Lok Sabha passes National Sports University Bill, 2018

Lok Sabha has passed National Sports University Bill, 2018 by voice vote to set up the country’s first National Sports University in Imphal (west), Manipur that will provide sports education, research and coaching. The Bill replaces National Sports University Ordinance, 2018 promulgated by President in May 2018 to protect interests of students who already have been enrolled in National Sports University.

National Sports University Bill, 2017

The Bill establishes National Sports University in Manipur. It is mandated to promote sports education in areas of sports sciences, sports technology, sports management, and sports coaching. It will function as national training centre for select sports disciplines. The Bill empowers University to grant degrees, diplomas and certificates. It also allows Government to establish campuses and study centres in other parts of the country.

Objectives of University

• Research, development and dissemination of knowledge in physical education and sports sciences.
• Strengthening physical education and sports training programmes.
• Generating knowledge capabilities, skills and competence at various levels.
• Training talented athletes to help them to evolve into international level athletes.

Background

The specialised university for sports will be first of its kind in the country and it will adopt best international practices. Manipur government already has allocated land for proposed university. The proposal to set up national sports university in Manipur was initially announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It was approved in 2014-15 budget with Rs. 100 crore allocation. This university is expected to bridge  gap that exists in sports environment of country in various areas such as sports science, sports technology, high performance training.

Month: Current Affairs - August, 2018