Manipur University begins a two-week national refresher course on Physical Education, Sports Sciences and Yoga, with 113 participants from 18 states.
Imphal, August 10: Manipur University on Monday inaugurated a two-week national Refresher Course on “Advances in Physical Education, Sports Sciences, and Yoga”, bringing together 113 participants from 18 states for academic discussions on emerging research, technology and professional practices in the disciplines.
Organised by the UGC–Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Centre (UGC-MMTTC), Manipur University, the programme will continue from August 10 to 22.
Vice-Chancellor (In-Charge) Prof. R.K. Hemakumar Singh, who attended the inaugural function as Chief Guest, said Physical Education, Sports Science and Yoga have evolved into multidisciplinary, scientific and evidence-based fields.
He noted that developments in these areas are increasingly linked with exercise physiology, biomechanics, sports psychology, nutrition, sports medicine, strength and conditioning, data analytics and emerging technologies.
Against this changing academic and professional landscape, Prof. Hemakumar stressed the importance of continuous learning and professional development for teachers, researchers, coaches and practitioners.
He said refresher courses provide an academic platform for participants to update their knowledge, exchange experiences, strengthen research capabilities and engage with new developments in their respective fields.
The Vice-Chancellor encouraged participants to actively engage with resource persons, share professional experiences, discuss research challenges and develop academic and professional collaborations during the two-week programme.
“The true success of a Refresher Course is not measured merely by the certificate received, but by how effectively the knowledge, skills, and ideas gained are translated into teaching, research, training, and professional practice,” Prof. Hemakumar said.
He also underlined the wider social relevance of Physical Education, Sports Science and Yoga, noting their role in promoting health, physical fitness, sporting excellence, mental well-being and holistic development.
Prof. Hemakumar called for collective efforts among educators and professionals to promote scientific knowledge, healthy lifestyles, research excellence and human well-being. He also appreciated the UGC-MMTTC, organising committee and resource persons for conducting the programme.
Participants from 18 states
Prof. Laishram Santosh Singh, Course Coordinator from the Department of Physical Education & Sports Sciences, Manipur University, said 113 participants from 18 states have enrolled in the refresher course.
He noted that the diverse participation provides an opportunity for teachers and professionals from different academic environments to exchange knowledge, experiences and perspectives.
Prof. L. Santosh also welcomed the resource persons and participants and acknowledged the institutional support provided by UGC-MMTTC, Manipur University.
Resource persons from institutions across the country will conduct sessions during the programme, covering contemporary issues and developments in Physical Education, Sports Sciences and Yoga.
Focus on research, AI and NEP 2020
Presiding over the inaugural programme, Prof. Rajkumar Bhubon Singh, Director, UGC-MMTTC, Manipur University, emphasised the role of refresher courses in exposing teachers to emerging ideas and approaches in higher education.
He encouraged participants to engage actively with resource persons and use the programme to expand their academic understanding.
Prof. Bhubon also linked the programme with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, particularly its focus on quality teaching, equity, technology-enabled and online education, promotion of Indian languages and multidisciplinary learning.
The opening day featured four technical sessions conducted by resource persons from different institutions.
Dr. Ankita Jain from Hyderabad spoke on “Sports Mental Training for Athletes”, focusing on the psychological aspects of sports performance.
Prof. Bhuwan Chandra Kapri of Banaras Hindu University, Uttar Pradesh, conducted a session on “Research Methodology: Foundation and Framework”, addressing the fundamentals and methodological foundations of academic and scientific research.
Prof. Nishan Singh Deol of Punjabi University, Punjab, delivered a session titled “AI Transforming Sports”, examining the growing role of artificial intelligence and technological innovation in sports.
The fourth session, “Physical Education in the Era of NEP 2020: Opportunities, Innovation and Future Directions,” was delivered by T. Inaobi Singh of Manipur University. The session examined changes in physical education under NEP 2020 and possible future directions for the discipline.
The inaugural programme began at 10 a.m. with the assembly and felicitation of dignitaries. Dr. Y. Santikumar Singh, Associate Professor, Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, Manipur University, delivered the welcome address.
Dr. N. Nilkamal Singh, Head of the Department of Yoga, Manipur University, proposed the vote of thanks, while technical support for the virtual sessions was managed by Irengbam Tilokchan, Programmer, Manipur University.
The refresher course will continue until August 22, with sessions covering contemporary research, emerging technologies, innovative teaching approaches and multidisciplinary developments in Physical Education, Sports Sciences and Yoga.
