Kurukshetra Nov - 2021

· A JOURNAL ON RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Sports
Ruralln
The Monthly Journal
r snena
MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Vol. 70 No.1 Pages 52
November 2021
EDITOR
Shiela Chaudhary CONTENT
Pankhuri Awasthi
PRODUCTION OFFICER <s. Reinvigorating Sports in zs, Boosting Rural Sports

D.K.C. Hrudhainath
Rural Areas Infrastructure
COVERDESIGN Dr. Prem Singh Sandip Das 36
Rajender Kumar
Piyush Prakash 5
'& Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-
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'& Women Participation in Sports Towards Affordable Housing
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Kurukshetra seeks to carry the message of Rural Development to all people. It serves as a forum for free, frank and serious discussion on the problems of Rural
Development with special focus on Rural Uplift.
The views expressed by the authors in the articles are their own. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the Government or the organisations they work for.
The readers are requested to verify the claims in the advertisements regarding career guidance books/institutions. Kurukshetra does not own responsibility. Maps
used are for illustration & study purpose and may not strictly conform to the official map. Images, graphics and illustrations, wherever used, are mostly sourced from
government channels and are indicative in nature. Final Editing rights will vest with Kurukshetra Team.
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The performance of Indian athletes in the recently concluded Tokyo
Olympics and Paralympics was remarkable. It will continue to inspire
sportspersons and the young athletes to perform better in future as well.
In this issue of Kurukshetra, we have focused on the talent that thrives in
rural India as well as schemes and programs started by the Government of
India to promote sports and encourage sportspersons to constantly work to
improve their performances.
The developments in the sports industry are indicative that the future is
promising for sports across the globe and particularly in India. The increasing
participation of both rural and urban population in the sport activities has led
to the increasing infrastructure building across the country, with programs
like "Khelo India", focusing on both rural and urban population.
According to our lead article, the National Education Policy 2020 offers
a window of opportunity to integrate sports as a non-alienable part of the
curriculum in schools and colleges. The network of schools and colleges
makes a perfect platform to scale sports to reach each household. The
article argues that with an initiative like One State One Sport, both scale and
future champions can be created. It has also discussed about the powerful
emergence of the women athletes and their performance in the Tokyo
Olympics.
Another article titled as Women Participation in Sports talks about the

changing sports scenario for women since P.T. Usha emerged on the sports
era as one of the greatest athlete the country has ever produced. Her magical
performances drew the attention of not only the citizens, but of media and
the Government as well.
An article titled as Rural India: Sporting Optimism and Hope mentions

that sports sector has undergone an immense transformation, with series of
initiatives by the government in form of "Khelo India" to improve the sports
infrastructure across the country. The private sector has been playing an
important role as well by organising leagues and tournaments, and scouting
and sponsoring talented sportspersons at the grassroots level.
The tradition of sports is deeply rooted in the Indian culture dating a

few millennia back. Over the years, India has emerged as a major force to
reckon with in the international arena. Sports in our country is in the process
of development. To accelerate this rate of development, holistic approach
should be adopted. Efforts should be made in developing infrastructure,
identifying sports talents, organising regular sports events, and generating
awareness at the grass roots level.
We wish our readers a very happy festive season ahead. Keep reading
our journal for informative articles.
Happy reading and stay safe.
4 Kurukshetra • November 2021

Reinvigorating Sports in Rural'Areas
Dr. Prem Singh and Piyush Prakash
The recent successof India at the Olympics is a commendable achievement - with many firsts added to the kitty. The athletes
from rural India remain the heroes of this success. Many of these sports find their roots in the ancient Indian tradition of
sports. In recent times, the Government of India and State governments have taken multiple initiatives to groom athletes for
professional sports. However,there is a long way before India emerges as a sporting nation in its truest sense. Sports have to
be a part of a child while growing up. The National Education Policy 2020 offers a window of opportunity to integrate sports as
a non-alienable part of the curriculum in schools and colleges. The network of schools and colleges makes a perfect platform to
scale sports to reach each household. The article argues that with an initiative like One State One Sport, both scale and future
champions can be created.
okyo Olympics has been historic for energy in constructive areas, keeping them away
T India - an event that will be cherished

