The Institute was established by Govt. of India as National College of Physical Education in 17th August 1957, the centenary year of the War of Independence, and located at Gwalior, where Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, a valiant heroine of the war, had laid her life. The Institute was named after her as a tribute to her role in the glorious freedom struggle. The main purpose of establishing this institute was to up - grade the status of physical education by offering degree and post-graduate course for the first time in the country. Bachelor's degree programme was started in 1957 and a two year Master's Degree course was introduced in 1963. In 1980 it became the first institution in India to offer one year degree programme of Master of Philosophy in Physical Education.

The Institute started as an affiliated college of the Vikram University, Ujjain and then came to the fold of Jiwaji University, Gwalior in 1964. In recognition of its unique status and character and to facilitate its further growth, the college was conferred the status of an Autonomous College of Jiwaji University, Gwalior in 1982.

In further recognition of the educational services rendered by the Institute in the field of Physical Education, sports and research it was decided by the Govt. of India, Ministry of Human Resource Development under UGC Act to give it the status of Deemed to be a university w.e.f. September 1995. The Institute is the only Deemed to be a University in the field of Physical Education in the country.

The duration of the Bachelor’s Degree course, known as B.P.E. ( Bachelor of Physical Education) was initially for 3 years. To bring in line with the directives of NCTE and also similarity with some other Professional Degree Courses, the duration of the course has been extended from 3 years to 4 years with effect from the ensuing Academic Session i.e. 2003-2004 onward.

Objectives of The Institute
* To prepare highly qualified leaders in the field of Physical Education and Sports.
* To serve as a Centre of Excellence and innovation in Physical Education and to undertake, promote and disseminate research in this field.
* To provide professional and academic leadership to other institutions in the field of Physical Education.
* To Provide vocational guidance and placement services to the professionals in this fields.
* To promote mass participation in Physical Education and Sports.

* To develop and promote programmes of Physical Education and Sports in the country.
These details are retrieved from www.lnipe.gov.in