Sports and school curriculum

The statement of Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju that sports would be a part of the curriculum in the new national education policy and wouldn't be considered as an extracurricular activity is welcome (Sports will be part of school curriculum: Rijiju, THI 12 June 2020). The decision deserves appreciation as it enables education and physical education to go hand in hand.

The new policy gives due recognition to the importance of sports to fully develop the talents of our students and provides ample opportunities to produce outstanding academicians and world-class sportspersons. In fact, physical education is an education of the mind and the body. It is an integral part of the general education process. It is often said by many that a ' sound mind dwells in a sound body'. It should be noted that for the success of any human endeavour a harmonious blend of strong mind and healthy body is indispensable.

Sound mind and sound body are the twin admirable forces of a human phenomenon which promote and propagate high social virtues and values in the fields of physical education, health and recreation. Incorporating sports in the school curriculum brings many benefits, one of which is to boost the immune system and its fight against respiratory viral infections such as the coronavirus.

The present education system lays a lot of emphasis on cognitive intelligence while undermining other dimensions of intelligence including sports. The new pedagogical model would also develop leadership qualities in our students and the empowerment of the youth. Yoga should also be given due importance. However, it is pertinent to see that necessary infrastructure and sufficient playgrounds are available in all schools and colleges for the successful implementation of the new policy initiative.

Dr E R Subrahmanyam,

Amalapuram