‘International Sports University to be operational from October’

 

 

 

THE proposed International Sports University at Balewadi, Pune will be “operational” from October 2021 for which a Governing Council has been formed, informed Maharashtra Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Sunil Kedar while interacting with reporters during a Meet The Press organised by Sports Journalists Association of Nagpur on Saturday. The International Sports University will be first of its kind in India and will cater to need of all sportspersons. “The rules and regulation (Intentional Sports University Act) has been prepared and has been passed unanimously by members of both the Houses during the winter session of the State. The governing council members include former India footballer Henry Menzes, cine star Rahul Bose, who is also a former rugby player, Vidya Yerwadekar, former Vice-Chancellor Symbiosis University, Pune, Prof Ratnakar Shetty, former professor, Wilson College, Mumbai and former BCCI Head of Operations, former India cricketer Nilesh Kulkarni, Dr Anjali Thakre, Principal, Shivaji Sharirik Shikshan Mahavidyalaya, Amravati, Anjali Bhagwat, two-time Olympian and former India shooter, Additional Secretary, School Education and Sports, Mumbai and Commissioner, Sports and Youth Affairs, Maharashtra,” informed Kedar. According to Kedar, appointments of faculties and other administrative work will begin from the coming month. Kedar said that ready infrastructure at Balewadi in Pune was the reason for selecting the venue in entire State. “The infrastructure is ready at Pune.

 

Had we planned to set up the university at some other city, we would have spent huge amount only on creating the infrastructure. It would not only have required more money but also time and several approvals from the government. We have infrastructure ready there. We only need to plan and start academics. Pune also has a rich history in sports. I hope the university will benefit everybody, not only in Maharashtra but in entire country. “It will also provide job opportunities to sportspersons of the region,” assured Kedar. The Sports Minister aims to develop a winning habit among sportspersons. “I want Maharashtra to produce match winners. They should have grit and determination to perform only to win. Then only it is possible to produce medal winners. My aim is to inculcate “zidd” in every sportsperson of the state,” retorted Kedar.

 

The University will offer various courses including Physical and Sports Education, Sports Sciences and Sports Medicine, Sports Technology, Sports Governance, Sports Management, Sports Media and Communication, Sports Coaching and Training. In the first phase, a 3-year programme in sports science and sports technology will be started. A 12 weeks programme in sports coaching and training with a capacity of 50 students will begin in initial stage. With most of district associations in the State involved in infighting causing hindrance in development of sport and players’ performance, Kedar said a GR is being prepared where all the administrative work would be taken over by the State Sports Ministry and they (erring association officials) would be barred from interfering in the work. “This will help the players who are the biggest sufferers due to the bickering of these association officials,” Kedar pointed out. On Divisional Sports Complex’s 123 crore expansion plan, Kedar said, “The plan will definitely be executed. We have had a couple of meetings last month and we will be finalising as from where the funds be used —from government’s coffers or from CSR (BOT). The decision would be taken within a few days.” 

 

 

KAMPTEE has produced ‘n’ numbers of footballers who have shone at the national level. The satellite town is famous for football since decades and the players have mesmerised football aficionados all over the country. But somehow, the town has always been neglected as far as development is concerned. However, things might change in coming years. The Maharashtra Government has decided to construct a football stadium in the heart of Kamptee which will help the footballers hone their skills there itself. At present there is hardly any football ground in entire Kamptee and players drive all the way to Nagpur city (some 20 kms) to ply their trade. Announcing of construction of a football stadium in Kamptee, Maharashtra Sports Minister Sunil Kedar said, “The government has acquired a land recently and would float a tender very soon for the stadium.

 

The State Government has acquired 10 acres of land near Yadavrao Bhoyar College in Kamptee near Dragon Palace Temple. The stadium would be constructed there. “Kamptee has produced several internationally acclaimed footballers and it is our duty to provide them with a proper playing field so that they bring more laurels to the region and country,” said Kedar. “The football stadium will be helpful for the footballers of Kamptee to train their and show their skills,” he added.