UP’s First Sports University Coming Up on 100 Acres in Meerut, CM Yogi Sets May 31, 2026 Deadline
Meerut: In a major push to strengthen Uttar Pradesh’s sports ecosystem, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday inspected the under-construction Major Dhyan Chand State Sports University at Salawa in Meerut. Standing at the site, the Chief Minister issued strict instructions to officials to ensure the project is completed by May 31, 2026, and that the academic session begins without delay.
The CM warned that no negligence will be tolerated and directed the administration to complete all work in a time-bound manner.
“A New Sports Culture Has Emerged in the Last 11 Years”
Speaking to the media after the inspection, Yogi Adityanath said that over the last 11 years, a new sports culture has taken shape across the country and in Uttar Pradesh. He credited initiatives such as Khelo India, the Fit India Movement, MP Sports Competitions, MLA Sports Competitions, and Rural Sports Leagues for giving sports a fresh direction.
He added that the state government has taken strong steps at every level to promote sports and develop infrastructure.
Project Expanded from 90 to 100 Acres
The Chief Minister said the university is being built along the Ganga Canal in the Sardhana region, spread across 100 acres. Initially proposed on 90 acres, the project has now been expanded.
Officials informed that construction is being carried out in phases—
- Phase 1: Around Rs 230 crore
- Phase 2: Nearly Rs 200 crore
The target is to complete the work by May 31, 2026.
Advanced Training for Olympic and Commonwealth-Level Sports
CM Yogi said it is a matter of pride for the state that the country’s first sports university named after hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand is being established in Meerut.
Highlighting Meerut’s strong identity under the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme for sports goods, he said the city was a natural choice for the university.
He also directed that the university curriculum should be designed in line with international standards, including Olympic and Commonwealth Games requirements, to provide advanced training and world-class exposure to athletes.
Diploma, Degree and Research Programmes to Be Offered
The Chief Minister said the university will offer diploma, degree, and research-oriented programmes, and from the upcoming academic session, regular classes will begin from the permanent campus.
Calling for the institution to be developed as world-class, he instructed that highly qualified faculty should be appointed and former international players should be engaged as coaches.
Sports Colleges Planned in Every Commissionery
CM Yogi added that the university will function as a central institution for sports education and training, and in the future, the state aims to set up one sports college in every commissionery.
He also assured that the government will extend full support to private sports academies, acknowledging the achievements of athletes from western Uttar Pradesh.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the Major Dhyan Chand State Sports University will play a key role in shaping sports talent in the state and contribute significantly towards the vision of a Developed India.
