Results according to the Indian Institutional Ranking Framework (IIRF)

India’s growing emphasis on sports education and infrastructure development, a comprehensive evaluation was conducted to rank sports universities across the country. The ranking is based on a multi-dimensional index comprising six key indicators: Resource and Infrastructure, Outreach and Inclusivity, Practical Training, Performance Output, Teaching Quality, and the cumulative Overall Index Score.

The analysis places National Sports University, Imphal (Manipur) at the top with an overall index score of 89.99, followed closely by Swarnim Gujarat Sports University, Desar (Gujarat) with 89.53, and Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education, Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh) at 88.88. These institutions demonstrate national leadership in sports education by maintaining excellence across academic and co-curricular domains.

Parameter-wise Observations:

• Resource and Infrastructure: Both NSU Imphal and SGSU Desar scored the highest (22.9), reflecting their investment in modern training facilities, academic buildings, and athletic infrastructure.
• Outreach and Inclusivity: LNIPE Gwalior stands out with the highest score (13.38), signifying strong community engagement, gender inclusivity, and regional accessibility.
• Practical Training: SGSU Desar achieved the top score (23.0), underscoring its emphasis on field-based learning, internships, and skill-based modules critical for athlete and coach development.
• Performance Output: NSU Imphal again leads with 17.88, indicating high student achievement in national and international sports events.
• Teaching Quality: The scores in this category are relatively consistent, with the highest (13.14) held by MBSPU Patiala, suggesting a stable standard of pedagogy and faculty qualifications across the institutions.
• Insights:

Significance of Findings:

The relatively close range in overall scores (86.94 to 89.99) among the top six universities reveals a robust ecosystem for sports education in India. These institutions not only fulfill academic requirements but also contribute to the nation’s athletic success and public health goals. They reflect the shifting paradigm of Indian higher education, where sports and physical education are no longer peripheral but central to policy, health, and youth development.

With the launch of Khelo India, National Sports Policy 2025, and increased recognition of sports science, yoga, and fitness studies, these universities are set to play a transformative role in producing world-class coaches, athletes, physical educators, and sports researchers.

Conclusion:

The data reinforces the need to continually benchmark, invest in, and improve the quality of sports education across all Indian states. As sports gain prominence as a tool for national integration, employment, and holistic wellness, these universities serve as crucial hubs for nurturing talent, promoting inclusivity, and advancing evidence-based physical education practices.