forever. Many 'firsts' were achieved,
and medal droughts ended - India
from substance abuse, and pulling the youth
out of poverty, among many other benefits. The
Government of India, in recent years, has taken
bagged its highest ever medals (7), Neeraj several initiatives such as Khelo India, TOPS
Chopra brought India its first gold in athletics Scheme, etc to build India as a sporting nation
in men's javelin; India ended a 41-year medal with a great amount of emphasis in the rural
drought in hockey by winning a bronze. While areas. While these initiatives are commendable,
Meera Bai Chanu lifted a billion Indian hopes there is a long way to go in creating a bustling
with a silver medal at the Olympics, she also sports culture in India - rural and urban both. In
gave India's first-ever opening day medal at the this article, we explore the trajectory of sports
Olympics. Ravi Dahiya, Bajrang Punia, and Lovlina in India (with a focus on rural sports and rural
Borgohain wrestled and boxed out to win a silver India), the intrinsic and extrinsic values of sports,
and two bronzes at Tokyo Olympics. A common path breaking reforms taken by states and the
thread that binds these athletes-apart from their central government, linkages between education
spirit of excellence and service to the nation - and sports in the light of National Education
is their rural background. It's a testimony to the Policy (NEP) 2020 and suggest few measures
fact that rural India has been a powerhouse of to reinvigorate and institutionalise rural sports
extraordinary talent. Rural India is abundant with through policy measures.
sports and games which are local and unique
Rural Sports in India: Ancient to Modern
in each state. These games and sports have
served multiple purposes - keeping people fit, Sports have always been a part of the
maintaining harmony, channelising the youth's common life in India for ages. There are several
CONGRATULATIONS
NEERAJ CHOPRA
T
Kurukshetra • November 2021 5

pieces of evidence of the existence of vibrant of Mallakharnb can be located in the memoirs
sports activities in India. Our epics like Ramayana of t"\. C~(~~~·. traveller Huen-Tsang dating
and Mahabharata are full of incidences of sports seventh century CEo He recognises Prayagraj as
such as archery, wrestling, horse-riding, chariot- a site where Hindu ascetics used to climb poles
racing, etc. For instance, wrestling has been a as a yogic exercise. ·He states that Hindu ascetics
highly popular sport even during the times of climbed the topJjf a pole situated at Prayagraj
Mahabharata. Known as Malla-yuddha, it saw clinqinq-onto'it: with one hand and one foot while
participation from legendary characters such as other hand and foot stretched out in the air and
Bhima, Balram, and Jarasandha - who have been watched the sunset with their heads turned right
mentioned as the greatest wrestlers in the epic. as it set which indicates a solar rite', In modern
Today, India is known as a powerhouse in wrestling times, the sport of Mallakhamb was formally
with several outstanding accolades gained at the institutionalised in the year 1958 when it was
international forums - the Commonwealth Games, introduced as a sport in the National Gymnastics
the world championships, and the Olympics. Championship followed by the first National
Mallakhamb Championship in 1962 at Gwalior,
One of the greatest things to have happened
Madhya Pradesh. From there on the sports has
in the wrestling world is the evolution and growth grown in its reach and appeal so much so that the
of female wrestling. This one development has
State Government of Madhya Pradesh declared
dismantled the concept of females as the fairer Mallakhamb as the State sports in 2013. The
sex -often used to denote the fragility and physical Mallakhamb World Championship 2019 held in
weakness of women -- and challenged the gender Mumbai attracted participants from 15 countries
role and occupation for women. The young girls such as the USA, England, Germany, France,
and women from rural India have role models--
Japan, Singapore, Italy amongst others. Such is
who are like them, come from similar backgrounds, the popularity of Mallakhamb that top performers
and overcame challenges to succeed. The legend from India were to perform Mallakhamb at the
of the Phogat sisters has changed the outlook
4'~:gi~?~OlympiCS but couldn't do so because of
of patriarchs, many have become champions 0t~' ~ d guidelines; it was performed in the
gender equality and promote girls in sports. I Olym ~ for the first time in the year 1936.
no surprise that a new generation offemale sp
wrestlers like Sakshi Malik (the first Indian fe
wrestler to win a medal atthe Olympics) have co .
II b.~al='
.~
~.
ayattu: The Ancient Indian Martial
up, performing exceedingly well at the nation -II'/hi It' e, aripayattu, or simply Kalari, is an ancient
and international forums. From ancient times till Indian martial arts form that can be traced back to
date, wrestling continues to enthral the youth the Sangam period in southern India. A scientific
and has emerged as one of India's strongholds in sport, it requires great mind-body coordination
modern sports times. and agility using kicks and swings while attacking
It is a great achievement that many of these and protecting with spears, shields, swords, etc.
sports still survive and thrive in India. Some of the It's a martial arts training used to prepare warriors
other early rural sports which have withstood the in ancient times. But today it's practiced as a
tide of time and continue to attract youth from competitive sport and attracts youth mainly from
rural areas have been discussed in the following Kerala. It follows a guru-shishya parampara where
sections. students (shishya) train under a master (guru) in
training centers (called Kalari). Till 1936, the Kalari
a. Mallakhamb: The Ultra-Gymnastics
training continued as an oral instruction (vaytharis),
Mallakhamb is an ancient Indian version of and then it was codified in written form as a book
gymnastics where a gymnast performs aerial yoga and descriptive writings followed at scale by 1953
and gymnastic posture atop or with a standing leading to the popularisation of the sports. The
pole. The sport is hugely popular in rural pockets Kerala Government has established the Kalaripayattu
of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, and requires Academy in 2021 which will offer training of Kalari
immense stamina, practise, and discipline to in a formalised way through a dedicated syllabus
perform. One of the earliest written descriptions that has been crafted for the purpose.

