Lok Sabha passes National Sports University Bill, 2018

Lok Sabha has passed the National Sports University Bill, 2018 by voice vote to set up 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 the National Sports University.

About the National Sports University Bill, 2018:

• The Bill establishes a 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 a national training centre for select sports disciplines.
• The Bill empowers the University to grant degrees, diplomas and certificates.
• It also allows the Government to establish campuses and study centres in other parts of the country.

What are the objectives of the 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 evolve into international level athletes.

Importance of the University:

• 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 the proposed university.
• The proposal to set up a 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 the gap that exists in the sports environment of the country in various areas such as sports science, sports technology and high performance training.

Question:

Q. To provide sports education, research and coaching, where will be the country’s first National Sports University established?
a. Mumbai, Maharashtra
b. Imphal, Manipur
c. Chennai, Tamil Nadu
d. None of the above