Athletes to Get 100% Scholarships Under Amity-Hockey India CHAMPS Initiative

New Era for Sports Education: Hockey India Partners with Amity University Online

Amity University Online (AUO) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hockey India, recognising the importance of supporting athletes in balancing their sporting careers with academic growth. This agreement marks a crucial step towards empowering Indian hockey players by providing them with accessible higher education opportunities. The initiative aims to help athletes advance academically without compromising their training and competition schedules, ensuring that athletic excellence does not come at the expense of educational aspirations.

The announcement coincided with the celebration of Hockey Day on 20 May, which commemorates the 100th anniversary of Hockey India. This event, observed across India, underscored the significance of the partnership, which seeks to provide players at various levels with the resources needed to build a strong foundation for their future. By facilitating education alongside professional sports, the programme aims to nurture both athletic and academic growth, ensuring that players can thrive in both domains.

As part of this new initiative, Indian Women’s Hockey Team captain Salima Tete and defender Jyoti are among the first to enrol in the Bachelor of Arts programme offered by Amity University Online. Their enrolment highlights the progressive nature of the collaboration, which seeks to support athletes in their dual career development. The university has introduced a tailored educational scholarship scheme for athletes, offering up to 100% scholarships under the CHAMPS initiative (Celebrating Heroes with Amity Merit Program Scholarships). This scheme recognises the challenges athletes face in balancing academics and intensive training, providing them with the opportunity to pursue higher education without having to choose between the two.

Moreover, enrolled athletes will have complimentary access to a three-month Certificate Course in Sports Psychology, designed to enhance their mental conditioning and performance. This aspect of the initiative is seen as a model for supporting athletes’ dual career needs in India, bridging the gap between sports excellence and academic achievement. The MoU signing ceremony took place at Amity University, Noida, and was attended by key dignitaries, including Shri Bhola Nath, Secretary General of Hockey India, Mr. Sekar J. Manoharan, Treasurer of Hockey India, and Mr. Ajit Chauhan, Chairman of Amity University Online. Alongside them was the leadership team of Amity University Online, who helped to formalise the partnership.

The event also marked the formal enrolment of Salima Tete and Jyoti, who joined Amity University Online’s Sociology and MBA Marketing programmes, respectively. As the first beneficiaries of this partnership, both athletes expressed their enthusiasm about the opportunities the initiative offers. Salima Tete shared that education had always been a dream she had to put aside for hockey, but with the scholarship and the flexibility of the online programme, she can now pursue both her education and sporting career without compromise. She also hoped her experience would inspire young players to believe they could balance both sports and academics.

Similarly, Jyoti expressed her gratitude for the programme, noting that the online format allows her to study alongside her demanding training schedule. She was excited to begin her educational journey, confident that both her academic and athletic growth would contribute to her future success. Mr. Ajit Chauhan, Chairman of Amity University Online, highlighted the institution’s belief in education as a powerful tool for transformation. He reaffirmed the university's commitment to initiatives that provide quality learning opportunities to deserving individuals, aiming to empower athletes to excel both academically and athletically.

Shri Bhola Nath, Secretary General of Hockey India, stressed the significance of the partnership, stating that it aligns with Hockey India’s vision for the holistic development of hockey players. He explained that many athletes, particularly those from the women’s team, had previously had to interrupt their education due to the demanding nature of their training. However, this initiative now allows them to pursue both educational and sporting goals simultaneously, creating new opportunities for growth in both areas.

Women’s Chief Coach Harendra Singh also praised the programme, calling it life-changing. He remarked that the initiative creates a bridge between sports excellence and academic achievement, particularly for women players from humble backgrounds who previously found it difficult to continue their education while committing to their sporting careers. This initiative now provides them with the chance to succeed in both fields.

The scholarship programme is open to active Hockey India players at the district, state, national, and international levels. Eligible participants can choose from a range of programmes, including BCom, BSc, MBA, and other undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. This marks the first time that a national sports federation has established such a comprehensive educational support system for athletes at all levels, setting a new benchmark for holistic athlete development in Indian sports. This collaboration between Amity University Online and Hockey India is a pioneering initiative that promises to create a new path for athletes to excel academically while pursuing their sporting dreams.

Editor's Note:

This partnership between Amity University Online and Hockey India is a commendable step towards bridging the gap between academics and sports. It recognises that athletes should not have to choose between their educational and sporting aspirations. By offering flexible learning options and scholarships, this initiative ensures that athletes, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds, can pursue their dreams in both arenas. The introduction of a Sports Psychology course further supports the mental and emotional well-being of athletes, which is often overlooked in traditional educational systems. However, while this is a progressive move, it’s essential to ensure that the implementation is smooth and accessible for all athletes, not just the ones in the spotlight.

Skoobuzz asserts that the true impact of this programme will depend on its reach and how effectively it helps athletes from different backgrounds navigate their dual careers. This initiative could serve as a model for other sports federations, but it must be continuously evaluated to ensure it delivers on its promises.