Sushmita Kumar Book publicationDr Sushmita Kumari, Assistant Director of Sports, has authored a book titled “Media, Marketing, and Management in Sports: A Unified Approach.” Her publication presents a thorough examination of the pivotal roles that media relations, marketing strategies, and public relations play within the sports industry. Aimed at both students and professionals, the book delivers valuable perspectives on fan engagement, sponsorship dynamics, and effective crisis management. Through the use of real-world examples, Dr Sushmita highlights the transformative influence of digital media and the necessity for global adaptability in sports communication, making it an indispensable resource for anyone aspiring to succeed in the field of Sports.

Abstract:

The book, provides a comprehensive exploration of sports communication and management. It highlights the significance of media relations, marketing strategies, and public relations in shaping the success and image of sports entities. By integrating real-world examples, it delves into the interplay of traditional and digital platforms, showcasing their role in fan engagement, sponsorships, and crisis management. The content equips readers with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the evolving landscape of sports media and branding.

Target Audience:

The book is designed for students and professionals in sports management, communication, and media industries. It caters to academics, sports enthusiasts, PR practitioners, and industry leaders who seek to enhance their expertise in sports branding, marketing, and public relations.

Collaboration Details:

Acknowledgments highlight the contributions of mentors, colleagues, students, and industry experts, emphasizing the book’s foundation in academic and practical insights. It also includes case studies and experiences from media professionals, enhancing its relevance and applicability.

Social or Practical Implications:

  • Digital Transformation: The book addresses the transformative power of social and digital media in fan interaction and brand promotion.
  • Crisis Management: It provides strategies for managing crises in sports, ensuring sustained reputation and stakeholder trust.
  • Global Engagement: It emphasizes the importance of adapting to globalization and cultural sensitivities in sports communication.
  • Sponsorship Dynamics: Insights into sponsorship management underline its role in generating revenue and aligning brand values.

deepthi-jeevanji

SRM University-AP honoured the accomplishments of its student and Paris Paralympian, Ms Deepthi Jeevanji, who is a recipient of the Arjuna Award this year on January 24, 2025. Deepthi, a student of commerce at the Paari School of Business, represented India at the Paris Paralympics 2024 in the 400-meter T20 event and secured a bronze medal, becoming the first intellectually impaired Indian athlete to win a Paralympic medal.

The felicitation ceremony featured Vice Chancellor Prof. Manoj K Arora, Registrar Dr R Premkumar, Director of Campus Life and Maintenance and Director I/C of Sports, Mr Anup Suryavanshi and Former IIT Madras Faculty, Prof. N Siva Prasad presented Ms Jeevanji with award cheques of rupees twenty-five lakh for her Paralympic success and an additional fifteen lakh rupees for winning the Arjuna Award.

The event served as a platform to encourage aspiring students to pursue sports and consider it as a career option. During the ceremony, Deepthi expressed her gratitude, stating, “It is an immense honour to represent my country on such a prestigious global platform. The support from the management, staff, and my teachers at SRM University-AP played a crucial role in helping me achieve success.”

deepthi-jeevanji

Vice Chancellor Prof. Manoj K Arora highlighted the importance of sports in education and the university’s commitment to fostering a culture of excellence. He stated, “We are proud of her achievement and hope she participates in the next Paralympics too, bringing gold to the country.” He also emphasised that the university is here to provide any form of support for her way forward in sports. Registrar Dr R Premkumar acknowledged Deepthi’s remarkable accomplishment and expressed pride in her historic success.

Director – Campus Life and Maintenance and Director I/C of Sports, Mr Anup Singh Suryavanshi, mentioned in the press meeting that followed, SRM University-AP has allocated seventy lakh rupees to encourage its high-performing students in sports. He noted that the university’s sporting infrastructure is on par with international standards and welcomes students from across the country to join its Sports Department.

The felicitation event also saw the announcements of the university’s upcoming National-Level Sports Fest, UDGAM 2025 which will see participation from over 3,200 students from across the country. Arjuna Awardee Ms Deepthi Jeevanji unveiled the event brochure to the members of the media.

 

The Directorate of Sports at SRM University-AP proudly hosted the grand closing ceremony of the Inter School Sports Championship (ISC), a celebration of sportsmanship, teamwork, and dedication among students. The event, attended by esteemed guests including Chief Guest Naveen Chary, a renowned fitness influencer, Registrar Dr R Premkumar, Deans, Directors, and a vibrant crowd of students, marked the culmination of a remarkable four-week journey.

