Importance of sports in schools in India

India, despite its vast population, has failed to emerge as a sporting nation as the majority of the citizens of this country do not play sports. We prefer to watch sports and like to play the role of armchair critics. As a result of this, we are not producing a series of champions who can make us proud at the international arena of sports nor are we emerging as a healthy and fit nation. A report reveals that one in every three Indians will either be a coronary patient or a diabetic by 2030. A Report of Working Group on Disease Burden for 12th Five Year Plan reveals the following:

i) Cardio-Vascular Diseases (CVDs) account for 52% of mortality in India

ii) Potentially Productive Years of Life Lost (PPYL) in age group 35-64 was 9.2mn in year 2000.

Unhealthy and inactive lifestyle is one of the reasons of these diseases. The only solution to this is to participate in structured sporting activities at the grass-root level, especially in schools. Let us evaluate how sport is treated in our schools. Unfortunately, it is not given the importance of an academic paper. In academic papers, a system of curriculum, chapter planning and evaluation is available to ensure the progressive development of the children. But, in sports, either this system is not available or if available is not implemented properly. Therefore, the need is to develop an age specific structured sports programme for the school level and to implement it by trained professionals. Sports should be made mandatory at schools.

The three skills that should be taught at the school level are- basic movement skills or locomotor skills, balance skills and object control skills. The objective should be to take the children from the initial stage to the matured stage gradually and to help them in gaining accuracy in each skill. These skills should be practised with the help of age appropriate props which will attract the students more towards these activities.

Sport belongs to the State List of the Constitution of India. Thus, there is no unique approach throughout the country to introduce sports in our education system. A number of states, however, have already introduced sports in their education system on mandatory basis through a proper sports policy. The others should follow them. We cannot deprive the future of India from leading a fit and healthy life. We must have to play a proactive role and initiate a change from now. Are we ready for that?