Delhi varsity athletes scripting India’s sporting future, carrying nation’s flag on the global stage

From Manika Batra smashing records in table tennis, Amoj Jacob sprinting into Olympic finals and Manu Bhaker hitting bullseye at world shooting arenas, to Neha Aggarwal, Rhythm Sangwan, Ramita Jindal, Saina Salonika, Ayush Rao, Harshit Rana and Yash Dabas, Delhi University (DU) has produced a star-studded line of athletes who are carrying the nation’s flag on the global stage.

Known worldwide for its academic excellence and vibrant campus culture, DU is also scripting India’s sporting story. Over the decades, providing not just classrooms but also launch pads for students who dream of wearing the India jersey. “I found the perfect support system for my journey in archery — from providing arrows to practice relief, the college ensured I could focus on my game. This constant encouragement helped me win the All-India Inter University Gold Medal - 2024 and represent India at the Asian University Archery Championship,” said Ayush Rao, an archer from Sri Aurobindo College.

The rise of shooters such as Manu Bhaker, Rhythm Sangwan and Ramita Jindal, along with chess star Saina Salonika, highlights DU’s push for women athletes. Salonika, who bagged a silver medal at the 2024 World University Chess Championship, said, “Delhi University has given me the perfect balance between academics and sports, supporting my training with facilities, guidance and financial aid. This encouragement has helped me grow both as a student and as a chess player.”

Once seen only as a hobby, sports at DU are now regarded as a serious career option. Through its sports supernumerary quota, athletes of international repute are granted direct admission, ensuring they can pursue both academics and competition. Transparent trials, often conducted in collaboration with the Sports Authority of India and national federations, guarantee that only the best talent makes it through.

“When I was at DU in the early 2000s, sport was mostly driven by individual colleges with limited facilities. Today, Delhi University has transformed the landscape with world-class infrastructure and a transparent system that truly nurtures athletes. The culture has shifted from treating sport as an extra activity to embracing it as a mainstream pursuit,” recalled Olympian Shagun Chowdhary, who represented India in clay pigeon shooting.

For most student-athletes, life at DU is a delicate balance between books and training. Days begin with morning practice, continue with lectures and end back on the ground. The university supports this demanding routine with scholarships, travel allowances and even academic relaxation such as rescheduled exams when students compete nationally or internationally. Sports officials emphasise that the focus is on building an ecosystem where “education doesn’t stop because of sports, and sports doesn’t stop because of education.”

The results are visible. Between 2023 and 2025, 24 DU athletes represented India internationally at competitions ranging from Olympics to the World University Games. In cricket, Harshit Rana and Yash Dabas carried DU’s legacy to higher platforms, while in athletics, Amoj Jacob sprinted into global spotlight. On the inter-university front, DU has remained a powerhouse, with nearly 1,000 students participating in events in the past two years and winning close to 200 medals. The men’s cricket team even clinched the All-India Inter-University title in 2024-25.

Behind these medals, however, lie struggles. Athletes often juggle academic pressure, injuries and financial hurdles. DU’s Directorate of Sports and Cultural Activities provides scholarships and structured training, but efforts are now being made to expand physiotherapy support and upgrade infrastructure to international standards. With 14 Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy wins and alumni decorated with Arjuna, Khel Ratna and Padma awards, DU is determined to play a bigger role in shaping India’s sporting journey.

“Delhi University has built a sporting culture that nurtures talent, discipline and determination. Achievements of our students at the national and international arenas reflect the strength of this ecosystem where education and sports go hand in hand,” said Dr Anil Kumar Kalkal, Director, Physical Education & Sports, University of Delhi.

As DU’s playgrounds echo with whistles, cheers and the clash of cricket bats, one thing is certain — the university is no longer just producing graduates, but also building India’s future Olympians.