India: How to build a winning sports culture?

India’s relative lack of success at the Paris Olympics (one silver and five bronze) highlights India’s sporting culture that hasn’t quite hit the mark.

India aspires for Olympic fame with its latest bid to host the 2036 Olympic games. But plenty remains to be done.

Building a winning culture begins at school and that’s where the nation can look to develop not only champions of track and field, but in so many other areas.

By utilising the power of sports to cultivate independent thinking, fitness and discipline, India can produce dynamic individuals that drive its quest to be a developed country by 2047.

A pool of talented sportspeople at national and international levels who contribute to the nation’s growth, prosperity and wellbeing is a welcome bonus.

Recent WHO data reveals that in 2022, 45.4 percent of Indian adults were inactive, a significant increase from 22.4 percent in 2000. If this trend continues, inactivity levels could reach 55 percent by 2030.

A sports culture can increase physical activity and well-being among the Indian population.

Academic institutions as a game-changer:                                           

Developing an overall sporting environment in India, aimed at securing success in international events, needs to be aligned with India’s educational framework.

A strong sports culture within an academic institution can equip students with a unique set of skills that translate well beyond the playing field.

Schools and colleges serve as crucial spaces for fostering a sporting culture through early talent recognition and athlete development.

In countries like the US, China and Japan that excel in the Olympics, the school sports environment emphasises participation and skill development for students while also paving the way for exceptionally talented athletes.

Balancing sports and academia:

In developed nations such as Australia, institutions like the Australian Institute of Sport exemplify this integration. They provide comprehensive support systems, including top-tier training facilities, renowned coaching expertise and academic backing, contributing to numerous Olympic achievements.

Developing countries such as Kenya and Jamaica also have institutions such as the Kiptendeni Training Camp and the University of the West Indies (UWI) to foster athlete development. Despite not being dedicated sports universities, they offer academic support and access to training facilities, nurturing Olympic champions such as Usain Bolt.

Victory in international sporting events gives countries not just recognition on the global stage but also boosts their soft power.

The integration of a sporting culture throughout a student’s educational journey is both feasible and beneficial for India. There is a pressing need to cultivate a similar sporting ethos within Indian schools and universities.

The National Education Policy 2020 offers the opportunity to integrate sports into the curriculum more efficiently by promoting the use of physical activities to teach critical life skills while integrating sports through a cross-curricular educational approach.

A culture of research and innovation:

Promoting a culture of research and innovation in sports science is critical for India’s long-term success in the Olympics. Such an environment can be developed in universities through the evolution of innovative technologies and athlete development in the long term.

Collaborations between academic institutions, government bodies and private corporations can lead to innovative research in areas such as biomechanics, sports nutrition and performance analysis.

India can formulate strategies inspired by successful yet resource-constrained countries, placing academic institutions at the forefront. Emulating examples from other nations, collaboration between various technological institutions and other academic entities is vital.

Building a strong pool of Olympic contenders requires a multi-pronged approach. Encouraging competitive sports in schools can widen the talent pool and instil a culture of athleticism. Universities can further develop this by offering scholarships, top-notch training facilities and academic support. Scientific training methods, including data analysis and sports science, should be implemented to personalise training and maximise performance.

Regional training centres with essential resources can provide dedicated support for young athletes. Upgrading training facilities, especially in rural areas, is essential to create proper training grounds. Increased government funding or public-private partnerships are crucial to strengthen Olympic programmes.

Roadblocks and solutions:

Ensuring financial security is paramount, as many gifted youths are forced to abandon their sporting aspirations due to a lack of money, inability to afford treatment for injuries and concerns about future job prospects.

Scholarship programmes, initiated by the government and private corporations and enhanced corporate sponsorships from companies seeking to align with their success and athletic image, can help athletes.

In addition to the Public-Private Partnership model of investment, universities can also obtain funds through corporate social responsibility.

Investments should be strategically directed towards sports where India shows promise. Finally, athletes’ well-being and success can be ensured through mental health counselling, nutritional guidance and robust anti-doping education alongside rigorous training.

Focusing on the 12-14 age group, or even earlier, is essential as research recommends that early exposure to sports is critical for expertise development in the long term.

Standard talent development models like long term athlete development model, along with advancements in sports science, should be utilised to identify and nurture athletes with exceptional talents from various backgrounds.

Developing a comprehensive roadmap for athlete development is crucial, starting from talent identification at a young age and developing athletes through a structured training pipeline towards the 2036 Olympics. This long-term approach ensures laying the footing for sustained success on the Olympic stage.

About authors: Prof. GL Khanna is Pro Vice-Chancellor, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, Faridabad. He is Former Head Faculty of Sports Science, Sports Authority of India, Project Director, National Centre of Sports Science and Research, Government of India, Professor (M), University of Science, Malaysia.

Dr. Divya Tripathi is an Assistant Professor, School of Allied Health Sciences, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, Faridabad.

Originally published under Creative Commons by 360info™.