What Makes the World-Class Naveen Jindal Sports Academy a Milestone for India?

Sonipat, September 9 (NationPress) Manohar Lal Khattar, the Union Minister of Power & Housing and Urban Affairs, along with his previous role as Haryana's Chief Minister, officially inaugurated and presented the World-Class Naveen Jindal Sports Academy at O.P. Jindal Global University, dedicating it to the nation. This significant event was attended by several esteemed sporting figures, medalists, and athletes from Haryana, alongside other eminent guests.

Chancellor Naveen Jindal, a Member of Parliament, warmly welcomed everyone to this grand occasion, which featured notable Haryana Arjuna Awardees, Bhim Awardees, Dronacharya awardees, and Dhyanchand awardees.

In his inaugural speech, Manohar Lal Khattar expressed, “I am thrilled to dedicate the Naveen Jindal Sports Academy to our nation, as Haryana is renowned for its sporting excellence. The Academy, equipped with world-class facilities, aims to cultivate the champions of tomorrow. Haryana has consistently been a powerhouse of sports, producing athletes who excel on the international stage. The establishment of JGU adds a significant chapter to this proud legacy. The National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025 is a pivotal step towards transforming India's sporting landscape. This Sports Academy symbolizes a broader vision where infrastructure, talent, and opportunity intersect. We aspire to motivate a new generation to engage in sports. JGU stands as a globally acclaimed university and is now recognized as a benchmark in higher education. Development should align with our rich history and culture, and Haryana has been a trailblazer in promoting sports and fostering a sporting culture from villages to cities, particularly encouraging youth involvement in sporting activities. Sports instill humility, discipline, dedication, and hard work, which are essential for the growth of JGU students.”

Naveen Jindal, Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU), discussed the importance of sports while welcoming renowned Haryana athletes at the event. He credited his vision to the encouragement of his late father, O.P. Jindal, stating, “It was my aspiration to create a world-class university in Haryana in his honor, and I hope you witness that today at our campus, where everything from teaching to hostels, dining to health, sports to the environment has been designed for a global learning experience. JGU operates as a not-for-profit institution, as education is the most significant contribution we can make to societal development. Quality education enables our students to evolve into better and responsible citizens. Being a passionate sportsperson, I firmly believe every student should have access to sports as it invigorates them. Haryana boasts the highest number of medal winners across India.”

The Chancellor also unveiled plans to enhance the skills of 50 elite and gifted athletes who will compete internationally and represent India on a global platform. “This initiative will inspire more students to pursue sports passionately,” he added.

The audience included Arjuna Awardees: Ashok Kumar (Wrestling), Mamta Kharb (Hockey), Manoj Kumar (Boxing), Yashpal Solanki (Judo), Virender Singh (Wrestling), Babita (Wrestling), Abhishek Verma (Archery), Rajender Singh Bhanwala (Rowing), Amir Singh (Volleyball), Yogeshwar Dutt (Wrestling), and Dalel Singh (Volleyball).

Bhim Awardees included 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), and Vinod Kumar (Wrestling).

Dronacharya Awardees included Mahabir Singh (Wrestling) and Ramcharan Singh (Boxing). Dhyanchand Awardee was Manoj Kumar (Wrestling).

Professor (Dr) C. Raj Kumar, Vice Chancellor and Founding Vice Chancellor of JGU, expressed his gratitude to Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, acknowledging his visionary leadership that has driven significant development in Haryana. He stated, “His commitment to education and its transformative power is profound. His presence at the dedication ceremony of the Naveen Jindal Sports Academy is an honor for our university. Today is also a celebration of our visionary Chancellor’s leadership, who has made invaluable contributions to nation-building and the advancement of sports to empower our youth. At JGU, we believe that education transcends books and classes; it encompasses the development of the heart, soul, and mind. We aim to establish our universities as benchmarks for the future, and JGU is dedicated to achieving that goal.”

Other notable guests from Haryana included: Lehar Singh Siroya (Member of Rajya Sabha), Subhas Barala (Member of Rajya Sabha), Ramchander Jangra (Member of Rajya Sabha), Abhay Kumar Sinha (Member of Lok Sabha), Chaudhary Dharambir Singh (Member of Lok Sabha), Rekha Sharma (Member of Rajya Sabha), Richard Vanlalhmangaiha (Member of Lok Sabha), Satpal Jhamba (Member of Legislative Assembly, Pundri), Kulwant Bajigar (Member of Legislative Assembly, Kaithal), Shrimati Krishna Gehlot (Member of Legislative Assembly, Rai), Pawan Kharkhoda (Member of Legislative Assembly, Kharkhoda), Devendra Kadyan (Member of Legislative Assembly, Ganaur), Nikhil Madan (Member of Legislative Assembly, Sonipat), Manmohan Goyal (Mayor, Rohtak), Sushil Sarwan (IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Sonipat), and Prof. Rajbir Singh (Vice Chancellor, Maharshi Dayanand University – Rohtak).

The Naveen Jindal Sports Academy (NJSA) was established to align with JGU’s vision of becoming a globally recognized center for sports training, education, and research, nurturing the next generation of elite athletes, coaches, and sports professionals. The NJSA was established in honor of Chancellor Naveen Jindal, who is an active polo player, a national record holder in skeet shooting, and an advocate for integrating sports into the education framework.

During the introduction of this World-Class Sports Academy, Peter Trevaskis, Dean of Naveen Jindal Sports Academy, stated, “Today signifies a strong commitment from O.P. Jindal Global University towards promoting physical activity, healthy living, and positively influencing India's sports capabilities. The Naveen Jindal Sports Academy embodies our Chancellor's vision and passion and serves as a true world-class facility that will benefit future generations of students, faculty, and staff, establishing the foundational elements required for a high-performance sports environment at JGU.”

The NJSA is equipped with world-class facilities supporting swimming, athletics, basketball, badminton, volleyball, shooting, squash, dance, yoga, combat sports, table tennis, snooker, pool, and a comprehensive gymnasium and physiotherapy center to promote overall health and well-being.

Professor (Dr) Arpita Gupta, Dean of Research, presented the Chief Guest, Manohar Lal Khattar, with a detailed overview of his extensive achievements as a leader and proponent of education.

In his concluding remarks, Professor Dabiru Sridhar Patnaik, Registrar of JGU, expressed, “We are privileged to welcome Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and former Chief Minister of Haryana on this momentous occasion. Our gratitude goes to Chancellor Naveen Jindal for his foresight in establishing a world-class facility at JGU.”