Sonipat, September 6, 2025 — In a landmark moment for Indian higher education and sports infrastructure, O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) inaugurated its state-of-the-art Sports Academy, formally dedicating it to the nation. The ceremony was graced by Shri Manohar Lal Khattar, Hon’ble Union Minister of Power & Housing and Urban Affairs, who delivered the inaugural address.
Held at the Global Auditorium within the Ratan Jindal Academic Block, the event featured remarks from Mr. Naveen Jindal, Chancellor of JGU, and Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Vice Chancellor, alongside key introductions by senior faculty including Mr. Peter Trevaskis, Dean of the Naveen Jindal Sports Academy.
The newly launched facility boasts a comprehensive suite of amenities including a professional-grade running track, Olympic-standard swimming pool, squash courts, shooting range, gymnasium, yoga and dance hall, and a dedicated physiotherapy centre—underscoring JGU’s commitment to holistic student development.
The inauguration also included a spirited performance by the JGU Dance Society and a vote of thanks by Professor Dabiru Sridhar Patnaik, Registrar of JGU. Medal winners in Olympics, Asian and Commonwealth games, Arjuna and Dronacharya awardee from Haryana were honoured by Hon’ble Union Minister for Urban Affairs and Power Shri Manohar Lal Khattar on the occasion.
With this launch, JGU positions itself not only as a global academic institution but also as a national leader in promoting sports excellence and wellness on campus.
Sports is an integral part of any university, shaping character, discipline, and teamwork. It deserves to be actively promoted by every institution committed to nurturing well-rounded individuals.
This vision aligns closely with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which recognizes physical education and sports as essential components of holistic learning. NEP 2020 advocates for integrating sports into the academic framework—not as extracurricular add-ons, but as core elements that foster cognitive development, emotional resilience, and social well-being. By embedding play-based and experiential learning into the curriculum, the policy encourages institutions to create inclusive environments where every student can thrive—on the field and beyond.
Campusutra.com extends its sincere thanks to JGU for the invitation to attend the inauguration ceremony. We regret that no team member could be present at the event, and we look forward to visiting the campus soon and experiencing the new Sports Infrastructure firsthand.
The audience included: Arjuna Awardees: Ashok Kumar, Wrestling; Mamta Kharb, Hockey; Manoj Kumar, Boxing; Yashpal Solanki, Judo; Virender Singh, Wrestling; Babita, Wrestling; Abhishek Verma, Archer; Rajender Singh Bhanwala, Rowing; Amir Singh, Volleyball; Yogeshwar Dutt, Wrestling; Dalel Singh, Volleyball.
Bhim Awardees: Arun, Special Olympic Roller; Keshav Malik, Badminton, Specially-Abled Sports Person; Shivani Kataria, Swimming; Kavita, Boxing; Sant Kumar, Athletics; Sandeep Kumar, Boxing; Sandeep Singh, Athletics; Bijender Singh, Dragon Boat; Amit, Athletics; Suman Kumari, Wrestling; Vinod Kumar, Wrestling; Amir Singh, Volleyball; Dalel Singh, Volleyball; Meena, Boxing; Ramcharan Singh, Athletics; Vinod Kumar, Wrestling.
Dronacharya Awardees: Mahabir Singh, Wrestling; Ramcharan Singh, Boxing.
Dhyanchand Awardee: Manoj Kumar, Wrestling.
About O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) : Established in 2009, O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) is a non-profit, multidisciplinary institution recognized as an Institution of Eminence by the Government of India. With a strong emphasis on global engagement, academic rigor, and social impact, JGU houses 12 schools spanning law, business, international affairs, public policy, journalism, and more. The university’s commitment to holistic education is reflected not only in its world-class faculty and research output but also in its expanding infrastructure—now including the newly inaugurated Sports Academy.
