In a landmark development that promises to reshape the future of Indian athletes, Amity University Online (AUO) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hockey India to provide comprehensive educational opportunities to hockey players at the international, national, and state levels.
This collaboration is a powerful step forward in supporting the holistic growth of sportspersons by enabling them to pursue higher education without compromising their sporting careers. The MoU was signed by Shri Bhola Nath, Secretary General of Hockey India, and Mr. Ajit Chauhan, Chairman, Amity University Online, in the presence of Mr. Sekar J. Manoharan, Treasurer of Hockey India, along with senior officials at Amity University, Noida.
Calling it a historic moment for Hockey India and Amity, Shri Bhola Nath assured that in the next World Cup and Olympics, Women’s Hockey India team will definitely get a Gold. This MoU is an opportunity for sportspersons to complete their studies which will be a blessing to our players.
Many of our athletes, particularly from the women's team, have had to interrupt their education after the 12th standard due to intensive training demands. Now they can pursue both dreams simultaneously.”
Dr. Ashok K . Chauhan, Founder President- Amity Education Group, has always envisioned that every athlete/sportsperson of India will be provided with educational opportunities by Amity so that once they finish their career in sports, education will help them in building their career.
According to Mr. Ajit Chauhan, Chairman- Amity University Online, “Through this strategic partnership, Amity University Online will offer a robust educational scholarship program designed specifically for athletes.
The initiative recognizes the challenges players face in balancing sports with academic aspirations and aims to create a supportive environment where both goals can be pursued simultaneously.
We will be offering sportspersons up to 100 % scholarship on undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs. Amity University Online provides free access to a three-month Certificate Course in Sports Psychology to enhance their mental conditioning and performance.”
The event also marked the formal enrollment of Indian Women’s Hockey Team Captain Salima Tete and Defender Jyoti into Amity University Online’s Bachelor of Arts program, making them the first two beneficiaries of this visionary collaboration.
Speaking at the ceremony, Salima Tete said, “Education has always been a dream I had to set aside to pursue hockey. With this scholarship and Amity University Online’s flexible online programs, I wish to pursue Bachelor of Arts from Amity and would like to work in the area of sports only and promote Hockey forever.
I can now continue my education without compromising my training schedule or match commitments. This opportunity means everything to me and will inspire many young players who believe they must choose between education and sports.”
Defender Jyoti echoed her sentiments for MBA marketing and proudly said that she would like to pursue PhD from Amity. The online format makes it possible to study around our rigorous training schedules. I'm excited to begin this educational journey alongside my hockey career, knowing that both will strengthen my future."
The scholarship program is open to active Hockey India players at the district, state, national, and international levels. Eligible program options include Bachelor of Commerce (B. Com), Master of Business Administration (MBA), and numerous other undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
This pioneering initiative by Hockey India marks the first time a national sports federation has established such a comprehensive educational support system for athletes at all competitive levels, setting a new standard for holistic athlete development in Indian sports.