The sports section in IIUM was established in 1983. Since then, sports have become vibrant activities in IIUM. In 1990, the sports activities in IIUM have drastically increased in term of quantity and quality.

In 1991, the role of sports section became more demanding when IIUM was indirectly involved with the World University Sports Federation (FISU), Asian University Sports Federation (AUSF) and ASEAN University Sports Council (AUSC).

Established in 2010, the Sports & Recreational Department (SNRD), IIUM Kuantan Campus, serves as the driving force behind campus sports and recreation. It aims to inspire active participation, nurture sporting talent, and promote a healthy lifestyle among students and staff. Mirroring the functions of the Sports and Recreational Centre (SNRC) in IIUM Gombak.

In 2014, SNRD was renamed to the Sports Development Department (SDD) following a directive from the Deputy Rector of Students Affairs. Now, SDD is known as "Sport Development Centre, IIUM Kuantan" as presented in the UMC Meeting No. 20/2023.