c. Qila Raipur Sports Festival: India's Rural Initiatives to Strengthen Sports in Rural Areas:
Olympics A Pulse Check
Qila Raipur Sports Festival, India's Rural The Government of India (GOI) took a
Olympics, is an annual sporting event that historic step by starting a targeted scheme to
promotes local rural sports of Punjab through achieve top results in the Olympic Games. The
competitions in the district of Ludhiana, Punjab. Target Olympic Podium Scheme or TOPS was
The brainchild of Inderjeet Singh Grewal, Qila launched in 2014 under the aegis of the Ministry
Raipur Sports Festival was first held in 1933 to bring of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYASJ, GOI to provide
together people and promote harmony thro~g~ • financial assistance and other help to athletes in
sports. The sports festival brings a right unique their pursuit of medals in the Olympics and other
mix of professional sports as well as rurat sports irrternational sporting events. Sports such as
played for mere pleasure. The athletic events archery, badminton, boxing, hockey, shooting, and
include shot put, hockey, kabaddi, track races. wrestling have been recognised as 'high priority'
The other games include tug of war, horse races, sports under the scheme.
horse acrobatics, etc. The festival aims at giving'"
a platform for the budding talent in professional The top-performing athletes are selected by
games as well as creating a sporting culture in the a committee who are then provided customised
area. The festival is tied to the culture of the area training with top coaches at modern and well-
through folk songs, bhangra and local food which equipped sports facilities and institutions. The
are on full display during the event. It acts as a contribution of the TOPS scheme in the medal
unifying element and keeps people closer to their tally in the international forum has been nothing
roots. These instrumental values of sports are less than a big success. The Rio 2016 Olympics
intangible and often get lesser recognition in the saw TOPS awardees P V Sindhu and Sakshi Malik
noise of professional sports. clinching silver and bronze respectively for India.
The paralympians covered under TOPS won four
In addition to the ancient Indian games,
medals at Rio including two gold medals. The
modern India has seen the rise of Indian players
TOPS' impact was best to be seen at the 2018
at the global level in several other professional
Commonwealth Games where 47 out of the
sports predominantly played in the rural parts of
70 medals won by India were bagged by TOPS
the country - be it kabaddi, hockey, or archery.
awardee athletes.
There are several outstanding initiatives taken by
various State Governments and the Government The Tokyo Olympics has been the greatest
of India to nurture the sporting talent in rural India Olympics for India in terms ofthe medals secured.
as discussed further. Believe it or not, all the athletes including the

paralympians were covered under the TOPS .in the identification of talent. Grassroot Zonal
scheme. In addition to best coaching and Talent Identification committees have been
equipments, each athlete was provided with Rs. formed to scour the remotest part of the country
50,000 monthly out-of-pocket expenditure which for spotting talent across 20 disciplines in the age
could be spent on their diet or training or any other group 8 to 14 years, wherein the country has the
way the athlete desires. The Government of India potential/advantage to excel at the international
went the extra mile to support its contingent of level.
paralympians. Avani Lekhara, the double medalist, Under the 'Talent Search and Development'
was provided with a computerised digital target vertical of the Khelo India Scheme, Khelo India
and an expensive air rifle to practice at home while Athletes identified a nd selected under the scheme
Bhavina Patel, the silver medalist, was equipped are provided annual financial assistance of '< 6.28
with an Ottobock Wheelchair and a Table Tennis lakh per athlete per annum which includes '< 1.20
robot called Butterfly- Amicus Prime. No wonder, lakh per annum as Out of Pocket Allowance and
the 47 members Paralympic contingent converted '< 5.081akh for other facilities like coaching, sports
the opportunity provided under the TOPS scheme science support, diet, equipment, consumables,
into golds, silvers, and bronzes - a total of 19 insurance charges, etc. Further, each Khelo India
medals for India at the Tokyo Paralympics. Centre notified under the Scheme at district levels
in various States/Union Territories are eligible to
While the TOPS scheme aimed at polishing
receive '< 5 lakh per discipline as a one-time grant
existing talent for higher results, the Government
and '< 5 lakh per discipline as a recurring grant",
of India has designed a future-looking scheme to
develop a pool of talent from the remotest part Under the scheme, Khelo India Games are
of the country through the Khelo India Scheme. organised to provide a platform to the budding
Aimed at mainstreaming sports as a tool for talent at the school and university level. Till now,
national, economic, community, and individual three such games have already been organised
development, the Khelo India scheme was and the fourth one is going to be held in Haryana.
launched in 2018 with 12 verticals. Seeing the initial impact of the scheme, the
Government of India has furnished an Expenditure
Under the Khelo India Scheme, talent search Finance Committee (EFC) memorandum to expand
has been started at the grassroots level in two the scheme from 2021-22 to 2025-26 with an
categories: a) Sports potential talent identification estimated budget of '< 8,750 crores. While the
and b) Proven talent identification. A zona d tral government has taken a reform trajectory
approach has been taken by the govern ~ ~ U ~~ nsform India into a sporting nation, the
~ Support to NatlonaV
Play Flekf Cevetopment ~ RegIonal/State Sport"
AcademiCS
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Talent SearCh and

