Making children fall in love with sports: To transform India into a sporting nation
July 21, 2023, 9:07 AM IST Reuben Pandian in Voices, India, Sports, TOI
Reuben Pandian
Chief Strategy Officer, Sports For All (SFA)
India’s young population of over 1.4 billion represents a significant demographic dividend, with approximately 26% falling in the 10 to 24 years age group, holds immense potential to become a powerhouse in the world of sports. A land with a tapestry of diversity, a wealth of cultural heritage and brimming with talent, India has excelled in various fields, but there remains untapped potential in sports. To unlock this potential, it is crucial to make children fall in love with sports from a young age. By nurturing their passion, we can create a generation of sports aficionados who will drive India’s transformation into a true sporting nation. Embracing sports as an integral part of our lifestyle will foster a lifelong commitment to physical activity, excellence, and contribute to a healthier and more productive nation.
It is imperative to create adequate infrastructure like well-maintained public playgrounds, sports facilities, and community centres. This needs collaborative efforts of local authorities, educational institutions, and sports organizations. There is no doubt that embracing a “phygital” platform – combining physical and digital elements – can enhance the accessibility and management of these resources; and yes, democratise access to sports infrastructure to all children from any geography or walks of life. By drawing inspiration from successful models implemented in other countries, India can harness the positive impact of sports. Singapore as a nation is a great example of creating a sports ecosystem. Singapore’s ActiveSG model serves as an exemplary approach to promoting sports and building a physically active nation. This initiative, spearheaded by Sport Singapore has made sports an integral part of everyday lives of Singaporeans.
Children are natural explorers who discover their passion through new experiences. To develop their love for sports, it is crucial to expose them to a diverse range of sports early on, allowing them to find one that resonates with their interests and strengths. While sports like cricket and hockey have historically been popular, it is important to introduce children to other sports such as basketball, tennis, badminton, and athletics. Schools play a vital role in this process as children spend a significant portion of their active engagement time there. Physical education (PE) classes in schools are instrumental in fostering a lifelong love for sports, but it requires motivated coaches and trained PE staff who can transfer their energy and instil a passion for sports. The curriculum should be engaging, inclusive, and incorporate new age tools and techniques. We need to have sports specialists as PE teachers and higher student to sports teacher ratios in schools. Can the ecosystem collaborate to subsidise this initial investment for Indian sports?
Until recently, there were only a handful of sporting icons in India who could serve as role models; a few cricket stars and handful of other sports athletes who only almost made it or got lost in history books. Today that is changing’ and Neeraj Chopra, Saina Nehwal, Sania Mirza, Dipika Kumari, Mary Kom, Srikanth Kidambi are becoming household names, thanks to the broadcast and social medium promoting them. Jeswin Aldrin and Sreeshankar this year have registered the top two long jump distances this year. The Neeraj effect in the last few years has ensured that this year three Indians feature in the top ten javelin throws list. We see Nikhat Zareen continue the boxing legacy and heights that Mary Kom set. The list will only grow. Children always draw inspiration from their idols. It is crucial to highlight the achievements of Indian athletes, both past and present, to inspire the younger generation. Amplifying success stories and showcasing dedication, hard work, and perseverance of athletes, can assist nurture aspirations and fuel the desire to participate and excel in sports for children.
While winning is important, to drive a lifetime engagement in sports the focus should primarily be on the joy of participation. Children should realise that sports is not only about winning medals but also about personal growth, teamwork, discipline, and resilience. Daily wins like the first hurdle crossed, the first high ball catch, the first successful dodge in a tag game or the first successful tumble is what they need to learn to cherish. Celebrating every small win and recognizing efforts rather than just results will nurture a love for the process and the sport itself.
The most important ingredient in building a sporting nation is the involvement of parents in the child’s sports upbringing. Parents play a crucial role in fostering the love for sports among children. Parents should be encouraged to participate in their child’s sporting journey, attending matches, cheering them on, and showing support. Engaging in active play together cultivates a passion for physical activity while strengthening the bond between parent and child.
Creating sports communities and driving engagement will play a vital role in nurturing love for sports. Community engagement ensures that sporting opportunities are accessible to children from various backgrounds. Sports communities provide access to experienced coaches and mentors who can guide and inspire young athletes. Mentors can share their knowledge, provide valuable advice, and serve as role models for aspiring sports enthusiasts. They can help develop skills, set goals, and navigate challenges. The best thing about communities is the sense of belonging and camaraderie it generates amongst children with shared sporting interests. Children will have the opportunity to form friendships, bonds and build a support network. Community gatherings brings families, and spectators, providing an opportunity for children to showcase their talents, experience healthy competition, and be celebrated for their achievements. Participating in such events infuses a sense of pride and fuels the passion for sports. By actively involving the community in sports, we will create an ecosystem that nurtures the love for sports among children.
There is no part of our life that technology has not enhanced. In today’s digital age, technology will play a significant role in engaging children with sports. Interactive apps, online tutorials, and virtual coaching sessions can supplement traditional training methods, making learning fun and accessible. Furthermore, leveraging social media platforms to showcase success stories and provide educational content can inspire children and create a sense of belonging. Am sure social communities similar to Strava will create enough engagements and motivate every child to thrive in all sports. Leader boards and discovery will be the language of the community chatter.
Transforming India into a sporting nation begins with making our children fall in love with sports. By focusing on accessible infrastructure, diverse sporting options, physical education in schools, sporting role models, the joy of participation, parental involvement, community engagement, and technology integration, we can create an environment where children inherently get drawn towards sports like fish to water. We must engage kids and expose them to best in class championship experiences. Championships of magnitude that will give children the sporting platform they deserve and thus revolutionize the way Indian children will view and experience sports.
The dream of a 100 medals tally at the 2036 Olympics will be a reality when a generation grows in a culture of sports propelling India to new heights on the global sporting stage.
TOI