New football court at MGU to propel sports growth – Minister Bindu

 

The newly inaugurated FIFA-standard natural turf football court at Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU) will play a pivotal role in advancing the sports development of both the University and Kottayam district, said Dr. R. Bindu, Minister for Higher Education and Social Justice, during the inauguration ceremony.

Mahatma Gandhi University, known for producing 11 Olympians and numerous other distinguished athletes, along with Kottayam district, which has a proud sporting tradition, is well-positioned for even greater achievements with this world-class facility constructed at a cost of ₹2.74 crore as part of the state government’s fourth edition of the 100-day programme and the upcoming stadium complex project. The state government takes pride in the fact that our infrastructure initiatives are contributing to the University’s sustained excellence in national and international rankings- she remarked.

V.N. Vasavan, Minister for Co-operation, Devaswoms, and Ports, who presided over the event, announced that the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) has initiated tender procedures for the new stadium complex, with construction set to begin soon. “The ₹57 crore project will be one of the largest sports complexes in Kerala,” he added.

During the ceremony, Minister Bindu also presented a commemorative trophy to MGU in recognition of its A++ grade in the fourth cycle of re-accreditation by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), as well as its position in the 401-500 band of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025. The trophy was received by Vice-Chancellor Dr. C.T. Aravindakumar, former Registrar Dr. K. Jayachandran, and IQAC Director Dr. Robinet Jacob.

Minister Bindu also inaugurated the Online Ability Enhancement Courses, introduced by the Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE) for first-year undergraduate students.

Additionally, Minister Vasavan honoured the MGU team, including coaches and managers, who represented India at the World University Handball Championship in Spain. V.M. Sajid, who oversaw the construction of the natural turf court, was also recognised for his contribution.

Vice-Chancellor Dr. C.T. Aravindakumar, University Syndicate members Adv. Reji Zachariah and Dr. Biju Thomas, University Registrar Dr. Bismi Gopalakrishnan, and Dr. Binu George Varghese, Director of the School of Physical Education and Sports, addressed the gathering.

The event was attended by District Panchayat President K.V. Bindu, Athirampuzha Grama Panchayat President Jose Joseph Ambalakkulam, District Panchayat Member Dr. Rosamma Sony, Block Panchayat Member James Kurian, Grama Panchayat Member Joshy Ilanjiyil, along with members of the Syndicate, Senate, and Academic Council, office bearers of staff organisations, and representatives of the Students’ Union.