The Delhi Government on Thursday approved a proposal to set a separate ‘sports university’ in Mundka exclusively for sportsperson. A bill regarding the proposal has also been passed by Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The university which will be called as 'Delhi Sports University' will offer degrees to sportspersons par with degrees in other courses at graduate, post graduate and doctoral level.
Announcing about the initiative, Kejriwal, with his deputy Manish Sisodia by his side, said a Bill in this regard was approved by the Cabinet on Thursday and it would be sent to Lieutenant Governor (LG) Anil Baijal for approval.
The University will groom students in particular sport in an early age and Bachelors degree in particular game such as cricket, hockey and others will be provided.
"Delhi Cabinet has approved the conceptual framework, and the Delhi Assembly is hoping to pass the legal framework in the form of the bill during the winter session after the approval of the Delhi L-G. This is a finance bill, which requires the sanction of the Lieutenant Governor before being presented in the assembly. If the L-G approves the bill, it shall be presented in the assembly in the winter session. The timelines for the establishment shall be discussed thereafter," said the Chief Minister.
"This sports university will grant you a degree in sports such as cricket, and hockey. A passionate sportsperson can now devote all of his time to playing and excelling in sports. His graduation, post-graduation, and doctorate degrees will be in the subjects of sports. He can show his degrees for various related posts wherever required. For instance, he can appear for civil services examination because he will be considered a graduate after this degree," the chief minister.
Kejriwal also added, "The Delhi Sports University will also be allowed to open sports schools and institute to groom students at a particular sport in an early age. The main aim of this university is to build and groom the students who have excelled in various sports in their schools."
To construct the University, 90 acres of land has been identified and allotted to construct the institute in Mundka area in Delhi. The Vice-Chancellor of this university will also be a sportsperson, said Kejriwal.
"The curriculum of the university and the subjects are in the ideation process and will be developed as per further deliberations with several experts. The DSU bill defines the administrative and legal structure of the university. Several experts will be involved at various stages, to design and give a definite structure to the curriculum of the courses," he added.
"Most of the students have to compromise their sports to keep up with their performance in their main subjects. Some of the students that I know are pursuing their graduation from SOL to manage sports and studies both. It is a matter of disappointment that many students who have played sports on national levels are nowhere on the same platform as students who can give their IAS examinations because of their graduation degree. The share of jobs under sports quota is also limited. We are hoping to eradicate that uncertainty of the future from the minds of sportspersons," said Deputy CM Manish Sisodia.