Dr Pushpinder Singh Gill Appointed VC of Punjab Sports University

February 9, 2026

Dr Pushpinder Singh Gill has been appointed Vice-Chancellor of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh Punjab Sports University (MBSPSU) in Patiala, the Punjab government announced on Sunday. The appointment, made by the Governor of Punjab, is for a three-year term effective from the date Dr Gill assumes office.

MBSPSU is the first specialised sports university in Punjab, aimed at advancing sports education, research, coaching and high-performance training across the state.

Dr Gill’s Academic and Leadership Background

Dr Gill brings over 36 years of experience in academia, research, administration and international consulting to his new role. A retired professor from Punjabi University, Patiala, he has held various leadership positions during his career, shaping academic programmes and institutional strategy.

He earned his doctorate from Punjabi University in 1993, specialising in Marketing Executive Effectiveness in Relation to Job Involvement and Locus of Control. His academic credentials also include an MBA in Marketing and Material Management and a BA Honours in Economics from the same institution.

Vision for the Future of MBSPSU

In response to his appointment, Dr Gill expressed his commitment to developing MBSPSU into a benchmark institution for integrated sports education in India. He emphasised the importance of collaboration between students, coaches, faculty and the sports industry.

His stated vision includes strengthening sports sciences, technology, management and coaching programmes, fostering applied research, and creating an ecosystem where academic learning and athletic excellence go hand in hand.

Significance for Punjab’s Sports Education

The Maharaja Bhupinder Singh Punjab Sports University was established under Punjab Act No. 11 of 2019 to promote specialised sports studies and related disciplines. The institution also functions as a state training centre for selected sports and has authority over affiliated physical education institutions in Punjab.

Dr Gill’s appointment is expected to bring academic depth and administrative strength to MBSPSU, supporting its mission to nurture future athletes and professionals who can elevate India’s presence in national and international sports arenas.

Appointment Details and Official Notification

The official notification regarding Dr Gill’s appointment was issued on February 8 by Vivek Pratap Singh, Principal Secretary to the Governor of Punjab. The university’s Chancellor, who is also the Governor, formally approved the appointment under the provisions of the MBSPSU Statutes.

With a focus on academic leadership and sports management excellence, Dr Gill succeeds in leading the university at a time when sports education and infrastructure development are high priorities for the state.