Established in 1956, the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy Scheme recognizes and rewards India’s top sporting universities, fostering a culture of athletic excellence in higher education. This article explores the scheme’s objectives, eligibility criteria, selection process, and its lasting impact.
Introduction
India boasts a rich sporting tradition, and universities play a crucial role in nurturing future champions. Recognizing this significance, the Government of India established the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy Scheme in 1956-57. This prestigious award acknowledges and financially incentivizes universities that excel in sports, fostering a competitive environment that propels student athletes to greater heights.
Objectives of the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy Scheme
The MAKA Trophy Scheme serves a multitude of purposes:
- Promoting Competitive Sports in Universities: By recognizing outstanding athletic achievements, the scheme motivates universities to invest in sports infrastructure, coaching, and athlete development programs.
- Encouraging Widespread Participation: The scheme emphasizes participation in both team and individual sports across various disciplines. This ensures a well-rounded sporting culture within universities.
- Identifying and Nurturing Talent: By spotlighting exceptional athletic performances, the scheme creates a platform for universities to identify and nurture promising athletes who can potentially represent India on the international stage.
- Highlighting University Achievements: The scheme brings national recognition to universities that excel in sports, enhancing their reputation and attracting talented student athletes.
Benefits of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy Scheme
Top 3 (three) recognized Universities on the basis of overall marks secured will be awarded. The amount of cash prizes is mentioned below respectively:
1st position: ₹ 15,00,000/- (Rupees Fifteen Lakh Only)
2nd position: ₹ 7,50,000/- (Rupees Seven Lakh Fifty Thousand Only)
3rd position: ₹ 4,50,000/- (Rupees Four Lakh Fifty Thousand Only)
The cash award money received by the winning Universities under the Scheme should be spent for promotion of sports including opening of Centre of Excellence, creation/upgradation of infrastructure, training of athletes, cash award to sportspersons, etc.
Eligibility Criteria for the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy Scheme
To be eligible for the MAKA Trophy, universities must fulfill the following criteria:
ACCESSIBLE TO UNIVERSITIES
Only universities approved by the UGC or the government may be nominated under this program.
AVAILABLE DISCIPLINES IN SPORTS
Sports categories that are eligible to receive the MAKA Trophy Award will be determined by the following criteria:
1) The MYAS should acknowledge the sports disciplines;
2) The sports disciplines ought to be included in the Olympics, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games.
3) In addition to the aforementioned, the following three sports are listed in order of popularity or decency: (i) Kho-kho, (ii) chess, and (iii) cricket
Selection Process for the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy Scheme
The selection process for the MAKA Trophy is meticulous and transparent:
- Application Submission: Universities submit applications detailing their performance in various inter-university and international sporting events during the preceding year.
- Performance Evaluation: A designated selection committee meticulously evaluates applications, assigning points based on pre-defined criteria. These criteria consider achievements in both individual and team sports, along with weightage for international performances.
- Final Selection: The university accumulating the highest number of points is declared the winner and awarded the coveted MAKA Trophy.
Benefits of the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy Scheme
The MAKA Trophy Scheme offers a multitude of benefits to universities, athletes, and Indian sports as a whole:
- Financial Assistance: The winning university receives a significant cash prize, which can be used for further development of sports infrastructure, coaching programs, and athlete scholarships. Universities ranking second to sixth also receive financial rewards.
- Increased Visibility: Earning the MAKA Trophy brings national recognition to the winning university, attracting talented athletes and enhancing its overall reputation.
- Motivation for Athletes: The scheme serves as a powerful motivator for student athletes, encouraging them to strive for excellence and achieve their full sporting potential.
- Enhanced Sporting Culture: By fostering a competitive environment, the scheme contributes to a more vibrant and well-rounded sporting culture within Indian universities.
The top three (3) accredited universities will receive awards based on the total number of marks earned. The following lists the respective amounts of cash prizes:
First place: ₹ 15,00,000/- (Fifteen Lakh Rupees Only)
₹ 7,50,000/- (Rupees Seven Lakh Fifty Thousand Only) is the second place.
Third place: ₹ 4,50,000 (Four Lakh Fifty Thousand Rupees Only)
The cash award funds that the winning universities earned under the scheme should be used to promote sports, such as by constructing centers of excellence, building or upgrading facilities, educating athletes, giving cash awards to athletes, and other related activities.
Impact of the MAKA Trophy Scheme
Since its inception, the MAKA Trophy Scheme has had a significant impact on Indian university sports:
- Improved Infrastructure: The financial incentives provided by the scheme have encouraged universities to invest in better sports infrastructure, including facilities and equipment.
- Enhanced Coaching: The scheme has spurred universities to develop robust coaching programs, leading to improved training methodologies and athlete development.
- Identification of Talent: The scheme has facilitated the identification of talented athletes at the university level, creating a strong talent pool for national teams.
- Increased Participation: The scheme has motivated universities to encourage wider participation in various sports, promoting a more holistic approach to physical education.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the MAKA Trophy Scheme
The MAKA Trophy Scheme continues to be a cornerstone of Indian university sports. As the sporting landscape evolves, the scheme can be further strengthened by:
- Adapting to New Sports: Regularly reviewing and updating the list of recognized sports to keep pace with emerging sporting disciplines.
- Promoting Gender Equality: Ensuring equal weightage for achievements in men’s and women’s sports, fostering a more inclusive sporting environment.
- Anti-Doping Measures: Implementing stricter anti-doping regulations to ensure fair play and uphold the integrity of the scheme.
Documents Required
1. Signed Undertaking to be given by the Vice Chancellor of the contesting University (As per given format)
2. Complete self computed proposal with all relevant documents in a single PDF, duly indexed & page numbered (max upto 50MB)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy Scheme
Q. Who is Maulana Abul Kalam Azad?
A. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was a prominent Indian scholar, freedom fighter, and the first Minister of Education of Independent India. The MAKA Trophy Scheme is named in his honor to recognize his contributions to the field of education.
Q. What is the current cash award for the winning university?
A. As of 2024, the winning university receives a cash prize of Rs. 20 lakh (approximately USD 24,500). Universities ranking second to sixth also receive financial rewards in decreasing amounts.
Q. How often do universities apply for the MAKA Trophy?
A. Universities submit applications annually, outlining their sporting achievements in the preceding academic year.
Q. Is there a dedicated website for the MAKA Trophy Scheme?
A. There isn’t a dedicated website for the scheme. However, information and application guidelines are typically available on the websites of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MoYAS) and the Sports Authority of India (SAI).
Q. Who can I contact for further information about the MAKA Trophy Scheme?
A. You can contact the Department of Physical Education within the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MoYAS) for clarifications and inquiries related to the scheme.
Conclusion
The Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy Scheme plays a pivotal role in nurturing a flourishing sporting culture within Indian universities. By recognizing excellence, providing financial aid, and motivating participation, the scheme paves the way for universities to become breeding grounds for future sporting champions. As India strives for sporting glory on the international stage,the MAKA Trophy Scheme is certain to remain a crucial catalyst in propelling India’s sporting prowess to even greater heights. By fostering a competitive environment that celebrates athletic excellence, the scheme empowers universities to become launchpads for India’s future sporting heroes.
References
User Guide – Application Process
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