In a major push to promote sports and education together, the West Bengal government has introduced a historic plan to establish India’s first private university dedicated to sports and entrepreneurship. This new university, named the Netaji Subhas University of Sports and Entrepreneurship, is proposed to be set up in Chinsurah, located in the Hooghly district. The announcement was made on June 23, 2025, in the West Bengal Assembly, where Education Minister Bratya Basu passionately outlined the importance of this initiative.
A Visionary Step Towards Sports Excellence
The university is being presented as a first-of-its-kind project that aims to combine world-class sports training with academic learning and entrepreneurial development. Bratya Basu, while speaking in the Assembly, said that this effort is a major leap forward in ensuring that sportspersons receive not just physical training but also academic and professional skills that can help them build sustainable careers in the world of sports.
He stressed that this proposed university is private in nature, meaning it will be run by a trust and will not impose any financial burden on the state government. The institution is being promoted by the Chinsurah Netaji Welfare Trust, and the government’s role will be supportive but not financial.
Combining Government and Private Sector for a Shared Goal
In his speech, Minister Basu strongly advocated the need for collaboration between the government and private sector. He said, “The state and private sector should work hand-in-hand for the promotion of sports.” According to him, this joint effort can lead to the development of a more robust ecosystem where young athletes can find the right training, support, and academic options to succeed both on and off the field.
He also mentioned that West Bengal has always supported its athletes, especially those who have brought glory to the state and nation. The government has honoured many such sportspersons by offering them government jobs, public recognition, scholarships, and allowances. He gave the example of how those who represented Bengal in the Santosh Trophy were not just rewarded with jobs but also received special allowances, which helped them continue their sporting journey without financial stress.
Why Chinsurah Was Chosen for the University
When asked why Chinsurah was selected as the location for the university, Bratya Basu explained that the region has a strong cultural and sporting heritage. It is seen as an ideal place to develop a centre of excellence. He stated that this area offers a peaceful and inspiring environment for learning and training, and is also well-connected with the rest of the state. The idea is to spot budding talent in remote and underrepresented regions and bring them to a platform where they can shine on national and international levels.
Basu emphasized that the university will help turn individual efforts into state-supported missions. If a young athlete is discovered by a coach or an academy in a small town or village, the state can step in to support their journey through structured programs offered by the university.
Remembering Bengal’s Glorious Sporting Past
The minister took a nostalgic route, recalling the glory days of Bengal’s football in the 1970s and 1980s, when footballers from the state made waves on both the national and international scenes. He mentioned that Bengal’s contribution to sports—especially in football—has always been exceptional. With proper institutions like this proposed university, Bengal can aim to reclaim its position on the global stage.
He noted, “We have to reach the global level. Such universities can be the stepping stones in the right direction.” The university would play a critical role in nurturing homegrown talent, offering structured coaching, and building a global mindset among students.
What the University Will Offer
The Netaji Subhas University of Sports and Entrepreneurship is expected to offer a wide range of academic and training programs. It will focus not only on physical training but also on creating sports professionals, technical experts, coaches, and researchers. Students will be able to choose from programs in physical education, sports science, sports technology, sports management, sports law, coaching, and even traditional tribal and Olympic-level games.
A key highlight of the university will be its cutting-edge infrastructure. The campus in Chinsurah will have world-class training centres, stadiums, laboratories for sports science, libraries, digital classrooms, and hostels for athletes and students. The aim is to ensure that students don’t have to go abroad for such facilities—they will find everything they need right here in West Bengal.
Plan for Expansion and Global Collaboration
While the main campus will be located in Chinsurah, the university has plans for major expansion. According to the Bill, it will set up study centres, off-campus centres, off-shore campuses, and regional offices in various parts of India and abroad. This will make the courses and training available to a larger number of students, not just from West Bengal, but from across the country and internationally.
The university also plans to collaborate with global sports institutions, universities, and industry associations. These partnerships will allow the exchange of knowledge, faculty, technology, and training methods, giving Indian students access to the best practices followed internationally.
This will create global career opportunities for students, whether they aim to become professional athletes, sports managers, coaches, event organizers, sports lawyers, or tech innovators in sports.
Political Challenges and Concerns
Despite the university’s exciting vision, the political environment around its approval remains uncertain. Minister Bratya Basu voiced his concern about delays from the Governor’s office in approving Bills that have already been passed by the Assembly. He criticized the Raj Bhavan for not giving assent to three previously passed Bills and questioned the fate of the Sports University Bill.
“If the Centre truly supports sports development, then it should ensure that the Governor gives timely approval to this Bill,” Basu stated firmly. His comments reflect the ongoing tensions between the state government and the Governor’s office, which have slowed down the progress of several key initiatives.
The Bill was eventually passed by voice vote, but not before the opposition BJP legislators staged a walkout. Basu sarcastically remarked that the opposition seemed more interested in disrupting Assembly proceedings than in discussing a university that could benefit thousands of athletes. He said, “They don’t have time for sports education—they’re too busy fighting with security and breaking microphones.”
Zero Financial Burden on the State Government
One of the most impressive aspects of the university plan is that it will not require any funding from the state government. The entire project will be financed and managed by the Chinsurah Netaji Welfare Trust, making it completely self-sustaining. This model ensures that the government’s resources remain available for other public services while still allowing the state to support a transformational educational initiative.
This also sets a precedent for future projects, showing how private and public collaboration can work effectively for education and sports development without depending on the taxpayer’s money.
A New Era for Sports and Entrepreneurship in India
If implemented successfully, the Netaji Subhas University of Sports and Entrepreneurship can serve as a model for other Indian states. It reflects a new era where athletes are not just trained physically, but also educated, empowered, and prepared for leadership roles in the sports ecosystem.
With the backing of both visionary political leadership and private institutions, the university aims to become a national centre of excellence, attracting talent from rural Bengal, urban India, and eventually from around the world.
The launch of India’s first private university for sports and entrepreneurship is more than just an educational reform. It is a social and cultural transformation. The university aims to bridge the gap between dreams and reality for thousands of young Indians who aspire to succeed in sports but lack proper training and academic support.
If approved and developed on time, the Netaji Subhas University of Sports and Entrepreneurship will not only uplift the sports landscape in West Bengal but will also act as a blueprint for similar projects across India. It is a powerful reminder that sports and education go hand-in-hand in building a strong, confident, and globally competitive India.
