State’s 2nd sports univ still on paper; activists want process to pick pace

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Even though state govt had announced setting up of a sports university in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar over a year ago, the key facility is yet to take shape.
The proposed institution was the second such dedicated university for sports in Maharashtra after Balewadi in Pune. The announcement of the Sports University was made on June 13 last year, following which a nine-member panel was formed to give shape to the proposed institution on November 2.
The panel, headed by former vice-chancellor of Kolhapur University Manikrao Salunkhe, was given three months for submitting a report detailing modalities for setting up the university. Citing administrative delays and election-related works, the panel was given a revised deadline of June 30 for submitting the report that has also lapsed now.
Educational activist Prashant Sathe said the Sports University in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar should come up without further delay.
“Marathwada has huge untapped potential in sports. A dedicated Sports University will help in exploring this potential and grooming it further. Marathwada youth can definitely shine as professional sports players at national and international levels with the help of the dedicated institution,” he said.
When contacted, Salunkhe said the necessary report will be submitted to govt soon after giving final touches. “Unavoidable reasons resulted in delay in tabling the report. We need only a single meeting further to finalise the report,” he told TOI on Wednesday.
“The place of the university and land required for it will be revealed soon,” he said.
State minister of sports and youth welfare Sanjay Bansode could not be reached for comments.
Working president of Maharashtra Amateur Body Builders Association Mohsin Ahmed said the Sports University could educate and train youths from different parts of Marathwada. “The process needs to be expedited. Considering the time needed for land acquisition and construction, the facility may take considerable time to become reality,” Ahmed, a former corporator, said.