Governor Arlekar proposes Sports University for Keralam

Published - September 01, 2026 06:42 pm IST - THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

Keralam should establish a separate Sports University to give a structured impetus to the development of sports in the state, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has said.

He was speaking while inaugurating the National Sports Day 2026 observance organised by Kerala University on Tuesday (September 1, 2026).

He urged the State to bring together its sporting talent, skills and experience through a dedicated institution. He said a Sports University would become a “direct and proper step” towards the development of sports in different fields.

The Governor said Keralam had a strong legacy in sports and was already attempting to create more grounds and small academies in different disciplines. The State has the talent and skill required to take sports forward, and a Sports University could provide the proper framework for doing so, he opined.

Mr. Arlekar also called upon students to devote at least one hour of their day to sports and physical activity. While acknowledging that students had to concentrate on their studies, he said they should also be seen on the playing field. Spending an hour a day in sports would help develop dedication, consistency and discipline, he added.

Higher Education Minister Roji M. John stressed the importance of developing a sporting culture among young people and assured that the Higher Education Education and Sports departments would work together to create a healthy younger generation. “Classrooms should be extensions of playing fields for society to become healthy,” he said.

Sports and Youth Affairs Minister O.J. Janeesh urged students not to fall behind in sports even if they faced difficulties in their studies. The Minister also highlighted the government initiatives aimed at encouraging more people to enter the sports sector, including the increase in prize money for sportspersons.

Sporting personalities felicitated

The programme felicitated several celebrated sportspersons on the occasion. Those honoured included former Indian hockey team captain P.R. Sreejesh, basketball player Geethu Anna Jose, athletes K.M. Beenamol and K.M. Binu, boxer Lekha K.C., hockey player S. Omana Kumari and volleyball player S. Gopinath.

The programme was presided over by Kerala University Vice-Chancellor-in-charge Mohanan Kunnummal. The public meeting was followed by a mass yoga demonstration, yoga dance and aerobic dance.

Published - September 01, 2026 06:42 pm IST

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