The National Sports University Act, 2018
📘 The National Sports University Act, 2018
🔹 Background
India has traditionally faced a gap between sports talent and institutional infrastructure for nurturing and developing professional athletes and sports science experts.
To address this, the Government of India decided to establish a National Sports University in Manipur, dedicated exclusively to sports education, training, research, and development.
The National Sports University Act, 2018, was enacted by Parliament to formalize this establishment and to grant it the status of a central university.
🔹 Objective of the Act
The Act aims to:
Establish and incorporate a National Sports University in Manipur.
Promote sports education, coaching, and physical education.
Advance research and innovation in sports science and sports technology.
Develop the university as a center of excellence in sports and physical education.
🔹 Key Features of the Act
1. Establishment of the University (Section 3)
The National Sports University is established as a central university under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
Located in Imphal, Manipur.
2. Objectives of the University (Section 4)
The university shall:
Provide instruction and training in physical education, sports sciences, and sports technology.
Prepare students for careers in coaching, sports management, and fitness training.
Conduct interdisciplinary research in physical education and sports.
Foster international collaborations in the field of sports science and management.
Organize seminars, workshops, and conferences to promote sports knowledge and awareness.
3. Powers and Functions (Section 5)
The university has the authority to:
Award degrees, diplomas, and certificates.
Establish constituent colleges, departments, and research centers.
Collaborate with national and international institutions.
Develop curricula and conduct examinations.
Promote inclusive participation in sports, including for persons with disabilities.
4. Governance Structure
| Authority | Role & Powers |
|---|---|
| Visitor | The President of India; has oversight powers including inspection |
| Chancellor | Appointed by the Visitor; ceremonial head |
| Vice-Chancellor | Principal executive and academic officer |
| Court | Review and policy-making body |
| Executive Council | Highest executive authority; responsible for management |
| Academic Council | Highest academic authority; frames policies for instruction and curriculum |
| Finance Committee | Advises on financial matters |
5. University’s Jurisdiction (Section 6)
The university has all-India jurisdiction and can establish campuses or centers anywhere in India or abroad, subject to government approval.
6. Funding and Grants (Section 24)
The University is funded by the Central Government.
All accounts are audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India.
7. Affiliations and Recognitions
The university may affiliate with sports institutes, colleges, and research centers across India.
It must conform to University Grants Commission (UGC) norms.
🔹 Importance of the Act
Provides professional education in sports, previously lacking in India.
Encourages scientific and evidence-based sports training.
Supports India’s goal to become a global sports power.
Creates career opportunities in coaching, fitness, sports science, and sports management.
Strengthens India’s performance in Olympics and international events.
🔹 Relevant Case Law
There are no major Supreme Court judgments specifically interpreting the National Sports University Act yet, as the university and the law are still relatively recent. However, related cases shed light on issues in sports administration, educational governance, and central universities:
1. Zee Telefilms Ltd. v. Union of India (2005) 4 SCC 649
Issue: Whether the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is a state under Article 12.
Relevance: The Court held that even though BCCI performs public functions, it is not "state" under Article 12.
Significance: Shows the complexity in governance and accountability in sports bodies, which a formal institution like National Sports University seeks to rectify.
2. University of Delhi v. Anand Vardhan Chandel (2000)
Context: The Supreme Court emphasized the autonomy of central universities and upheld procedures laid out in central university acts.
Relevance: The governance model in the National Sports University mirrors that of other central universities, and the same legal principles apply.
3. Suresh Kumar Koushal v. Naz Foundation (2013) (While primarily related to LGBTQ rights)
Relevance: This case was cited in later discussions on the inclusion of gender and sexuality diversity in sports, leading to advocacy for inclusive physical education policies.
Indirect relevance: National Sports University is empowered to design inclusive and progressive curricula.
🔹 Constitutional and Legislative Basis
Enacted under Entry 25 (Education) and Entry 63 (Institutions of National Importance) of the Union List (Seventh Schedule of the Constitution).
Passed by Parliament and applicable to all of India.
🔹 Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | National Sports University Act, 2018 |
| Location | Imphal, Manipur |
| Status | Central University |
| Objective | Sports education, research, training |
| Key Bodies | Visitor, VC, Executive & Academic Councils |
| Jurisdiction | All India |
| Funding | Central Government |
| Degrees Awarded | UG, PG, diplomas, PhDs in sports and allied fields |
| Legal Validity | UGC-recognized, CAG-audited |
🔹 Conclusion
The National Sports University Act, 2018 represents a landmark step in institutionalizing sports education and research in India. By creating a dedicated central university, it promotes scientific training, excellence in sports, and professional opportunities in physical education. While still in its early years, the university has the potential to transform India's sports ecosystem and play a key role in developing world-class athletes and sports professionals.
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