Sports University in Imphal soon: Prasad
Source: The Sangai Express
New Delhi, May 23 2018:
The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved an ordinance to setup the country's first National Sports University in Manipur.
Briefing reporters on the decisions of the Cabinet, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said a Bill to set up the university in Imphal (West) is already pending in Parliament.
He said things will start moving fast once the President signs the ordinance.
The Manipur Government has already allocated land for the proposed university, he said.
The ordinance will be on the lines of the Bill introduced in Lok Sabha in August, 2017 .
As of now, there are some institutes which offer various courses for athletes and coaches.
"A void exists in the sports environment of the country in various areas such as sports science, sports technology, high performance training," the Bill stated.
The proposed university is expected to bridge this gap.
The proposal to set up the National Sports University in Manipur was initially announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while Rs 1 billion fund for it were allocated in the 2014-15 budget.
The proposed university will be spread over 325 acres in Imphal West district and cost Rs 524 crore.
"The decision to set up the Sports University through an ordinance was taken as a Bill on the matter is awaiting Parliament's approval," Ravi Shankar Prasad told the media.
Prasad said Manipur's youngsters had done well in sports, with boxer Mary Kom becoming the biggest symbol of sporting talent in the State.
It was the Prime Minister's wish to further promote sports in Manipur, he further said.
Meanwhile, Manipur CM N Biren Singh took to twitter to express his happiness.
He wrote, "Ordinance okayed for India" s first sports varsity in Manipur, Thanks to Hon'ble PM @narendramodi ji @AmitShahji @Ra_THORe ji and all the people who have made it happened" .