Unmukt effect: DU to recognize sports in academic performance

Cricketer Unmukt Chand could possibility bring a new regime in Delhi University by making it recognise sports in yearly academic performance.

Cricketer Unmukt Chand could possibility bring a new regime in Delhi University by making it recognise sports in yearly academic performance.

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Delhi University vice chancellor Dinesh Singh in a letter to sports minister Ajay Maken said they were discussing a major overhaul of the undergraduate teaching programme of the University.

"Under the proposed structure that is expected to be placed before the Academic Council in a couple of months, participation in sports activities will be accorded credits towards regular daily programmes and the students will have the choice of replacing some of the academic courses with a structured recognition of participation towards his/her degree," he said.

Singh also assured Maken that all possible help will be provided to India's U-19 cricket captain Unmukt Chand, who has been denied admit card for annual examination due to low attendance. "The matter came to my attention two days ago and we have strongly urged the Principal to forward the papers to us at the earliest so that we can assist Unmukt," Singh wrote in his letter to Maken.

The minister had written to the vice chancellor on Thursday saying that such episodes were discouraging for young sports persons.

"You would agree that fostering and development of a vibrant sports culture in the country which would ultimately lead to our better performances at the international fora is hurt precisely because of such systemic bottlenecks that only discourage young people from taking up sports but also stifles their career mid-way," Maken had said in his letter.