Management of Student Sports in Universities: Structure, Challenges and Development Prospects

The article examines the management system of student sports within Russian higher education institutions as an important component of educational and social policy. The management structure, regulatory and legal framework are analyzed, and the key challenges – fragmented coordination, insufficient funding and poor integration with external sports structures – are identified. The methodological foundation of the research is based on V.L. Kvint’s strategic management concept. Analytical tools employed include OTSW-analysis and expert eval-uation methods. Theoretical modeling of managerial strategies in four types of universities was carried out. As a result, the following directions of improvement are proposed: introduction of digital platforms, development of hybrid financing models, strengthening of interdepartmental interaction and adaptation of strategies to modern conditions. Practical recommendations are presented, taking into account the specifics of each type of educational organiza-tion. The conclusions confirm the necessity of strategic rethinking of university sport management and development of a sustainable model of its development.