Development
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amongst people with
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Sporta for Peace

Development
and
Utihzntion and Crcntlonl

Promotion of rural and
Upgradntton of Sports
indlgenous/tnbal games
Infrastructure
Source: https://kheloindia.gov.in/about

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role played by the States is equ ~ mportan India winter games, the Prime Minister remarked
nurture a sports culture. i ~
that sports have been given a place of pride in the
••• recent National Education Policy (NEP 2020). An
Case Study: Haryana - Th cubator ~ extra-curricular activity, Sports, now will be an
Sportstars from Rural India ~> .• ~ integral part of the school and college curriculum
;t« De\'"
In the recently completed Tokyo Olympics, with grading in sports counted in the education of
Haryana sent the maximum Olympians in the the children.
Indian contingent - 31 athletes, which is nearly The school education system in India caters
25 percent of the total contingent. Three of them to around 26 crore students through a network
brought gold, silver, and bronze medals and many of 15 lakh schools with ~18 crore enrolments
were part of the victorious Indian hockey team. in rural India, thus paving the way for scaling
The seeds for Haryana's success were sowed sports across the country. The existing schemes
back in the 1980s when Haryana hired coaches of the Government of India such as the Samagra
for different sports across the State. Though Shiksha, Eklavya Model Residential Schools,
things moved on, the real thrust came with the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya, etc have a
formulation of a Sports Policy in 2006. The policy special emphasis on promoting sports in the
laid down the foundations for Haryana's success remotest part of the country. Samagra Shiksha, the
with a focus on spotting, nurturing, and polishing flagship scheme of school education in India has
talent from the state for national and international components that exclusively focus on providing
events. sports equipment to schools and supporting the
Khelo India Scheme.
Today, Haryana has a formal institutional
mechanism called 'Play 4 India' under which each The Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya
student in school is encouraged to take upon Scheme has set up at least one residential girls
sport. With the motto 'catch them young, catch school in every educationally backward block of
them right', Haryana conducts Sports and Physical India. The scheme provides access to a high quality
Aptitude Test (SPAT) in all the schools across the holistic education to girls from marginalised
state to identify the high potential athletes in communities -- SC, ST, OBC, BPL, and minorities
- from class VI-XII in residential mode. Sports is a
8-19 age groups. Participants are administered
very important component of the scheme where
a battery of standardised tests in three rounds
facilities for sports such as hockey, kabaddi,
and the qualifiers enter the final round called
kho-kho, badminton, volleyball, etc have been
the Sports and Physical Exercise Evaluation and
developed. Sports meets are conducted to provide
Development (SPEED) Test where they select
a platform to girls to excel in sports.
a particular game based on their aptitude and
counselling. Those who clear the SPEED test ..•
The Eklavya Model Residential Schools
are admitted into Sports and Physical Aptitude scheme of the government is targeted at
Continuous Evaluation (SPACE) where they are providing holistic education to the students from
trained into sports academies", A monthly stipend ST category in tribal areas of the country. There is
of ~ 1500 and ~ 2000 per month is awarded to a lot of focus on sports in these schools. Centre
the students in the age group 8-14 years and 15- of Excellence for Sports (CoE for Sports) has been
19 years respectively. In addition, cash rewards planned and implemented across Eklavya Model
for successful athletes right from national Residential Schools. This Centre of Excellence will
champions to Olympians have been given by have specialised state-of-the-art facilities for one
identified individual sport and one group sport
the Haryana State Government. Haryana's tryst
in each state with scientific backup along with
with sports at the school level is an ideal recipe
specialised training, boarding and lodging facilities,
to create a continuous supply of highly talented
sports kit, sports equipments, competition
sportsperson of world-class caliber as well as
exposure, insurance, medical expenses, etc. as per
promoting a sports culture at scale.
norms of Sports Authority of India.
National Education Policy 2020: An Opportunity
It has to be emphasised that sport is a scientific
to Transform India as a Sporting Nation
discipline and requires a strategic roadmap to
In his inaugural address at the second Khelo develop future talent and infuse a sporting culture