The ISC Championship witnessed the enthusiastic participation of 2,247 students from all three schools: the School of Engineering and Sciences, the Paari School of Business, and the Easwari School of Liberal Arts. Participants showcased their skills in a variety of sports, promoting camaraderie and school spirit throughout the event.

Among the games, cricket was the most popular, attracting 900 participants; Badminton followed with 482 participants and volleyball with 256 participants. The football, basketball, and chess competitions also saw enthusiastic participation, with 180, 102, and 167 players, respectively. The School of Engineering and Sciences (SEAS) emerged as the triumphant winner of the prestigious rolling trophy.

“This championship has not only highlighted our students’ athletic abilities but has also been instrumental in cultivating a culture of sportsmanship at SRM University-AP,” said Dr Dhiraj Parasher, Director of Sports, SRM University-AP. “It has opened pathways for students to consider sports as a viable career option, enriching their overall university experience.”

The closing ceremony featured an engaging live performance by Band Kadali, along with captivating classical and Western dance performances by talented students.

In his address, Registrar Dr R Premkumar reflected on the significance of the event: “As we celebrate these achievements, let us carry forward the enthusiasm and lessons learned during this championship into all our future endeavours, both in sports and academics. The friendships forged and experiences gained here will resonate within our community for years to come.”

The ISC Championship has proven to be more than just a competitive event; it has served as a platform for personal growth, team spirit, and the forging of lasting bonds among students, making it a memorable chapter in the SRM University-AP journey.

jyothika-sri-dandi-paris-olympics

Ms Jyothika Sri Dandi, our first-year B.A. student at the Easwari School of Liberal Arts, has qualified for the Indian Women’s 4x400m Relay Team for the world’s foremost sports competition, the Paris Olympics 2024. Dr Dhiraj Parasher, Director–Sports, congratulated Ms Jyothika on this phenomenal achievement. He remarked, “To become an Olympian is a monumental mark in the career of an athlete. We are swelled with pride and offer unwavering support as we soundly believe that Jyothika will create history and return as an Olympic champion.”

Vice Chancellor Prof. Manoj K Arora also expressed his pride and zeal by stating, “Ms Jyothika is a national treasure that instils a belief and ambition in every young girl who dreams of being an Olympian. We, at SRM University-AP, wish her success and victory as she crafts her name in the tapestry of champions.”

Hailing from Tanuku town in the West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, the two-time national champion has paved her way to the elite sports championship through hard work, determination, and resilience.

Ms Jyothika had her breakthrough in 2021 when she secured Gold in the 400-metre race at the Indian U23 Championships. Her winning streak continued as she forged ahead to make her mark in 2023 by winning the Indian National Open Championships for 400 metres race in Thiruvananthapuram and winning bronze in the women’s 4 x 400 metres relay at the 2023 Asian Athletics Championships in Bangkok. Her blistering pace and performance at the 2024 World Relays Championships in Nassau, Bahamas, secured the Indian women’s relay team’s ticket to the Paris Olympics.

As the 2024 Paris Olympics unfolds, it is a moment of pride and anticipation for SRM University-AP as the institute extends its heartfelt wishes to Ms Jyothika and the Indian contingent representing our nation on this monumental platform.

YOGA -1

On June 21, SRM University-AP marked International Yoga Day with commendable enthusiasm, drawing the active participation of faculty, students, and staff. This significant event, organised under the auspices of the Directorate of Student Affairs and the Directorate of Sports, not only highlighted the importance of yoga in contemporary life but also emphasised the unifying power of this ancient practice.

The ceremony commenced with a warm welcome address by Mr Anil Kumar Nigam, Director of Student Affairs, setting a positive tone for the day. Mr Nigam further remarked on the profound significance of International Yoga Day, he stated, “Yoga empowers individuals to take charge of their own well-being and enables them to stand strong in the face of adversities”

The celebrations featured a captivating demonstration of traditional yoga led by the yoga instructor, Ms Moni, followed by partner yoga and collective sessions involving faculty, staff, and students. These activities showcased not just the flexibility of the participants but also underscored the principle of unity between mind, body, and soul, fostering a sense of inner peace.

Registrar, Dr R Premkumar, in his address, imparted a poignant message on the essence of self-commitment as the foundation for any path one chooses to follow. He further remarked that “Yoga’s role in bringing about the well-being of oneself and society is profound,” underscoring the transformative power of yoga in achieving personal health and inner peace.

The event not only celebrated the timeless values of peace and harmony inherent in yoga but also reinforced the varsity’s commitment to fostering a holistic educational environment. Ms Sushmita Kumari, Assistant Director of Sports, expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the enthusiastic participation of all attendees and encouraged everyone to continue on their transformative journey of wellness and harmony.

