Masters in physical education soon at Goa University, PhD also in the offing

PANAJI: Over the years, hundreds of students have had to travel outside Goa to pursue their master’s in physical education degree. Now, the programme will be available to students in Goa itself, with the Goa University gearing up to offer the PG degree on its campus in Taleigao.
The state government has already given its nod for recruitment of adequate faculty to start the programme.
GU vice-chancellor Harilal B Menon said that, to be able to create the requisite infrastructure for the master’s in physical education degree, he has written to the Union education ministry and the Union sports ministry to seek at least part of the funding.
“On any weekend, if you look at the playgrounds across Goa, you will find them occupied by youngsters playing different sports. We need to offer programmes that meet the needs of the state. We will offer the master’s in physical education and focus on the state sport, football, followed by stress on cricket and athletics in the future,” said Menon.
Once the course is introduced, students will be able to join the programme after completing Class XII in stream.
“The course will be of a five-year duration, and students can either exit after three years with a degree or after five years with a master’s,” said Menon.
Efforts are on to introduce the programme in the new academic year itself.
The VC said that a PhD programme in physical education is also in the works.
He said that research in physical education can help sportspersons and athletes learn how to safely push the limits of their bodies, to achieve optimum results, and without causing injuries.
“Such research work can eventually, over the years, help us earn international medals, which would be great if it happened in a small state like Goa,” said Menon.