New Delhi, Delhi Jun 19, 2025 (Issuewire.com) - National Law University Delhi (NLU Delhi) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) today announced the establishment of the UNESCO Chair for Legal Dimensions of Clean Sports, marking a historic milestone as India's first UNESCO Chair dedicated to sports law and integrity.
The appointment for the UNESCO Chair for Legal Dimensions of Clean Sports was executed by an agreement signed between Professor (Dr.) G. S. Bajpai, Vice Chancellor, National Law University Delhi and Ms. Audrey Azoulay, Director-General, UNESCO, at NLU Delhi, with the aim to position India at the forefront of global efforts to promote clean, ethical, and legally compliant sports practices. The Chair, which will operate from NLU Delhi's campus in Dwarka, represents a significant recognition of India's growing influence in international sports governance and its commitment to promoting integrity in athletics.
Professor (Dr.) Ruhi Paul, Registrar of NLU Delhi, has been appointed as the Chairholder, bringing her extensive expertise in legal scholarship and institutional leadership to this important role.
This establishment makes NLU Delhi part of UNESCO's prestigious UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme, joining an elite network of institutions worldwide dedicated to advancing knowledge and cooperation in their respective fields.
Professor (Dr.) Ruhi Paul's appointment as Chairholder brings exceptional qualifications to this pioneering role. As Registrar of NLU Delhi, she has demonstrated outstanding leadership in legal education administration and academic governance. Her expertise and commitment to institutional excellence make her uniquely positioned to lead this transformative initiative.
"I am deeply honoured to serve as the Chairholder for this groundbreaking UNESCO Chair," said Professor (Dr.) Ruhi Paul, Registrar of National Law University Delhi. "This appointment represents not just a personal milestone, but a collective opportunity to shape the future of sports law and integrity on a global scale. We will work diligently to ensure that this Chair becomes a beacon of excellence in clean sports advocacy, producing research and training that will benefit athletes, administrators, and sports enthusiasts worldwide."
The establishment of this Chair comes at a critical juncture when the global sports industry faces unprecedented challenges related to doping, corruption, governance failures, and discrimination. With India hosting major international sporting events and its athletes achieving remarkable success on global platforms, the need for robust legal frameworks and ethical standards in sports has never been more urgent.
"This UNESCO Chair represents a paradigm shift in how we approach sports law and integrity in India and the broader South Asian region," said Professor (Dr.) G. S. Bajpai, Vice Chancellor, National Law University Delhi. "Under Professor Ruhi Paul's capable leadership, we are not just establishing an academic program; we are creating a centre of excellence that will influence policy, educate future leaders, and drive meaningful change in the sports ecosystem. Her vision and expertise will be instrumental in realizing the Chair's ambitious goals."
The Chair's establishment recognizes India's unique position in the global sports landscape. As the world's most populous nation with a rapidly growing sports industry valued at over $8 billion, India's approach to sports law and integrity has far-reaching implications. The country's successful hosting of events like the Commonwealth Games, Cricket World Cup, and upcoming major international competitions demonstrates its capacity to lead in sports governance.
Key areas where the Chair will drive Indian leadership:
- Anti-Doping Excellence: Developing comprehensive legal frameworks that balance athlete rights with integrity requirements
- Gender Equality in Sports: Advancing women's participation and protection against discrimination
- Cultural Integration: Preserving traditional sports while modernizing governance structures
- Athlete Rights Protection: Creating robust legal safeguards for professional and amateur athletes
- Technology and Sports Law: Addressing emerging challenges in digital sports, data protection, and virtual competitions
Globally, the Chair addresses critical gaps in sports law research and education, particularly in the Global South. The initiative will serve as a knowledge hub for developing nations grappling with similar challenges in sports governance and integrity.
The Chair will collaborate with UNESCO's global network of sports-related institutions, contributing to:
- Policy Development: Informing international sports governance standards and best practices
- Capacity Building: Training professionals across developing nations in sports law and integrity
- Research Excellence: Generating evidence-based solutions to contemporary sports challenges
- Cultural Preservation: Documenting and protecting traditional sports as cultural heritage
About National Law University Delhi
Established in 2008, National Law University Delhi has rapidly emerged as one of India's premier legal education institutions. Known for its innovative curriculum, distinguished faculty, and strong industry connections, National Law University Delhi has consistently been ranked 2nd in the NIRF Rankings of Law Universities in the country, consecutively for the last seven years by the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
About the UNESCO Chairs Programme
The UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme, established in 1992, promotes international inter-university cooperation and networking to enhance institutional capacities through knowledge sharing and collaborative work. The Programme supports the establishment of UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN Networks in higher education institutions worldwide, fostering academic mobility and rapid knowledge sharing through partnerships and cooperation arrangements.
Media Contacts
UNESCO Chair: Professor (Dr.) Ruhi Paul, UNESCO Chair for Legal Dimensions of Clean Sports, National Law University Delhi, Email: registrar@nludelhi.ac.in
For General Inquiries: Mr. Rahul Gupta, Consultant, Phone: +91 9891222321 Email: unescochair@nludelhi.ac.in
Media Contact
UNESCO Chair - NLU Delhi unescochair@nludelhi.ac.in https://nludelhi.ac.in/
