Manu Bhaker won bronze medals in the women's and mixed 10m air pistol event at the Paris Olympics. Press Information Bureau (Government of India) Credits Government Open Data License - India (GODL).
By GL Khanna and Divya Tripathi, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies in Faridabad
India’s relative lack of success at the Paris Olympics (one silver and five bronze) highlights a 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.
Sports nurtures independent thinking and quick decision-making by demanding split-second judgment. This continuous analysis and adaptation enhances athletes’ capacity to respond creatively under pressure.
Strategic problem-solving is honed as athletes formulate plans, analyse opponents, adjust their strategies and enhance their critical thinking abilities according to the game’s progression.
Team sports encourage individual expression and leadership development through a combination of assuming responsibility, taking initiative and calculated risks. Sports also fosters adaptability and mental resilience by exposing athletes to challenges and setbacks.
All these are also essential components of nation-building.
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.
With a well-established network of sports universities, China provides comprehensive training programmes that integrate academics with rigorous sports training. This ensures athletes receive specialised education alongside high-level athletic development, contributing to their success on the international stage.
Key characteristics of this environment include a focus on broad participation, encompassing intramural sports and diverse athletic offerings beyond traditional disciplines. Emphasis is placed on imparting values of sportsmanship, teamwork and a positive attitude towards physical activity.
To maintain a balance between academics and sports, schools give priority to academic proficiency alongside athletic quests. Flexible scheduling and support programmes are often provided to help student-athletes manage their academic commitments.
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. Establishing dedicated sports departments or actively engaging with existing ones within academic institutions can play a pivotal role in athlete development.
Academic institutions can also recognise and incentivise athletic achievements. By offering credits or academic recognition for students who excel in sports, universities can motivate athletes to pursue their athletic goals alongside their academic pursuits.
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.
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. These institutions should serve not only for athlete development but also as hubs for pioneering technology-centric research and innovation.
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.
Financial constraints pose a significant barrier to athlete development in India. Young athletes face challenges in acquiring sports equipment, coaching and exposure to competitions.
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.
Various forms of financial support for athlete development can be implemented to address these challenges. 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. This helps universities to offer opportunities for talented athletes by obtaining funding from corporations and directing resources effectively.
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 continuity and consistency in athlete preparation, laying the footing for sustained success on the Olympic stage.
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™.
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