Jalandhar,03.01.25- In a historic achievement, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has officially recognized Lovely Professional University (LPU) as the recipient of the First Runner-Up Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Sports Trophy for 2024. This remarkable milestone makes LPU the first private institution to earn this prestigious honour for two consecutive years; a feat that has not been matched since 1956. The award will be presented during the National Sports Awards ceremony, where the honourees will be honoured by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on January 17, 2025.

During the ceremony, LPU's Harmanpreet Singh, Captain of the Indian Hockey Team, will be awarded the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2024. Additionally, LPU students Sukhjeet Singh and Jarmanpreet Singh will receive the Arjuna Award for their excellence in hockey. Harmanpreet Singh demonstrated unparalleled leadership at the Paris Olympics, playing a pivotal role in India’s remarkable victory in hockey. Sukhjeet and Jarmanpreet Singh delivered extraordinary performances that contributed to this success, showcasing their dedication and elevating India’s status in global sports. This achievement reflects LPU's commitment to elite sports training, solidifying its reputation as a hub for producing world-class athletes.

Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Founder Chancellor of LPU congratulated all the awardees and everyone who played a role in these sporting achievements, including students, staff, and coaches. Dr. Mittal stated, “LPU is committed to sports excellence by providing world-class infrastructure and significant financial support through scholarships, ensuring the growth and development of athletic talent.evelopment".