Delhi University may soon be a ‘hub of sporting excellence’

Delhi University may soon be a hub of sporting excellence.

The institute is likely to be one of the 10 universities the ministry of human resource development (MHRD)— in consultation with the department of sports, the University Grants Commission (UGC) and others—has been trying to identify to promote as hubs of sporting excellence, a source said.

“Seeing the performance, facilities, infrastructure and the long legacy of sporting excellence that the students of DU have exhibited, we are hopeful that DU may soon be identified as a sporting hub,” said Anil Kumar Kalkal, the director of DU sports Council, when asked about the proposal.

DU has a rich history of sports with many students performing well in many activities. “Last year, 10 students from DU had participated in the World University Shooting Championship, and six out of them came back with medals. Three students from DU participated in the Rio Olympics,” said Kalkal.

However, officials claimed there are certain other requirements to ensure universities can function as hubs of sporting excellence.

“Students who do well in sports may not always do well in academics. They may have to attend practices or go for matches and may not be able to attend examinations in time. There should be a provision of a ‘self-paced’ mode of study, where these students can attempt examinations according to their schedule,” said CS Dubey, chairman of the DU sports council.

Kalkal suggested that there has to be a provision to transfer credits from sports to academics to help the students get their degrees in time.

Kalkal emphasized the importance of funding for the students to participate in the various competitions. “The Delhi University usually funds students who go for World University games and championships,” he said.