 

YOGA 2

The Directorate of Sports at SRM University-AP organised its highly anticipated Annual Sports Day on March 16 and 17, 2024. This exciting event was conducted in the wake of its 3-day National Sports Fest -UDGAM ‘24. The event was graced by Mr Anup Singh Suryavanshi, Director of Campus Life & Maintenance, and Mr Anil Kumar Nigam, Director of Student Affairs, as its chief guest.

The Annual Sports Day saw an impressive participation of 669 athletes. These talented athletes engaged in an intense and spirited competition, showcasing their skills and abilities in both individual and team events. It was truly a spectacle to behold, with participants and spectators alike left in awe of the incredible displays of athleticism and sportsmanship on display. The event showcased a remarkable display of skill and persistence across various competitions in Badminton, Table Tennis, Chess, Kabaddi, Cricket, Volleyball and several others.

The annual sports fest culminated with a prize distribution ceremony, Assistant Director of Sports, Ms Sushmitha Kumari; Director of International Relations and Higher Studies, Ms Aditi Jain; Associate Director of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Mr Udayan Bakshi alongside sports officer, coaches, athletes and students bore witness to this momentous occasion.  As the curtains close on an exhilarating annual sports fest, we eagerly anticipate the continuation of a legacy focused on promoting sportsmanship, fostering healthy competition, and nurturing the talents of young athletes.

 

Annual Sports Day 2

Annual Sports Day

UDGAM 2024

SRM University-AP, the proud organiser of the national-level sports event UDGAM-’24, graciously hosted a spectacular display of talent and sportsmanship on its grounds, wrapping up with a heartfelt closing ceremony on Saturday, March 2, 2024. The event, which commenced on February 29, was a testament to the spirit of unity and competitive excellence, with teams from across the nation showcasing their prowess in cricket, kabaddi, and volleyball.

The university extends its warmest congratulations to all the participating teams, especially highlighting the commendable performances of the Guntur Kits Engineering College cricket team, the kabaddi players from Amritasai Engineering College, and the volleyball teams from Saint Ann’s College and Mohan Babu University. Their dedication, skill, and sportsmanship have been the true highlights of this event.

SRM University-AP‘s grounds were alive with enthusiasm and energy, as athletes from various institutions came together to push their limits and celebrate the true spirit of sports. The cricket final was a particularly memorable moment, with the teams displaying exceptional talent and teamwork. The kabaddi and volleyball matches were equally riveting, filled with moments of sheer determination and exemplary skill.

The closing ceremony was a moment of unity and celebration, with Asian Games silver medalist Ms Jyothi Yerraji gracing the occasion to award the trophies to the deserving winners. The university’s registrar, Dr R Premkumar, led the event, emphasising the values of sportsmanship and camaraderie that Udgam- ’24 aimed to promote. The university also took the opportunity to express its gratitude towards all the participants, coaches, and supporting staff who contributed to the success of this grand sporting festivity.

In a humble acknowledgement of the collective effort, the university’s administration, including Dr Prem Kumar and Mr Anil Nigam, Director-Student Affairs, honoured the chief guest and all the participating athletes, appreciating their hard work, spirit, and the joy they brought to the SRM University-AP campus.

As we close this chapter of Udgam-24, SRM University-AP looks forward to fostering a continued legacy of sportsmanship, encouraging healthy competition, and nurturing the talents of young athletes from across the nation. We are inspired by the passion exhibited by all teams and are proud to have provided a platform for such a dynamic and inspirational exchange of athleticism and goodwill.

In a magnificent celebration of sports and camaraderie, SRM University-AP’s annual sports fest, Udgam-2024, unfolded with grandeur and an unwavering commitment to athletic excellence on February 29, 2024. The event was graced by dignitaries and sports aficionados, including the esteemed Chief Guest Mr. Nagapuri Ramesh, the renowned Dronacharya Awardee, Prof. Manoj K. Arora, Vice-Chancellor, along with other distinguished university officials, Dr R Premkumar, Registrar, Mrs Suma N, Chief Finance and Accounts Officer (CFAO), Prof. Vishnupad, Dean – Easwari School of Liberal Arts, Prof. Bharadhwaj Sivakumaran, Dean – Paari School of Business, Mr Anil Kumar Nigam, Director – Student Affairs, Dr. Sushmita Kumari, Assistant Director-Sports, Mr Manish Kumar Anand, Director – Human Resources, Mr Pankaj Belwariar, Director – Communications, graced the event with their presence. Around 800 students from 20 colleges and universities have participated in the fest.

