IIM Rohtak Recognized as the Best Government Management Institute for Sports Management at G-SEC 2026

IIM Rohtak Recognized as the Best Government Management Institute for Sports Management at G-SEC 2026

THT News, Rohtak / New Delhi:

The Indian Institute of Management Rohtak has been conferred with the prestigious Best Government Management Institute for Sports Management award under the National Ranking Awards in Sports & Physical Education 2026. The award was announced at the Global Sports Education Convention (G-SEC) 2026, held on January 15, 2026, at the India International Centre, New Delhi. The convention was supported by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India.

The award was presented to Prof. Dheeraj Sharma, Director, IIM Rohtak, by a distinguished panel comprising Hon’ble Justice Anish Dayal, Delhi High Court; Dr. Narinder Dhruv Batra, Former President, Indian Olympic Association; Mr. Ajit Kumar Sharan, IAS (Retd.), Former Secretary (Sports); and Mr. Rajpal Singh, Director General, CSRI.

The award followed an exceptionally rigorous and transparent selection process. These awards have been instituted following the National Ranking of the top 100 Universities and Institutions in Sports & Physical Education, conducted by the Confederation of Sports and Recreation Industry (CSRI) in collaboration with the Sports Assessment and Audit Board (SAAB). In addition, a separate evaluation and ranking framework has been developed for institutions offering Sports Management programmes, with the objective of recognizing excellence in this emerging and strategically significant field.

The convention witnessed the participation of eminent policymakers, academicians, sports administrators, and industry leaders from across the country, reflecting the growing national emphasis on strengthening sports education and governance. The recognition underscores IIM Rohtak’s leadership in integrating management education with the evolving domain of sports and physical education.

While accepting the award, Prof. Dheeraj Sharma delivered a thought-provoking address. Prof. Sharma expressed his gratitude and humility, quoting Robert McNamara: “Brains, like hearts, go where they are appreciated.” In his address, he underscored two critical imperatives for the future of sports in India, first, the creation of robust global scouting mechanisms to identify and nurture talent across the country, and, the establishment of a structured licensing framework for such scouts to ensure credibility and professionalism. Prof. Sharma also drew attention to the broader governance and developmental vision required in Indian sports. He remarked that large sporting bodies should reinvest revenues in building sustainable pathways for athletes and strengthening the sports ecosystem. He called upon stakeholders to collectively envision and work towards a future where financial resources are strategically deployed for the long-term advancement of athletes and the nation’s sporting potential.

The conferment of the Best Government Management Institute for Sports Management marks a moment of pride for IIM Rohtak and reaffirms the Institute’s growing prominence in the national and global sports management education landscape. The Institute’s executive post graduate programme in sports management is a unique initiative and has even received special appreciation from the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India. This national recognition reflects IIM Rohtak’s sustained commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and capacity building in sports management. Through its interdisciplinary approach, industry-oriented pedagogy, and forward-looking academic initiatives, the Institute continues to contribute meaningfully to the professionalization of India’s sports ecosystem and to the nation’s vision of building a globally competitive sporting future.