven by a shared passion for sports and education, they embarked on a journey to establish a world-class institution offering specialized programs in sports management and sports sciences. Starting as a bootstrapped startup with limited resources, their determination and vision have transformed their dream into one of India’s top sports education institutions.
The journey began with a clear realization: there was a significant gap in formal education for those wishing to build careers in the sports industry. Despite India’s growing interest in sports, there was minimal academic infrastructure to nurture future sports managers, coaches, and scientists. With their backgrounds in sports and entrepreneurship, the couple saw an opportunity to create structured, industry-relevant programs to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving sector.
From the beginning, the Lunawats bootstrapped the venture, relying on their savings and resources. They tirelessly designed curricula that blended theoretical learning with practical application, covering leadership, management, sports analytics, nutrition, biomechanics, and sports psychology. Their vision extended beyond just providing education—they aimed to build an ecosystem that supported practical experience, industry exposure, and career opportunities.
Initially, ISST had only a handful of students, but its reputation for excellence soon spread. Through innovative teaching methods, internships with top sports leagues and organizations, and guest lectures from renowned professionals, the institute began attracting students nationwide. Over time, ISST expanded its offerings, launching undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma courses tailored to the diverse needs of the sports industry.
The couple’s efforts were rewarded as ISST gained recognition as one of the leading sports education providers in India. Today, the institute offers a broad range of programs in sports management, sports science, sports marketing, sports psychology, and more. The institution’s emphasis on holistic development—merging academic knowledge with industry exposure through internships with top leagues like IPL, ISL, and PKL—has been pivotal in shaping the careers of numerous sports professionals.
As India prepares to host the 2036 Summer Olympics, what started as a modest bootstrapped initiative has now become a prestigious institution, contributing significantly to the future of India’s sports industry. ISST’s unwavering commitment to nurturing talent, paired with the Lunawats’ deep understanding of both sports and education, has made them pioneers in India’s sports education landscape. Their success story is an inspiring example of how passion, perseverance, and innovation can turn a vision into a transformative reality.
