The University applauds the Director of Sports, Ms Sonia Bathla, for her appointment as Assistant Technical Delegate for the inaugural season of the Hero Hockey India League (Women), organised by Hockey India, and held at Ranchi from January 12, 2025, onwards. One of the most eminent professional sports leagues in the country, the Hero Hockey India League draws players from across the world, who are auctioned to constitute teams for representing a franchise.

The first Indian woman to be appointed for this position, Ms Bathla is also the only female technical official from India to officiate at the International Hockey Federation’s leading panel. In her distinguished career, she has officiated at other august tournaments, including the Commonwealth Games in August 2022, the Men's World Cup in January 2023, and the FIH Pro League in February 2024. A former national hockey player herself, she is also the recipient of the Hockey India President Award for Best Technical Official of the Year for 2023.