The Lakshmibai National College of Physical Education- Preparing Highly Competent Leaders

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We live in an era where people have realized the importance of sport and physical fitness, making this field grow exponentially each passing day. However, during this difficult time of the COVID-19 pandemic, online training programs for PE teachers, community coaches, athletes, have become a norm, and thus, giving rise to an immense demand for capable physical education experts. Thereby, coming as a welcome step into fulfilling this ever growing demand, and in the pursuit of providing excellent facilities for the upliftment of Physical Education and sports in the country – Lakshmibai National College of Physical Education (LNCPE) has been serving as a model institute for teacher’s training since its inception.

Being a home to 6 science departments with one of the best sport science labs in the country, that prioritizes research and innovation, LNCPE is a centre of excellence for research in physical education and its allied areas. Located in Thiruvananthapuram as the academic wing of the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the college is affiliated to University of Kerala offering undergraduate and postgraduate courses. SAI-LNCPE also offers PhD courses (a research centre under University of Kerala) besides both regular Post Graduate Degree course (MPE) and Teachers Education course (BPEd). Being a reputed national level Physical Education College, LNCPE keeps pace with the latest developments happening globally in the fields of Physical Education, Sports, allied subjects, and works towards giving the most up-to-date learning environment for all.

Learners seeking higher education have always considered online education as an alternative path, and the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, on the other hand, has changed educators and students across SAI LNCPE to quickly adjust to virtual courses. Numerous online training programs for PE teachers, community coaches, and athletes have been organised by the college, along with collaborations with worldwide organizations and entities dedicated to the advancement of physical education, sports, and related areas.

Preparing highly competent and skilled leaders of tomorrow
“The 21st Biennial Conference of the International Society for Comparative Physical Education and Sport (ISCPES) will be held virtually in India for the first time from 16th to 18th December 2021, which will be hosted by SAI LNCPE”, shares Dr G Kishore, the principal of the college. Taking time out of his busy schedule, the current principal took us on a virtual tour of the college and gave us clear insights into the working ethos present at the college, and how LNCPE is motivating tomorrow’s physical education leaders. Furthermore, adding to this above statement, Dr. Kishore stated – “The SAI-LNCPE is involved in providing higher education in Physical Education, and the LNCPE has trained over 40000 people, with all its efforts to stay in touch with the outside world”. Through the conversation we also learnt that – LNCPE provides NIS Diploma in water sports, six week certificate course, coaching camp for state/national training, refresher courses for in-service teachers, pay and play schemes, and many more.

Regardless of the scenario outside, SAI-LNCPE plans to stay ahead of its competitors across Kerala and India in terms of quality education. And, with a clear objective of preparing highly competent and skilled leaders, teachers, coaches, scholars towards being ready for a competitive world, anytime and anywhere, the college operates on a larger purpose to build a deeper, broader understanding of a single topic, examining it from several perspectives and sharing their findings through a variety of avenues. Therefore, to facilitate this, most of the faculty members in the college are PhD degree holders with various expertises in field research and teaching experience, who preach a teaching-learning process that is completely student-centered.

All in all, by giving back to society administrators in the field of physical education, sports and games as well as associated areas, who serve as academic leaders to other institutions across the length and breadth of our country, LNCPE is a one of kind institution, that bridges the gap between academics and physical education. Not only does LNCPE cater to the gen-z hands down, it also provides vocational guidance and placement services to the people in the field, by developing and promoting programmes of mass physical education activity with a state-of-the-art infrastructure, boarding and lodging facilities. Lastly, a hotspot of State and National level Coaching Camps as well reputed centers for ongoing schemes of SAI. In addition to BPEd (2 years), MPE, Ph.Ed, the college also offers Post Graduate Diploma in Health and Fitness (1 year duration). As a constituent college of the Sports Authority of India, they also offer coaching diplomas in (Rowing,Kayaking and Canoeing). Each academic year, various areas centered on a critical issue impacting sports are identified and promoting the students to conduct research in that concerned area.

Dr G Kishore, Principal
A native of Pandalam, Kerala, Dr Kishore did his Post-graduation, M.Phil and Ph.Ed in Physical Education in LNIPE, Gwalior. Subsequently, he joined Sports Authority of India in 1986, and since then, he has served the Government of Kerala as the Additional Director and Director of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Kerala and Secretary, Kerala Sports Council in different tenures on deputation from SAI. Dr Kishore also served as the Director (Pers.), SAI Head Office, NSEC, Calcutta and NSSC, Bangalore. Dr G. Kishore assumed charge as Principal, SAI, LNCPE, Trivandrum in 2011. A recipient of several recognitions and awards, Dr Kishore has travelled many countries on international assignments, and thus, brings all his experience on to the table of LNCPE, motivating every individual present on the campus towards a success filled future ahead of them.