Kathmandu, December 6

Performance of Nepali national players is often derided during international sporting events, although little is said of the poor investment in sports infrastructure and training for players.

Realising the need for an academic course in sports, Tribhuvan University has decided to launch a master’s level course in Sports Science in February 2018.

The curriculum for the programme has already been designed and enrolments will begin from late December, according to Tribhuvan University officials.

Classes are most likely to start from February 15.

Students holding a bachelor’s degree can apply for admission and applicants will be selected through physical and written test.

Sports Science is a scientific study of physiology of sports and exercise. Students of the course can find employment as fitness instructor, sports teacher and coach, among others. The programme will include subjects like biomechanics and scientific principles of games and sports, sports psychology, sports sociology, sports injuries and physiotherapy, track and field, sports management, sports pedagogy, sports medicine, sports journalism, sports tourism, among others.

Sports Science subject committee member Ganga Bahadur Magar said they had finalised a set of eight courses for the programme — sports medicine, sports psychology, sports sociology and sports physiology. Most of the faculty members hold degrees from foreign universities.

The department has, however, not found a teacher for one of the major subject of Sports Science — Kinesiology — according to Magar. Kinesiology is the scientific study mechanics of body movement.

Keshab Kumar Bista, member secretary of National Sports Council, praised the move.

“Although we are separate bodies, the move taken by the university is appreciable. This will eventually help improve the sports scenario in the country,” Bista said.