in India. There are certain sports where Indians youngsters are increasingly looking at sports
have a comparative advantage either because of as a career in the country. Right now, w•.e~a~rii@
their genetic build or the prolonged assimilation the inflection point of a vibrant sporting
within certain sports. It might be useful to start a in India which is only to rise steeply
campaign namely One State One Sport, wherein support and ecosystem building done by
each state government will identify a major sport
•••
Government. :t :1
in which it has a competitive advantage along with ~ .~
other sports which may be accorded a little lesser References '~.Jl_, .,~
"""fa •
priority. 1. Irwin, John (1983). "The Ancient Pillar-Cult at
Conclusion Pravaga: Its Pre-Asokan Origins". Journal of
the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and
The tradition of sports is deeply rooted in the
Ireland. 115 (2): 253-280
Indian culture dating a few millennia back. Over
the years, India has emerged as a major force to 2. Written reply dated 02.08.2021 in Rajya Sabha
reckon with in certain sports in the international by Minister of Youth Affairs & SportsShri
arena. However, the sporting culture is limited to Anurag Thakur
few pockets of the country which also happen to 3. Haryana Sports and Physical Fitness Policy,
be the nursery of athletes in India. Recently, the 2015
Government of India has taken many initiatives
such as the TOPS, Khelo India, Fit India, etc which {.The authors are Adviser (Education, Youth
has the potential to transform the sports landscape AffaIrs and Sports) NITI Aayog and Senior
of India. The recent successes at the Olympics: Associate, NITI Aayog. Email: [email protected].
Commonwealth Games, and world championships in and [email protected]. Views expressed
have been extremely encouraging. Parents and are personal)
Training Program on Sandalwood Farming and Management of its Health Inaugurated

Such initiative will help attract the youth towards sandalwood farming, revive this declining art and help
reposition India as a market leader in the trade, says Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister
Shri Giriraj Singh
As a part of the ongoing 'Azaadi ka Amrit Mahotsav' initiative, Union Minister of Rural Development and
Panchayati Raj Shri Giriraj Singh inaugurated a training program on Sandalwood Farming and Management
of its health via video conferencing on October 11, 2021 in association with the Institute of Wood Science
and Technology (IWST), Bengaluru. The program is structured around the basics & benefits of Indian
sandalwood, seed handling, nursery techniques and managing the health of the plant. Addressing the
gathering, the Minister lauded this free of cost training initiative which he believes will help attract the
youth towards sandalwood farming, revive this declining art & help reposition India as a market leader in
the trade.
Sandalwood has been long associated with the Indian heritage & culture, as the country contributed
85 percent of the world' sandalwood trade erstwhile. However, off late this has been declining at a fast
rate. With anti-bacterial, anti-biotic & anti-cancer benefits amongst others, sandalwood finds its uses in
pharmaceuticals, personal care and furnitures.
Globally, India & Australia are the largest growers of sandalwood, while the biggest markets lie in the
United States, China, Japan & the Indian domestic market. While in 2020 the world sandalwood market
stood at USD 300 million, World Trade Research pegs the market size at USD 3 billion by 2040. Identifying
this tremendous growth potential, the Minister laid emphasis on preparing for the upcoming demand from
right now by creating export quality products. This he felt can be achieved by taking up multiple initiatives
like establishing Sandalwood Technology Innovation centres in the growing states under the leadership
of IWST, value addition in training & skill development as well as introducing new methods of cultivation
among farmers & young entrepreneurs.
(Source: Press Information Bureau)

