Olympic medals infuse fresh enthusiasm in school sports

Oct 22, 2024, 12.30 AM IST

Pune: After India’s medal haul in the Paris Olympics this year, schools are renewing their focus on physical fitness and sports among students with options including NCC training, compulsory participation in a sport, mountaineering, trekking and wall climbing.

The Orbis School, Keshavnagar, in collaboration with 3 Maharashtra Air Wing NCC has a range of planned activities. Wilson Shinde, associate NCC Officer, 3 Mah Air Sqn NCC at the school said, “Trekking expeditions to Rajgad and Sinhagad forts help students push their physical limits, develop survival skills and a profound appreciation for nature. These excursions build resilience and adaptability, teaching them to thrive in challenging environments with a love for adventure and the outdoors.”

The school also emphasises on mental fitness by incorporating yoga and meditation into the training schedule. Developing a habit of prioritising fitness among students is the bedrock of creating a lifelong foundation for physical and mental health, school representatives said.

The Sanskriti School has a custom-made fitness programme from the Indian Army Institute of Physical Training. The programme focuses on improving the performance of students in strength, agility, endurance, speed, and flexibility.

“We have horse riding, swimming, football, and basketball. Participating in sports when young is strongly correlated with several beneficial outcomes in adult life. Improved teamwork, social skills, greater self-control, and a greater sense of personal responsibility and accountability for friends, colleagues, and family are advantages,” Praneet Mungali, trustee, Sanskriti Group of Schools, said.

At Helios International School, for students up to Std V, physical fitness is reinforced through two dedicated sports activities and regular physical education sessions. From Std VI, students are required to participate in at least one sports activity, ensuring consistent engagement in physical fitness.

Principal Divya Puri said, “We incorporate yoga, aerobics, and fitness circuits to ensure a comprehensive fitness regime for every student.”

The DSK School integrates sports into its academic schedule. The physical education curriculum is designed to introduce students to a variety of sports, helping them identify their areas of interest and excel in multiple disciplines.

Principal Jayashree Mulay said, “Summer camps, morning and evening sports club facilities are available for students. We host DSK Karandak, an inter-school sports meet in Dec every alternate year with thirty schools from Pune participating. The tournaments showcase talent, build friendships, confidence, and resilience.”