Where do we stand in Sports and physical education?.......contd.

Abid Gowhar
In the previous write-up over the issue, the magnitude and importance of sports and physical education as well as its lacuna in the state in ensuing circumstances was discussed in brief. The issue has raised discussion at various quarters that if the state has enough talent in sports and games, then where are its positive results. Secondly, although sports and physical education is not compulsory in our education or schooling system, it is also no-where restricted or less taken in any school or educational institute.
In a positive feedback over the issue, 95% of all parents think that regular, daily physical activity helps children do better academically and think that physical education should be part of a school curriculum for all students. For the 5% of parents that disagree or are not sure, home schooling is an option.
Talent is said to be what one possess and if one has talent, he/she can prove it at any level, in any field. Our players have lot of ability but lesser talent and that is the reason they are not able to prove much at state or national level. The state sports in fact is worst hit in many ways like lack of facilities, infrastructure, encouragement and weak coaching system and until all these things are not met at grass root level, our budding talent can not prove themselves at national or international level.
Remember, our present international footballer Mehraj-ud-din wadoo has not been groomed by any school or college.It is only his local club and support of J&K Football association that he find a space to play for Kolkatta based renowned club and there on he proved his talent to play for the country. Children develop their skills and stamina playing impromptu games in their schools and neighbourhoods. Once basic skills and style are developed, professional coaching and disciplined regimens produce national or world champions. It is amazing to know that Players like Zinedine Zidane were discovered while playing on the streets of Marseille, at schools — not in the grand stadiums of France! Agassi did not grow up playing at Wimbledon or Flushing Meadows; he has grown up his skills at his school. Tendulkar grooms himself at school to make a world record at the age of 16.
In reply to the question that what steps the state sports ministry is taking in rejuvenating the sports culture in all the all schools and colleges of the State, minister for youth services and sports Babhu Singh said, “I agree that we have no comprehensive sports policy so far in the State but we are seriously working on it. In the restructuring process, we are very soon going to make physical and moral education mandatory for all schools and colleges” The minister denies the fact that there is lack of a professional approach in organizing inter-school or inter-district sports competitions organized by department of youth services and sports . “We have allocation of only two crore rupees per annum whereas we need an annual nine crore budget to meet the requirements of sports portfolio” he stated. In reply to a question as why the services of physical education teachers (PET) are not utilized properly, he stated that as soon as the subject becomes compulsory in our schooling system, the PET’s will come under hawk-eye. “Presently we have more than two thousand vacancies of physical education teachers and to fill those posts, we are going to promote existing 1126 physical education teachers to master grade and fill up 840 posts of physical education teachers by direct recruitment through PSC. We are likely to recruit 386 PE lecturers also out of which 50% will be by departmental promotions and rest by direct recruitment through public service commission” the minister says. He further revealed that all District sports offices will now be revamped and held responsible to carry sports activities across their districts.
Suggestions, need of the hour
1. Physical education and sports activities to be compulsorily imparted at school, college and university levels.
2. Recruitment of a physical education teacher for each and every school (Govt. or private).
3. Optimum utilization of existing physical education teachers.
4. All schools compulsorily ensure health and recreation of the pupils and only such schools be deemed eligible to be ranked as recognized schools. New schools may be established/recognized only if playgrounds are available.
5. Schools to procure playgrounds within a stipulated time, failing, which recognition should be withdrawn.
6. High priority to be given to the provision of playgrounds in educational institutions and adequate funds provided for this purpose
7. The interest towards sports and games both on the part of the students and the teachers to be developed.
8. Conflict between examination and sports season to be minimized.
9. All teachers or at least those below the age of 40 should actively participate in many of the activities of physical education and thus make it a living part of the total school programme.
10. Incentive measures for both students and teachers to take up sports and physical education activities and special incentives to be given to students who perform well in sports and games
11. Measures for developing low cost sports and physical education infrastructure in all schools.
12. In deciding the curriculum load, the need to allocate sufficient time to sports and physical education should be kept in mind.
13. A comprehensive system of Inter-school tournaments and championships in selected disciplines should be introduced, which should culminate in a State School Championship.
14. Special cash awards to winning schools and a special system of incentives for winning athletes.
15. It should be made compulsory for all recognized sports associations to conduct tournaments and competitions at primary and secondary school level.