Women Participation in Sports
Rashi Sharma
The SpOtts scenario for women started changing when P.T. Usha emerged on the sports era as one of the greatest athlete
the country has ever produced. Her magical performances drew the attention of not only the citizens, but of media and the
Government as well. Her 102 medals won at national and international tournaments created a sensation in the country and
motivated generation of young women athletes. The win of Karnam Malleswari, the hrst Indian women who won a bronze medal
in the 2000 Sydney Olympics in women's 69 kg category in weightlifting, started the illustrious journey of women in Olympics.
DlI
utstanding and award-
winning performance by
Indian women contingent
in recently concluded
Tokyo Olympics has generated
immense excitement, joy, pride and
commemoration across the country.
Olympicand international competitions
are an arena for showcasing the
potential grit and strength of human
beings as it set new records every time
and motivate sportspersons to excel
and achieve new heights. Several .-;:
countries
investing have been resources
substantial continuously
and
providing best of facilities to develop
~~~~~~~~~~5~~~~
....
and sustain sports talent at the highest
level as it is one of the important historically biased against the females, especially
indicator of the quality of human development when it was practically considered a taboo to be
in any country. a female athlete in the country. In such situation,
predominantly rife with discrimination meted out
However, just like every other sphere of life,
towards the female gender, sports certainly act
women have had to fight for equality in the field
as a medium where these lines are effortlessly
of sports as well, making the history of women in
obscured. Being emancipating in its very nature
sports a tumultuous one. The fact that in 1896,
when Athens hosted the first Olympic games - sports, with its own language, has its own way
of the modern age, there was no participation of uniting people without pausing to look at the
of the women players, depicts the challenging gender. However, the rise of women in sports
journey of women athletes in international arena. in India has been nothing but gradual. A little
Women sportspersons were allowed in the next factual background would be apt to understand
Olympic Games in 1900, which were held at this journey.
Paris. The reasons for this initial disparity can
Background
be argued that sports have functioned as a way
to define masculinity, so female participations The very first year that Indian women made
was marginalised owing to various reasons i.e. the journey to the Olympic Games happened
traditional family responsibilities, cultural and in the 1924 Paris Olympics, when two women
religious barriers. Further, there were financial athletes from India took part. Placed in the pre-
disparities also and equal remuneration continues Independence era, the four subsequent editions
to remain a major issue in the women sports. of the Games saw nil participation from Indian
India also had the same situation. The women spanning two decades - 1928 to 1948.
participation of the Indian women in sports With the Second World War having just concluded
was negligible. The societal framework was and India gaining Independence in 1947, sports

in the newly democratic country looked
women again.
A contingent comprising of 60 men a ~'h'

women represented India in the 1952 Summer'
Olympic Games held in Helsinki. India competed Apart from achieving success at Olympic
in 42 events across 11 sports, including shooting games, women are attaining new heights in other
and gymnastics for the first time. Dolly Nazir and games too. The achievement of Sania Mirza in
Arati Saha participated in women swimming, and Tennis, Mithali Raj in Cricket, Phogat sisters
Nilima Ghose and Mary D'Souza participated in in wrestling, Deepika Kumari in Archery, Bula
athletics. Chaudhary in swimming are noteworthy and
However, it wasn't until the 1980 Moscow inspiring young talents.
Games that Indian women became a regular Policies and Programmes to Promote Sports
feature of the Olympic entourage and their
numbers kept growing steadily. A journey that In 1954, the Indian government took its
began with 2 Indian female athletes at the first step to promote sports by creating the All
• quadrennial games in 1924 expanded in leaps and India Council of Sports (AICS). The AICS acted as
bounds to stand at 54 in the 2016 Rio Olympics. an advisory body, informing the government on
Interestingly, the Rio Games saw almost equal numerous areas including national sports policies,
participation of men and women from India as the government funding of national sport governing
men athletes outnumbered the women only by 9 bodies, and the coaching of elite athletes. The
more members. next significant policy initiative came in 1982,
when a specific government department for sport,
The sports scenario for women started
the Ministry of Sport (now the Ministry of Youth
changing when P.T. Usha emerged on the sports
Affairs and Sport, MYAS), was established. Next,
era as one of the greatest athlete the country has
in 1984, India introduced its first ever National
ever produced. Her magical performances drew
Sports Policy. Additionally, the Sports Authority of
the attention of not only the citizens, but of media
India (SAI) was set up to promote the development
and the Government as well. Her 102 medals won
of coaches and physical education teachers,
at national and international tournaments created
participation in sport and physical activity, and
a sensation in the country and motivated a whole
infrastructure. Thereafter, to emphasise the
