Anurag Thakur added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India's "sports culture" has found renewed momentum
Follow Us
In a recent address at the launch of a new sports initiative aligning with the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP) in Kerala, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur stressed the importance of incorporating sports into the school curriculum. Anurag Thakur stated that sports can help improve students’ overall physical health and fitness, with regular exercise through sports reducing the risk of obesity, heart disease, and other health issues. He added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s “sports culture” has found renewed momentum, with increased investment in sports infrastructure and efforts to nurture talented athletes from a grassroots level.
Anurag Thakur also highlighted the need for investment in students and children at the grassroots level to scout and nurture talent and increase the pool of talented athletes who can represent India at the elite level. He listed various achievements made by Indian athletes and teams in various sporting events, highlighting the importance of creating a sports ecosystem in India to develop future talent and achieve success at the international level.
The initiative launched in Kerala aims to integrate sports into the school curriculum in a holistic manner, aligning with the NEP’s vision of a well-rounded education. The initiative also aims to create a sports ecosystem in the state by providing access to sports facilities in every part of the state and nurturing talented athletes from a young age.
Read more: ISSF World Cup Bhopal 2023: Five Indian Shooters to Watch Out
Anurag Thakur’s address reflects the growing recognition of the importance of sports in education and the need to nurture talent at a grassroots level. By integrating sports into the curriculum, schools can promote physical health and fitness, develop team-building and leadership skills, and foster a love for sports and physical activity among students. This, in turn, can lead to the development of talented athletes who can represent India at the international level, promoting the country’s image and contributing to its sporting success.
Anurag Thakur’s emphasis on the role of the government in creating a sports ecosystem is also significant. By investing in sports infrastructure, providing access to sports facilities, and nurturing talented athletes, the government can create a pipeline of talent that can represent India at the international level. This, in turn, can help to achieve the Prime Minister’s vision of making India a sporting powerhouse.
The Indian government, led by the Prime Minister’s inspiring vision, has elevated sports and youth issues to a priority while also providing 360-degree support to the nation’s whole ecosystem. As a result, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports’ budget allocation has also grown significantly over time, from just Rs. 466 crores in 2004–05 to Rs. 3397.32 crores for the upcoming fiscal year 2023–24. Compared to FY 2022–2023, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports’ budgetary allotment has grown by 11%. As the 2010 Commonwealth Games were held in India, this is the Ministry’s greatest budget allocation in history.
Read more: BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year 2022: List of all the winners
