Sports and physical education in India stand at a crucial juncture. While the government has introduced numerous policies to promote sports, significant challenges remain. As India prepares to host the 2036 Olympics, the need to strengthen sports education has never been more urgent. Until recently, sports were not taken seriously in terms of education and career opportunities. However, today, they have gained prominence in national priorities.
The government has launched several initiatives to make sports an integral part of career development and nation-building. Consequently, sports education is being given importance to systematically develop fields such as sports science, sports management, and physical education. A positive shift is evident, with major educational institutions like IITs and IIMs now offering sports quotas, enabling students in technical and management fields to engage with sports education. This development highlights that sports are no longer limited to the field but are increasingly becoming a significant part of education, research, and innovation.
Despite this progress, India has done little to advance fields such as sports engineering. A scientific approach is necessary to develop cutting-edge technology, design sports equipment, and enhance performance analysis. If India aspires to be a global sports superpower, a greater emphasis on sports engineering is required to improve player performance and establish the country as a leader in sports science.
The expansion of sports education is crucial for India's overall sports framework. Currently, the country has two national and nine state-level sports universities, along with more than 700 colleges and departments dedicated to sports education. Prestigious institutions such as the National Sports University, Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education, Lakshmibai National College of Physical Education, and Rajasthan Central University have made significant contributions to sports education and research. These institutions offer courses in sports science, sports management, sports nutrition, sports psychology, sports medicine, and physical education. However, India's sports education system still falls short of global standards and requires concrete steps for improvement.
A major challenge in sports education is the lack of an integrated regulatory body. Establishing a National Sports Education Council could be a pivotal step in addressing this issue. Currently, no central organization governs sports education, leading to inconsistencies among various institutions and regulatory bodies. For instance, physical education courses fall under the National Council of Teacher Education (NCTE), which lacks expertise in physical education. Meanwhile, sports science and sports management courses come under the University Grants Commission (UGC), which fails to provide a coordinated and effective framework. This fragmented system results in a lack of uniformity in courses and leaves students without proper guidance.
Furthermore, sports education in India still adheres to traditional practices, while global advancements in sports science and technology continue to evolve. To modernize sports education, state-of-the-art teaching methodologies and digital innovations must be adopted. If India aims to compete internationally in sports education, its courses and training methodologies must align with global standards. Achieving this goal is only possible through an organized regulatory framework.
As India moves towards hosting the 2036 Olympics, strengthening sports education is essential. Building world-class sports facilities alone will not be sufficient; an effective sports education system is necessary to develop talented players, trainers, and sports managers. A centralized regulatory body could ensure that India not only provides excellent training for athletes but also becomes a global leader in sports science and management.
The time has come for the government to take concrete steps to advance sports education. Giving sports education the respect and priority it deserves will help India realize its dream of becoming a sports superpower by 2036.
(Email: vkmalout@gmail.com)