generation of young women athletes. The win of
importance of sport and physical education in the
Karnam Malleswari, the first Indian women who
education sector, the National Education Policy
won a bronze medal in the 2000 Sydney Olympics in
and two distinct government units, the Netaji
women's 69 kg category in weightlifting, started
Subhas National Institute of Sport (NSNIS) and the
the illustrious journey of women in Olympics.
Lakshmibai National College of Physical Education
Thereafter, the bronze medal win of Mary Kom
(LNCPE) were introduced in 1986.
and Saina Nehwal in London Olympics in 2012
and Silver medal of P.v. Sindhu in badminton After these initial steps from 1954 to 1986,
and Bronze medal of Sakshi Malik in wrestling in 2001 national sports policy was introduced
in 2016 Rio Olympics set the scenario of rise of with a dual aim of mass participation in sport
Indian women in Sports. In the recently concluded and excellence at the elite level. National Sports
Tokyo Olympics, P.v. Sindhu, Saikhom Mirabai Development Code of India 2011, aimed to
Chanu and Lovlina Borgohain made India proud by implement new strategies to achieve objectives
winning medals and have clearly shown the positive set by the previous policies.
change that is taking place in our country. While,
At present, Ministry of Youth Affairs and
Saikhom Mirabai Chanu won the Silver medal at
Sports is running the following schemes to promote
the very first day of the Tokyo Olympics 2020, P.V.
sports in the country, including rural, tribal and
Sindhu became the first Indian women to win two
backward areas: -
Olympic medals. She won the Silver medal in Rio
2016 and in Tokyo 2020 she captured the Bronze (i) Khelo India Scheme; (ii) Assistance to
medal. Also, Lovlina Borgohain achieved her first National Sports Federations; (iii) Special Awards to
Olympic medal in Women's welterweight 64-69 kg Winners in International sports events and their

~ ", \
Coaches; (iv) National Sports Awards, Pensi~ to Sports' and Education

",
Meritorious Sports Persons; (v) Pandit Deen!t~yal
The need to integrate sports in education
Upadhyay National Sports Welfare Fund; (Vi},
"j'$ -well recognised globally as it serves to foster
National Sports Development Fund; and (vii) holistic development by promoting physical and
Running Sports Training Centres through Sports psychological well-being while also enhancing
Authority of India. cognitive abilities. The launch of FIT INDIA
The majority of the sportspersons benefitting Movement on 29th August, 2019 with a view to
from these Schemes belong to the rural, make fitness an integral part of our daily lives has
been a symbol of paradigm shift in our approach
backward, and tribal and women population of
towards sports. The mission of the Movement
the country and are provided with regular training
is to bring about behavioural changes and move
on residential and non-residential basis as per the
towards a more physically active lifestyle. It has
approved norms of the Schemes.
the following objectives:
Underthe Khelo India Scheme, talentsearch has • To promote fitness as easy, fun
been started at grassroots level in two categories: activity "<.()\ °IJ cf
~
sports potential talent identification and proven
• To spread awareness on fitness1:J d various ~'
talent identification physical activities that pro ~ e fitness .~
Further, India is divided into five zones through focused campaigns 4-~ ' ~••
namely North, East, West, South and North-East • To encourage indigenous sports ~*D"hi.·.'\'
zones to carry out talent identification. Grassroot • To make fitness reach every school, co ege/
Zonal Talent Identification Committees are university, panchayat/village, etc.
formed to reach out to each and every corner of
the country to shortlist the potential and proven
• To create a platform for citizens of India
to share information, drive awareness and
athletes. Talent Identification is carried out in 20
encourage sharing of personal fitness stories
sports disciplines in the age group of 8 to 14 years,
wherein the country has the potential/advantage The Fit India movement has created
to excel at the international level. awareness about the importance of physical
activities and encouraged the inclusion of sports
Under the 'Talent Search and Development'
right from the childhood at school level which is
vertical of the Khelo India Scheme, Khelo India essential if we want to produce top class athletes
Athletes identified and selected under the scheme and compete at international arena.
are provided annual financial assistance of < 6.28
The recently launched National Education
lakh per athlete per annum which includes 1.20 <
Policy 2020 highlights the value of sports
lakh per annum as out of Pocket Allowance and < integrated education in developing human
5.08 lakh for other facilities like coaching, sports
capital, increasing productivity, and fostering
science support, diet, equipment, consumables,
social harmony. It states that the curriculum
insurance charges, etc. Further, each Khelo India
must include basic arts, crafts, humanities,
Centre notified under the Scheme at district levels
games, sports and fitness, languages, literature,
in various States/Union Territories are eligible to culture, and values, in addition to science
receive <
5 lakh per discipline as one-time grant and mathematics, to develop all aspects and
and < 5 lakh per discipline as recurring grant. capabilities of learners; and make education
Under the "Support to National/Regional/ more well-rounded, useful, and fulfilling to the
State Sports Academies" vertical of the Khelo learner.
India Scheme, sports academies are accredited NEP-2020 also emphasises on sports-
