How Can Indian Universities Shape the Future of Sports? LPU on Infrastructure, Scholarships and Elite Athletes
How Can Indian Universities Shape the Future of Sports? LPU on Infrastructure, Scholarships and Elite Athletes
Universities can play an important role in India's sporting ecosystem by providing athletes with access to training infrastructure, coaching, financial support and opportunities to pursue higher education alongside competitive sport.
As Indian institutions continue to invest in sports facilities and athlete development, questions remain about government incentives, the balance between specialised and multi-sport infrastructure, and the support available to aspiring athletes.
In this Q&A with SportzPulse, Dr. Sorabh Lakhanpal, Professor & Executive Dean at Lovely Professional University (LPU), shares his perspectives on these challenges, the development of university sports in India, and the scholarship opportunities available to student-athletes.
The conversation explores how universities can contribute to high-performance sport, whether India needs to follow international models, and how educational institutions can help aspiring athletes balance their academic and sporting ambitions.
1. Should Universities Receive Government Incentives for Developing Elite Athletes?
SportzPulse: Do colleges get grants for athletes who shine at the global stage? Would this encourage universities to encourage players to focus more on sports?
Dr. Sorabh Lakhanpal, LPU: Private universities do not typically receive the same institutional sports funding available to government and state institutions, even though many are investing significantly in sports. There is a need for greater government incentives for private universities that develop athletes competing at national and international levels.
When a private university develops an athlete who represents India internationally or at the Olympic level, it has invested in infrastructure, coaching, sports science, competition exposure and finances. Such contributions should be recognised through appropriate performance-linked incentives.
This support does not necessarily have to come only through direct grants. It could also include assistance with infrastructure upgrades, sports science facilities, coaching, athlete development and international exposure. Such measures would encourage more universities to invest in high-performance sport and create stronger pathways for young athletes.
Universities also offer an important advantage: athletes can pursue higher education alongside competitive sport. With academic flexibility, suitable infrastructure and financial support, students do not have to choose between their sporting careers and education.
A closer partnership between the government, sporting bodies and universities, including private institutions, can create a more sustainable sporting ecosystem. Universities investing in athlete development should have greater opportunities and incentives to continue their work.
2. Should Universities Specialise in Particular Sports or Invest in Multiple Disciplines?
SportzPulse: Should universities specialise in infrastructure for specific sports instead of focusing on all sports?
Dr. Sorabh Lakhanpal, LPU: Universities should decide between a multi-sport or specialised approach based on their capacity, infrastructure and institutional vision. If a university has the resources to support multiple sports, there is no reason to restrict itself to one or two disciplines.
A multi-sport university can provide opportunities to a larger and more diverse group of students. It can support athletes from different sporting backgrounds while creating an environment where they can train, study and compete on the same campus.
LPU follows a multi-sport approach, supporting disciplines including athletics, badminton, basketball, cricket, football, wrestling, Wushu and aquatics. This allows students to pursue sports that may not receive the same attention as traditionally popular games.
However, developing multi-sport infrastructure requires substantial investment. Universities with limited resources may benefit from specialising in one or two sports, allowing them to develop deeper expertise, better facilities and stronger coaching in those disciplines.
Specialisation does not necessarily mean focusing only on major sports such as cricket or football. Universities can also develop expertise in disciplines where opportunities are limited elsewhere. This can help distribute sporting talent more effectively and create stronger development pathways across different sports.
The objective should not be to decide that every university must either adopt a multi-sport model or specialise. The choice should depend on what each institution can support effectively. Where the capacity exists, multi-sport infrastructure can benefit a wider student population; where resources are limited, focused investment can help develop excellence in selected disciplines.
3. How Do University Sports Facilities in India Compare with Those in the US and Europe?
SportzPulse: What difference can you see between facilities in universities in India and those in the US or European countries?
Dr. Sorabh Lakhanpal, LPU: Indian universities, particularly large private institutions, are investing heavily in sports infrastructure and are looking to create ecosystems that nurture and support elite-level athletes.
The discussion about which country's sporting infrastructure is superior should shift towards how universities utilise their existing facilities, coaching resources and development systems.
A good sporting environment requires much more than a field or court. It needs appropriate infrastructure, coaching, conditioning, sports science, recovery and rehabilitation, nutrition, medical support, a competition-ready ecosystem and regular competitive opportunities.
LPU has invested in sporting infrastructure catering to athletics, badminton, basketball, cricket, football, wrestling, Wushu and aquatics. This allows athletes from different disciplines to prepare in a multi-sport environment.
The US has a deep sporting ecosystem in which collegiate sports are integrated into its social and cultural fabric. European countries, meanwhile, have varying sporting systems, with universities, state bodies and private clubs working together.
India is building its own sporting ecosystem, with initiatives such as Khelo India and universities contributing through investments in sports infrastructure. The next priority must be to develop the wider ecosystem around these facilities.
This means strengthening sports science, coaching, medical and rehabilitation support, academic flexibility and competitive opportunities. Indian universities do not necessarily need to replicate American or European systems. They can build an ecosystem suited to the specific needs of Indian athletes while creating more opportunities to develop and compete at higher levels.
4. What Sports Scholarships Does LPU Offer, and How Can Students Apply?
SportzPulse: What sort of scholarships do students get at LPU, and how can they apply? What are the eligibility criteria?
Dr. Sorabh Lakhanpal, LPU: LPU has dedicated seats for sports students, with scholarships and support determined by their sporting achievements and the applicable scholarship category. Athletes who have achieved success at recognised national, international, All India Inter-University and other recognised competitions may qualify for sports scholarships.
Depending on their level of achievement, eligible athletes can receive significant fee waivers, including programme-fee waivers under the applicable category. Support may also include accommodation, food, dietary or supplement support, access to sports facilities and other benefits.
Students who have represented their state, university or country at recognised competitions are assessed according to the relevant sports scholarship criteria. The scholarship level depends on the athlete's achievements, the competition and the applicable category.
LPU also offers Trial Based Scholarships, providing an opportunity for athletes to be assessed through sports trials. This can be particularly relevant for students who have sporting potential but do not yet have an established national or international record. Candidates are assessed on their sporting performance and relevant skills.
Applicants who have already taken provisional admission can apply through the LPU Admit Portal, while other applicants can request sports trials through the university's designated process. Candidates must meet the applicable eligibility requirements, including age criteria and sport-wise seat availability.
The aim of this support is to enable talented athletes to pursue higher education without compromising their sporting careers. By combining fee support with accommodation, food, training infrastructure and other assistance, the university seeks to provide an environment in which athletes can continue competing at a high level while pursuing their education.
Conclusion: Building a Stronger Pathway for Indian Athletes
The development of Indian sport requires more than investment in playing facilities. Athletes also need access to quality coaching, sports science, medical and rehabilitation support, financial assistance and opportunities to compete regularly.
Universities can contribute to this ecosystem by helping students balance education with competitive sport. Government incentives for institutions that develop elite athletes, appropriate infrastructure strategies and accessible scholarship pathways could further strengthen this role.
As Dr. Sorabh Lakhanpal's responses highlight, there is no single model that every university must follow. Multi-sport campuses and specialised training centres can both contribute to athlete development when supported by the right resources and systems.
The larger opportunity lies in creating sustainable pathways that allow talented athletes to develop their sporting abilities without having to give up their education.
Interview: SportzPulse with Dr. Sorabh Lakhanpal, Professor & Executive Dean, Lovely Professional University (LPU).