Sri Sri Aniruddhadeva Sports University is named after the great Vaishnava saint who was a social reformer in Assam during the medieval period, and a very revered figure, especially in upper Assam. It is the first State Sports University in the North East region of India, established by the State Government in Chabua, Dibrugarh. The University was established by the Assam Legislative Assembly (No. LGL. 164/2018/7) and received the Governor of Assam’s assent on December 10, 2018. The Government of Assam has allotted 200 bighas of land for construction of this University at Balijan Paniera Gaon, Chabua.
The University came into force on June 22, 2020, by Act No. XXIX of 2018 of the State Legislature of Assam.
The primary objective of the University is to prepare top-tier sports scientists, physical educationists, sports coaches and researchers in areas such as Sports Psychology, Exercise Science, Sports Biomechanics, Sports Medicine, Sports Physiotherapy, Sports Technology and Sports Analytics.
At present, the University is functioning from a temporary office allotted by the district administration in the District Industries and Commerce Centre Building. The academic activities are conducted on the premises of D.H.S.K. College, Dibrugarh based on an advice by the Governor of Assam, who is also the Chancellor of the University. I foresee an uncanny similarity between many institutions which go on to becoming a pride and their humble beginning. As a Legislator, I distinctly remember that there was a time when the Assam Secretariat also operated from a makeshift infrastructure when the State Capital was shifted from Shillong to Dispur. When I look back and compare it with the infrastructure we have now, I have a feeling that this University will also become a pride of Assam, and people will continue to talk about its humble beginning.
The University has already seen the first batch of eight students complete their Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Coaching in the year 2021. Out of this, four have been recruited by the Directorate of Sports & Youth Welfare of the State Government. I sense that the University will offer very rewarding careers to its students not only from the region but also across the country.
In the year 2023, the University started its first 4-Year Undergraduate Programme ‘Bachelor of Physical Education (Honours/Hons. with Research)’ based on NEP 2020 following the UGC guidelines. This year, in January 2025, the University has started its Ph. D. Programme in Physical Education. The University had planned various academic programmes but lack of adequate space and faculties has hindered its academic progress.
The Assam Governor visited Dibrugarh last month and held a review meeting regarding the functioning and infrastructural development of the University with the district administration, PWD officials and University officials. Support has been forthcoming from Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma and Minister, Sports and Youth Welfare.
It fills my heart with immense joy and pride to witness the establishment of this University here in Chabua, which has some of the finest tea gardens producing some of the finest tea leaves in the world. The presence of such an institution in our locality marks a monumental step towards educational progress, not only for the people of Chabua but for the entire region.
However, I must admit that due to various challenges related to infrastructure, the University will take time to be relocated at its permanent site. As a local MLA, I visited the site along with the Registrar of the University to see the future that beckons the youth of the State.
It is my heartfelt wish to see this University grow and flourish to its fullest potential. I am determined to see its development accelerate so that students from all across India can benefit from the quality education it offers. This University is not just an educational institution, it is a beacon of hope and opportunity for generations to come. The University has the potential to create world class infrastructure for training elite athletes to enhance India’s medal prospects in international competitions.
My dream is also to see this University become a hub of excellence, contributing significantly to the development of our youth and society. The University would not only contribute to the professional growth of the students but would also support the local community, providing opportunities for skill enhancement and entrepreneurship. The University can create a mass movement by involving the society to bring a perceptible change in terms of health and wellness. It has to aim to be not only the best in the country but also compete with other top universities from around the globe.
Let us hope the University reaches its true potential in the days to come with its dedicated faculty members and staff and active support from the Government of Assam.
(The writer is MLA, Chabua Legislative Assembly Constituency)
