As Gujarat sets its sights on hosting the Olympics in Ahmedabad, the state’s oldest academic institution—Gujarat University (GU)—appears to be faltering on the fundamentals of campus sports.
According to a media report, the Gujarat government pitched Ahmedabad’s Olympic bid as a symbol of the state’s growing sports infrastructure and global ambitions. However, for many students at Gujarat University, that vision feels far removed from reality.
Despite the grand plans, the university continues to face basic issues, including lack of proper facilities, unfilled coaching positions, and administrative mismanagement—raising concerns about whether grassroots investment is matching the state’s high-level sporting goals.
A Hockey Coach Without a Field
Gujarat University has employed a full-time hockey coach for the past 22 years, despite not having a hockey field. For tournaments, temporary goalposts are set up on the university’s synthetic running track to create an improvised playing area.
State-of-the-Art Facilities, But No Coaches
The university’s sports complex features infrastructure for tennis, badminton, swimming, and chess, yet none of these sports have appointed coaches or trainers.
In addition, the Director of Sports position has been vacant for five years, with the role currently handled as an additional charge by a senior professor from the cybersecurity department.
Meanwhile, the university’s master’s program in physical education has gone over two decades without any permanent teaching staff, depending entirely on visiting faculty.
Disarray in Inter-College Sports
The lack of coordination was on full display during an inter-college tournament held on July 30–31, featuring swimming and chess. Many departments failed to nominate students, forcing participants to submit their names individually.
Although a selection committee meeting was scheduled on the morning of the tournament, several department heads were absent—some claiming they hadn’t been informed, while others said the circular never reached their department.
Disconnect Between Vision and Execution
The contrast between Gujarat’s Olympic aspirations and the reality on the ground at its flagship university is stark. For students training without coaches, competing without direction, and entering events without proper communication, the system is already falling short.
Until basic infrastructure and support systems are strengthened, Gujarat’s dream of hosting the world’s biggest sporting event may remain just that—a dream.