The word ‘UDGAM’, which translates to ‘origin’ or ‘to rise up’ in Sanskrit, perfectly encapsulates the spirit of SRM AP’s sports ethos. Not merely an extracurricular activity, sports at SRM University-AP are embraced as a pivotal element of student life, reflecting a holistic approach to education and personal development.

Prof. Manoj K Arora, in his inspiring address, articulated the university’s vision of elevating its sports facilities to international standards. “We are not just building facilities; we are nurturing the champions of tomorrow,” he remarked, emphasising the university’s plans to enhance its infrastructure, fostering a thriving environment for budding athletes.

The Chief Guest, Mr Nagapuri Ramesh, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the vital role of educational institutions in shaping the future of sports in India. His words, “India’s tryst with sports excellence begins in our universities,” resonated with the audience, underscoring the transformative power of sports in building discipline, resilience, and teamwork.

The event saw participation from over 800 students across 20 colleges from all over India, embodying the fest’s ethos of unity and competitive spirit. The Torch Bearing Ceremony, a symbolic tradition, ignited the flame of sportsmanship, passing the torch of legacy and determination from seasoned athletes to the emerging generation.

“I’m immensely grateful to the university management for granting me this incredible opportunity. Witnessing the spirited and joyous participation of the students fills us with exhilaration. SRM University-AP has truly set the stage for these young athletes to hone essential life skills such as leadership and team building. I urge all students to seize this momentous opportunity with both hands and make the most of it, embracing the challenge with the heart of a sportsperson and the zeal of a champion,” said Dr Sushmita Kumari, Assistant Director-Sports.

As the fest unfolds, athletes will compete in a plethora of events, from Basketball to Chess, football to Tennis, each game would be a testament to the indomitable spirit of the participants. The fest was not just a competition but a celebration of the enduring values that sports instil – teamwork, integrity, and the pursuit of excellence.

In conclusion, Udgam 2024 stands as a symbol of inspiration, urging students to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship, to learn from every game, and to always play with heart and honor. As Mr Ramesh poignantly stated, “Khiladi ya to jitta hai, ya sikhta hai, kavi harta nahi hai (In the arena of sports, we either win or learn; we never lose).”

Rifle shooting gold

Tummala Bhuvitha, Computer Science Engineering student at SRM University-AP showed exceptional talent in the 22nd state-level rifle shooting competition organised at Hyderabad Central University under the aegis of the National Rifle Association of India. She won the first position and 3 gold medals in the 10m air rifle shooting competitions held in senior, junior and youth categories, respectively.

More than 100 shooters from Andhra Pradesh took part in the competition held from the 4th to 7th of this month. Participating in the competition from SRM AP, Bhuvitha stunned the organisers by winning three gold medals in a row. Bhuvitha had won gold medals twice in the past in state and national level rifle shooting competitions held in different places. According to her father, Bhuvitha learned shooting techniques from Subrahmanyeshwar Rao, the coach at the Indian Academy of Shooting Sports in Vijayawada.

“I grew passionate about rifle shooting because it is an individual sport that requires so much concentration and focus”, says Ms Bhuvitha while sharing the joy of her success. University President Dr P Satyanarayanan, Vice-Chancellor Prof V S Rao and Registrar Dr R Premkumar praised Bhuvitha for winning three gold medals consecutively in state-level competitions.

India Book of Records

It is a moment of immense pride for SRM University- AP to welcome a new record maker into our midst. P Vishnu Vardhan from the Department of Computer Science Engineering has carved his name into the India Book of Records for performing 48 double-under jump rope skips in 20 seconds. He has also managed to set two records in the National Book of World Records. When most surrender their favourite hobbies to the rush of our work and academic life, this incredible student has displayed hardwork and dedication to transform his hobby into a national record.

Mr Vishnu Vardhan comments on the multiple times he succumbed to giving up his hobby of skipping ropes but realised that it was a space of refuge amidst the pressures of the world. He has shown an incredible feat of courage and dedication to set this impressive record by braving the rejection that he initially had faced.

“When I came to know about the India Book of Records, it was my parents who made me apply for it but I was rejected the first time. I had lost all hope but my friends supported me to pursue my passion for skipping rope and also helped with my academics. Finally I have entered into the National Book of Records, twice and the India Book of Records as well”, he said.

He has extended a heartfelt note towards his parents and his friends, M Surya Teja and K Nithin, for their undying support and confidence that has guided him to attain this amazing achievement.

Mr Vishnu Vardhan hopes to represent SRM University- AP at the All India Inter University rope skipping competition and provide further laurels for the institution. His journey to setting national records proves that with passion, endurance and a generous amount of optimism, even the unachievable could be achieved.