Nurturing Champions: The Role of Schools in Cultivating India's Sports Culture

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Once there was a boy in DAV Jawahar Vidya Mandir in Ranchi. He loved soccer and wanted to be a goalkeeper. But one day, his sports teacher suggested that he don wicket-keeping gloves; the rest is history.

This is the M.S. Dhoni story. A school with a promising sports culture and a visionary sports teacher was one of the first things the country needed to hone a World Cup-winning talent.

Cricket is full of such stories, which we will return to later. But what about other sports? For a country with 1.4 billion people and now home to CEOs of most global industry majors & pure sciences/space/medicine research trailblazers, the global sports stage is still elusive for the majority populace, despite the recent laurels by Indian sportspersons.

Sports are seen as a hobby or a way to get government jobs, not a viable career option. In a nation where securing a "good job" remains a primary goal, sports often lose out to books.

The answer to diminishing this paradox may lie in an unlikely place - schools. Schools and colleges play a pivotal role in cultivating a sporting culture by identifying young talent and nurturing athletes from an early age.

Playgrounds in schools serve as vital arenas where children first engage with sports, sparking a passion for athletic pursuits and laying the foundation for future athletic careers.

However, the effectiveness of our education system, government policies, corporate social responsibility initiatives, and societal perceptions of sports as a career in fully leveraging schools as a cornerstone for developing athletic excellence remains a subject of inquiry.

Sports in Schools: A Reality Check

Walk into any typical Indian school, and you'll find a bustling environment focused exceedingly on academics. Sports, if included at all, are often treated as an afterthought, a break between math and science.

Remember the frustration we all felt when the week's only sports or PE period was hijacked by any teacher to complete the syllabus?

India's traditional education system emphasized holistic development, with physical training and sports integral to a child's education, reflecting the "healthy mind in a healthy body" principle.

The British colonial system, however, discarded this, focusing solely on producing clerks or "babus" for administrative work. In ancient Gurukuls, as seen in the Ramayana and Mahabharata, physical activities like archery, wrestling, and horse-riding were key aspects of learning, alongside spiritual and intellectual education.

These stories highlight how the native system nurtured both body and mind, something largely overlooked by the British educational framework that India inherited.

Post-independence pedagogical philosophies, heavily inspired by the colonial education system often overlook the significance of sports and other artistic pursuits in child learning and development, except for isolated instances where individuals champion these areas (like that boy from Ranchi).

This neglect is reflected in systemic shortcomings, including inadequate infrastructure and support for these activities in educational institutions. According to a 2022 report by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, less than 20% of Indian schools have sports facilities that meet the minimum required standards. In rural areas, the situation is even worse, with makeshift fields and scarce resources.

Let's examine some statistics that highlight the underwhelming state of sports programs in schools.

According to a 2020 report by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), approximately 30% of Indian schools lack a dedicated physical education teacher.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a student-to-physical education teacher ratio of 500:1. In India this ratio exceeds 1,000:1, impacting the quality of sports education.

A study by the National Institute of Sports (NIS) in India found that about 40% of promising young athletes abandon their sports careers due to inadequate support and facilities.

In China, approximately 60% of youth athletes transition into professional sports, while in India, only about 20% continue in sports careers due to the allure of stable government jobs

While India's recent performance at international sporting events and the introduction of new policies in both sports and education have shown positive strides, the question remains whether these efforts are sufficient or if they merely address the symptoms rather than the root causes.

Let's navigate to find the answer and try to understand if schools can play a role in changing the sports landscape of India.

Current Education Policy: A Shift Towards Sports?

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has recognized the importance of sports in holistic development. By integrating sports as a core component of the curriculum, the NEP aims to ensure that every student participates in physical activities. The policy envisions sports not just as extracurricular activities but as fundamentally essential to cognitive development, discipline, and teamwork.

Key Provisions of the NEP 2020 for Sports

1. Integration of Sports into Curriculum: One of the most significant changes introduced by the NEP is the integration of sports into the school curriculum. This means that physical education and sports will be given equal importance as other academic subjects, ensuring that students have ample opportunities to participate in athletic activities.

2. Emphasis on Holistic Development: The NEP emphasizes the importance of holistic development, which includes physical, cognitive, social, and emotional aspects. Sports are seen as crucial for promoting all-round development and fostering teamwork, discipline, and leadership qualities.

3. Establishment of Sports Universities: The policy envisions the establishment of specialized sports universities to provide world-class training and education to aspiring athletes. These universities will focus on developing the technical skills, physical fitness, and academic knowledge required for success in sports.

4. Promotion of Sports Infrastructure: The NEP recognizes the importance of adequate sports infrastructure for the development of athletic talent. It encourages the establishment of sports facilities in schools, colleges, and universities, as well as the creation of community sports centres.

