MOHALI/CHANDIGARH, 3 January 2025 – In a remarkable achievement, Chandigarh University has become the first private university in India to win the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy (Maka Trophy), recognizing its outstanding performance in sports. This milestone highlights the university’s dedication to fostering athletic talent, achieving this honor in just 12 years since its inception.
The university will be formally presented with the Maka Trophy by President Draupadi Murmu on January 17, 2025, during the prestigious ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. Along with the trophy, Chandigarh University will receive a cash prize of Rs 20 lakh. During this event, Sanjay, a BA student and international hockey player at Chandigarh University, will be awarded the Arjuna Award for his contribution to Indian sports. Sanjay was an instrumental player in India’s bronze-medal-winning hockey team at the Paris Olympics 2024.
Chandigarh University’s achievement also secures the Maka Trophy for the state of Punjab. Lovely Professional University (LPU) has been named the first runner-up, and Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) placed second.
In 2023-24, students and athletes from Chandigarh University made a significant impact by winning 134 medals in national and international competitions. The university contributed 8 gold and 2 bronze medals to India’s 107-medal tally at the 2023 Asian Games. Chandigarh University had the highest representation at the Games, with 22 athletes among the 653-member Indian contingent. The university also topped the medal tally at the Khelo India University Games 2024 with 71 medals, including 32 gold, 18 silver, and 21 bronze.
Chandigarh University remains strongly invested in nurturing sports talent, with an annual sports scholarship budget of Rs 8.5 crore in 2024. This budget includes the Major Dhyan Chand Scholarship program worth Rs 3.84 crore. At present, 1183 students, including 562 women athletes, benefit from these scholarships, which cover coaching fees, sports kits, accommodation, and other essential training expenses.
Speaking about this achievement, Chandigarh University Chancellor and Rajya Sabha MP Satnam Singh Sandhu expressed pride in the university’s success. “This award reflects our commitment to providing an environment where excellence in sports can thrive. This victory is the result of the hard work and dedication of our athletes, as well as our faculty and sports team,” Sandhu said.
He also lauded the government’s efforts in supporting sports through initiatives such as the Khelo India program. “Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, sports policies in India have undergone significant improvements, leading to greater focus on talent development and institutional support for athletes. Our vision is to help realize the dream of making India one of the top 10 sports nations globally,” Sandhu concluded.
Chandigarh University’s success serves as an inspiration for universities across India and underlines the importance of combining educational excellence with top-tier athletic development.