How sports and fitness are shaping a youth-driven India
India, in the present decade, has scripted huge victories in sports, especially women’s sports, which have taken Bharat to several heights. The victories across different sporting disciplines have enabled and boosted India’s economy and global position as well. Indian states have produced several significantly talented players across different spectrums of sports and fitness. In the 21st century, India is recognised as a nation of excellence in sports and fitness (Yoga) across the globe, in addition to massive growth in innovation and technology. India is the largest member state of the Commonwealth and continues to contribute to sports, and is privileged to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030.
Stadium to Classrooms
Indian sports have redefined the spectrum of humanity through striking victories, thereby creating immense talent across different segments such as cricket, chess, and many more. Training in sports and fitness is part of the nation-building exercise and holds significant priority for the growth of the country. There is a need of the hour to enhance best practices in sports and fitness, thereby transforming the thinking around skilling in sports and fitness from stadiums, school and college playgrounds to classrooms and conference rooms. The Government of India is planning to utilise the benefits of Digital Public Infrastructure by establishing hubs for different sports and fitness disciplines, thereby enabling India to shine and stand unique across the globe.
Indian Sports: A Youth-Centric model
Khelega India, Khilega India — the torchbearers and core mantra of Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi-aim to make India march towards self-reliance in sports and fitness. This youth-centric mantra builds holistic development and creates an inner spirit of sports and fitness ecosystems and culture in India. The launch of Fit India has promoted healthier lifestyles and has been integrated into daily life among the youth. Excellence in sports and fitness can be achieved by enabling sports and fitness trainers to undergo Training of Trainers (ToT) programmes, which will develop multiple skills and generate additional revenue for the youth as well.
The tangible outcomes of reskilling and upskilling youth in sports and fitness include enhanced self-discipline, self-confidence, empathy, compassion, and most importantly, improved mental and physical well-being, especially among women. The Government of India plans to train youth in yoga and self-defence, aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, the National Skill Qualification Framework, and the National Credit Framework, through Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and National Skill Training Institutes.
Skilling in Sports and Fitness
The Government of India aims to introduce internship programmes in sports that will enable students to learn sports administration, anti-doping testing, and event management. The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, along with the Ministry of Sports, is formulating plans to train ITI students and engage them in skilling in sports, yoga, fitness, and self-defence-marking a first-of-its-kind life-skills and community-based learning initiative. Training in self-defence will develop inner strength, confidence, and effective safety mechanisms for young girls and women.
NSS & NCC: Community-based learning
Indian education systems have adopted effective fitness programmes through the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and the National Service Scheme (NSS), which foster holistic youth development. NCC is offered as an elective or choice-based credit course across universities and higher educational institutions. NSS and NCC form the backbone of community-based learning. These home-grown initiatives build a strong talent pool and facilitate youth empowerment. Together, they strengthen the nation by nurturing youth and creating a trained talent pool that leads to excellence in sports.
The writer is the Head of the Institute–Industry Interface Programme, Hindustan College of Science and Technology, Mathura; views are personal