5. Recognition of Sports as a Career Path: The policy aims to promote sports as a viable career option for talented athletes. This includes providing scholarships, financial assistance, and career counselling to support athletes in their pursuit of sporting excellence.

6. Focus on Grassroots Development: The NEP emphasizes the importance of grassroots development in sports. It encourages the identification and nurturing of young talent in towns and blocks, providing them with the necessary resources and opportunities to reach their full potential.

Impact of the NEP on Sports in India

While the NEP 2020 is a significant step in the right direction, its full impact on sports in India will depend on effective implementation. However, early signs are promising. The policy has led to increased awareness and investment in sports, and there is a growing recognition of the importance of promoting sports in schools and colleges.

Some of the key benefits of the NEP for sports in India include:

Increased participation: The integration of sports into the curriculum is expected to encourage more students to participate in athletic activities, leading to a wider pool of potential talent. The NEP mandates sports as a compulsory subject up to the secondary school level, ensuring that all students have access to sports education.

Improved infrastructure: Investments in sports facilities are likely to create more conducive environments for training and competition.

Enhanced coaching and training: The establishment of sports universities and specialized coaching programs can help to improve the quality of training available to athletes.

Greater recognition of sports as a career: The NEP's focus on sports as a viable career path can motivate talented athletes to pursue their sporting dreams.

Stronger grassroots development: The emphasis on grassroots development at early ages in schools can help to identify and nurture young talent, ensuring a sustainable pipeline of athletes for the future.

Though NEP promises to be that one link that intertwines sports and education in the best manner, but policy on paper is one thing; execution is another. Many schools are struggling to implement these changes due to logistical challenges, lack of funds, and entrenched attitudes.

The Khelo India Initiative: A Step in the Right Direction

In response to these challenges, the government launched the Khelo India initiative, aiming to revive the sports culture at the grassroots level. Khelo India focuses on school-level sports development by identifying talent, improving infrastructure, and providing financial support for young athletes. The program has seen some success, with initiatives like the Khelo India Youth Games and scholarships for promising athletes.

The Khelo India Program has a budget allocation of ₹3,397.32 crore for the period from 2021 to 2026. The budget for 2024-25 is 900 crores.

Khelo India Scholarship provides financial support of ₹5 lakh per year for up to 8 years to the top 1000 athletes. It is Open to school students identified through the Khelo India Talent Identification Development (TID) initiative​.

National Sports Federations has also seen an increase of Rs 15 crore from Rs 325 crore in 2023-24 to Rs 340 crore in 2024-25.

The budget for the Sports Authority of India, which apart from maintaining its stadiums across the country also manages the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) to prepare athletes for the global sporting extravaganzas, has also been enhanced from Rs 795.77 crore to Rs 822.60 crore, which is a jump of Rs 26.83 crore.

However, Khelo India remains a drop in the ocean when compared to the vast needs of India's school system. The initiative must be scaled up dramatically if it is to make a real impact, and this requires a concerted effort from both government and private sectors. The role of sports leagues, corporate sponsorship, and public-private partnerships in this equation cannot be overstated.

What can be done to fill the gaps? We may perhaps easily find the solution by delving deep into the systems of the Olympic chart toppers. While India grapples with its challenges, countries like China, Australia, and the USA have managed to create robust sports cultures at the school level, leading to their consistent success in global sporting events.

China: The Power of Discipline and Early Training

China's rise as a sporting superpower is often attributed to its rigorous and systematic approach to training athletes from a young age. The country has a network of specialized sports schools that identify and train young talent. These schools are part of the education system, ensuring that sports and academics go hand in hand.

The Chinese government's focus on sports as a means of national pride and international recognition has led to significant investments in infrastructure, coaching, and talent development.

In China, sports are not just an extracurricular activity-it is a career path that is encouraged from a young age. The country's top athletes are often discovered in primary schools and nurtured through a well-structured system that provides them with the best possible training and resources.

China's sports system trains over 10,000 elite athletes per year through its state-run sports schools, contributing to its global sporting success.

Australia: A Culture of Sportsmanship

Australia's success in sports can be traced back to its strong sporting culture, which begins in schools. Sports are an integral part of the Australian education system, with schools offering a wide range of sporting activities.

The country's emphasis on outdoor activities and physical fitness has created a nation of sports enthusiasts. Moreover, Australia's approach to sports is holistic, focusing not just on winning but also on the values of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.

The Australian government's support for sports extends to the grassroots level, with various programs aimed at encouraging children to take up sports. The country's sports academies are world-class, offering young athletes the opportunity to train under the best coaches and facilities.

Australia's Institute of Sport supports over 1,200 athletes annually, with a significant percentage progressing to elite levels in their respective sports.

USA: The Power of the Collegiate System

The United States has one of the most robust systems for nurturing sports talent, thanks to its collegiate sports system. From high school to college, sports play a significant role in the American education system. Schools and universities offer scholarships to talented athletes, allowing them to pursue their sports while continuing their education. This system ensures that athletes are not forced to choose between academics and sports-they can excel in both.

