UEL signs deal to bring sporting excellence to Delhi

Speaking in Delhi, Dr Paul Marshall, pictured, the University's pro-vice chancellor for careers and enterprise, said, "We are absolutely delighted to be entering into this agreement with the Delhi Sports University and to welcome them to our ever-expanding family of global partners.

"The University, with its strong Olympic and Paralympic heritage, is the most ambitious and the most improved University in the UK for sport. As part of our Vision 2028 transformation strategy we see sport as an essential pre-condition for learning gain, and we encourage activity at all levels, from our elite programmes to our club activities and beyond, ensuring fitness is open to all.

"Our appetite for sporting endeavour reaches around the world and now encompasses DSU, creating a partnership that is particularly special for us because of our deep and important links to India that this agreement can only serve to strengthen.

"And so, as we reflect on the legacy of the London Olympics 10 years ago, we look forward to working with DSU to build an innovative and impactful partnership that will support athletes to reach their potential and help to realise the benefits of sports for the communities that our institutions serve."

The agreement has also been facilitated and supported by the British Council, the UK Department for Education and the Department for International Trade.

Delhi Sports University is a new State University which will act as a centre for excellence in sport regionally, and potentially nationally. 

DSU's first vice chancellor is former athlete Karnam Malleswari, pictured with Dr Marshall. She won a bronze medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics in the women's 55kg weightlifting competition becoming the first Indian woman to claim a podium place.

A statement from DSU said, "At this stage of inception, our partnership with UEL holds the importance of being the first international tie-up for mutual co-creation and innovation. As DSU establishes itself in the world of sports, we aim to rise up to global standards in terms of sports performance, training and research and we are happy to receive UEL's guidance.

"We look forward to working together towards advancement in the field of sports and provide our sportspersons with an environment of excellence to support their journeys." 

Find out more about the East London Global Sport Strategy.