Deakin University received the Best Foreign University for Sports and Physical Education award in India. The award was presented last week at the Global Sports Education Convention (G-SEC) 2026 in New Delhi.
Award Details
The Confederation of Sports and Recreation Industry (CSRI) presented the award. This recognition highlights Deakin University’s global leadership in sport and physical education. It also acknowledges the university’s consistent engagement with India’s higher education, skills, and sports sectors.
Deakin’s Global Standing in Sport
Deakin University is recognized internationally for its excellence in sport science, physical education, and sports management. Global ranking agencies, including the QS World University Rankings by Subject, consistently place it among the world’s top universities for sport-related disciplines.
The university’s sport science school has held the global number one ranking for five consecutive years. Deakin University also ranks 14th worldwide for sports-related subjects. These rankings reflect the university’s teaching and research impact.
Deakin’s academic strengths encompass several areas. These include sport science, exercise physiology, athlete performance, sports technology, and health sciences. The university bases its research on strong industry engagement and partnerships with elite sporting organizations globally.
Commitment to India’s Sports Ecosystem
Ms. Ravneet Pawha, Vice President (Global Engagement) and CEO (South Asia) at Deakin University, commented on the award. She stated, “This recognition affirms the role of international collaboration in advancing India’s national sports and youth development priorities.”
Ms. Pawha added that Deakin’s engagement with India prioritizes capability building. It aims to develop skilled professionals. The university also works to strengthen high-performance pathways and integrate sport, education, and employability. Deakin University aims to support policy goals, nurture young talent, and contribute to India’s sports education and research ecosystem.
Three Decades of Engagement
The award also reflects Deakin University’s over 30 years of engagement with India. This engagement includes partnerships with academic institutions, industry, and government. Deakin’s initiatives in India cover joint research and skills-led programs. They also include faculty and student mobility programs.
Deakin University established India’s first international university branch campus at GIFT City, Gujarat. This campus further anchors Deakin’s commitment to building talent and advancing applied research in India. The university contributes to the nation’s knowledge and sports economy.
Global Sports Education Convention 2026
The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, supported the Global Sports Education Convention (G-SEC) 2026. The convention convenes policymakers, education leaders, industry experts, and international universities. Its purpose is to discuss the future of sports and physical education in India and globally.
During the convention, Deakin University participated in a panel discussion. The panel, titled ‘Globalising Indian Sports and Physical Education Institutions,’ addressed partnerships, international campuses, and student mobility. It also discussed positioning India as a global destination for sports education.