The USA's focus on sports at the school level is supported by a strong infrastructure, including well-maintained sports facilities, trained coaches, and regular competitions. The country's sports culture is also deeply ingrained in its society, with parents, schools, and communities actively encouraging children to participate in sports from a young age.

In the U.S., the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) reports that over 480,000 student-athletes compete in college sports annually, with many securing professional contracts or scholarships.

The cricket story

India's success in cricket is a testament to the robust school-level sports system that has nurtured countless talented athletes. Renowned cricketers from Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, to young stalwarts like Prithvi Shaw and Yashaswi Jaiswal, all honed their skills on school cricket grounds. The popularity of cricket in India has created a vibrant sporting culture, inspiring young athletes to pursue their dreams.

Giles Shield and Harris Shield in Mumbai or the Vinod Mankad Trophy in Kolkata, these legendary school-level tournaments have proved to be the foundation on which a commercial juggernaut like Cricket thrives.

The successful model of school-level cricket programs in India could be replicated in other popular sports like football, badminton, tennis, chess, and golf. While many talented athletes in these sports are currently identified and trained through civil society or private initiatives, a more comprehensive and systematic approach at the school level could significantly enhance India's performance on the global stage.

By investing in sports programs at schools, we can create a robust pipeline of talented athletes, potentially leading to breakthroughs in international competitions like the English Premier League (EPL) and the Olympics. This approach would ensure a more sustainable and repeatable model of success in Indian sports.

The Way Forward: Steps to Improve School-Level Sports in India

India's journey toward becoming a sporting powerhouse begins at home, and is nurtured & empowered in its schools. To achieve this, several steps must be taken to improve the current state of school-level sports in the country.

1. Changing Mindsets: Promoting Sports as a Viable Career Option

A key priority is shifting the mindset of parents, educators, and society to recognize sports as a legitimate career option, equal to academics. This can be accomplished through targeted awareness campaigns, highlighting the success stories of Indian athletes, and integrating sports education into the curriculum.

Additionally, raising awareness about related professions, such as sports management and data analysis, can broaden the understanding of career opportunities within the sports industry.

2. Infrastructure Development: Building the Right Environment

Schools must be equipped with the necessary infrastructure to support sports. This includes playgrounds, sports equipment, and trained physical education teachers. The government's investment in school sports infrastructure, especially in rural areas, is crucial for identifying and nurturing talent.

3. Structured Training Programs: From Grassroots to Glory

Training programs must be introduced at the grassroots level in government and private schools/ Municipal and block level, to provide young athletes with the right guidance and support. These programs should be designed to help students develop their skills while balancing their academic commitments. The role of private sports academies and government initiatives like Khelo India will be critical in this regard.

4. Scholarships and Financial Support: Encouraging Talent

The government and private sector should offer scholarships and financial support to talented athletes, ensuring they have the resources to pursue their dreams. This will also encourage more students to take up sports seriously.

5. Collaboration with International Experts: Learning from the Best

India can benefit from collaborating with international sports experts and organizations. By learning from the success stories of countries like China, Australia, and the USA, India can implement a more structured and comprehensive system for school-level sports programs, facilitating a seamless transition of talented athletes to the national sporting landscape.

Conclusion: Sports- Not just for University Quota or government jobs
The development of a strong school-level sports system is crucial for India's sporting future. By addressing the challenges and implementing effective strategies, we can create a nurturing environment for young athletes to flourish. Let us envision a future where Indian schools are hotbeds of sporting talent, producing world-class athletes who make our nation proud.

In the end, let's look forward to a day when laurels in sports are not just for admission in universities, or government jobs. Talent is recognised, nurtured and pursued with a belief that sports are as good as any other career option or even better!

Modern education should take inspiration from the pre-British system, where learning extended beyond academics to nurture values and emphasize the development of skills such as art, music, dance, and sports. This holistic approach ensured a well-rounded education that focused on both intellectual and personal growth.

No matter how clichéd it may sound, someday we should rephrase that common saying, and tell our younger generations, 'Kheloge, koodoge, to bhi banoge nawab! You can achieve success or be the king, even by playing a sport.

As the famous quote from the film Chariots of Fire goes, "What matters is not the winning, but the taking part; the essential thing is not to have conquered, but to have fought well." Let us strive to create a sporting culture in India where every child has the opportunity to fight well and make a mark at global events.

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By: Sport4Hope Foundation Think Tank
Sport4Hope Foundation is a grassroots initiative dedicated to transforming India's sports culture, with a particular focus on early initiation among children. The founder, Ms. Sanjanthi Sajan is an accomplished lawyer and former international sportsperson.
Based in Bengaluru, Sport4Hope aims to expand its impact nationwide in the coming years.

Contact: [email protected]