for the training of the Khelo India athletes. 236 integration in pedagogical approaches that utilise
sports academies have so far been accredited physical activities including indigenous sports, in
across the country. Khelo India scheme also has pedagogical practises to help develop skills such as
a separate vertical for 'Sports for Women' and collaboration, self-initiative, self-direction, self-
various competitions are organised under this to discipline, teamwork, responsibility, citizenship,
encourage women participation in sports. etc. It focuses on sports-integrated learning in

classroom transactions to help students adopt children, sacrificing their career for family
fitness as a lifelong attitude and to achieve the etc. Moreover, participation in sports require
related life skills along with the levels of fitness a healthy and nutritious diet which is missing
as envisaged in the Fit India Movement. in Indian families. Due to limited means, the
diet of girls and women is the last priority,
It would be worthwhile to point out here
even though, wholesome and nourishing diet
that in education, at all levels, from primary
to Sr. Secondary, the Gender Parity Index (GPI) is the most crucial component for sports.
is more than 1, which shows equal or more Further, from being belittled by the biased
participation of girl child at school level. Under societal view to facing a huge gender pay gap,
the centrally sponsored Scheme of Samagra women players have always been victims of
Shiksha, first time sports grant on an annual basis narrow minded attitude. Still the country has
to all government schools has been introduced seen the rise of many female sports players
in the year 2018 and from 2021, an additional in India like Karnam Malleshwari, Mary
Sports grant of upto Rs. 25000 to schools has Kom, Phogat sisters, Mirabai Chanu and P.v.
been provisioned in case atleast 2 students of Sindhu, which reflects that this stereotype
that school win a medal in Khelo India school is definitely changing. Sports playa greater
games at the National level. Thus, sports have role in abolishing gender discrimination and
been made an integral part of education rather providing women their right place in the
than an extracurricular activity. society.
All these recent initiatives have provi~.~~~:",. :'~: ~,Access to Facilities and Safety Issues:
much needed systemic interventions and chaT,1~e . . ,rwrrently, India houses approximately
of mindset concerning to sports. Ho ea ~ l~ sports facilities fulfilling international
the road to equality in every sphere 0 IS t~standards of sports infrastructure. In addition,
full of challenges and in sports too, t..,. \. ~~re are government-owned college and
multifaceted challenges which are requi to Q~ .iniversltv grounds, community centres,
addressed. :if: ~'.,',' .~..•. porting facilities and grounds owned by urban
Challenges for Women in Sports .~.. .~vlocal bodies, grounds owned by Resident
a 'hi" Welfare Associations, and facilities owned
1. Socio-cultural issues: Herbert Spencer in 1894 by private entities. These facilities are largely
in his book 'Education, Intellectual, Moral neglected and ignored in terms of utilisation
and Physical', described the way physical and maintenance. Also, a majority of the Indian
education was looked at in a girls and boys sports infrastructure facilities are mainly used
school in his times. He describes the boys for hosting international, national, state and
playground as an "open gravelled space with district-level games.
ample room for sports and exercises", while
the girls school playground had laid out "grim- There cannot be increased participation of
grass plots, gravel walk, shrubs and flowers, women and girls if they do not get proper access
with absolutely no chance for any physical to the necessary facilities, Further, there is a
recreation". Spencer, points out that the cause general consensus that lack of security is the
behind this variance is the way society distinct biggest problem for a female player. Parents
the role of a woman and how sports was do not feel comfortable in sending their
perceived to diminish a feminine exterior. He daughters to participate in events outside their
stated, "Women developing a robust physique hometown. Hence, the girl players miss out on
is undesirable, and rude health and abundant vital exposure and opportunities to experience
figure are considered plebeian". What was true competitive sports. There is also fear that the
in 1894, paradoxically is still the perception of studies and academic performance would get
majority in 21st century India. neglected.
There are certain roles, responsibilities and 3. Lack of Systemic Interventions and Resources:
expectations from the women in the society, It's a general perception that Indian athletes
they are supposed to play an important who have achieved international success are
role in keeping family traditions, raising exceptions rather than products ofthe country's

sports system. This is more relevant in case of Way Forward and Conclusion
women athletes. Although, there are schemes Sports in India is in the process of development.
and endowments for athletes that guarantee To accelerate this rate of development, holistic
a basic minimum standard of living, but it approach should be adopted. Efforts are required in
has not been much effective. The challenge is developing infrastructure, identifying sports talents,
not the lack of talent or capacity for India to organising regular sports events, and generating
produce great women sportspersons, it is the awareness at the grass root level. These steps will
complications related with bringing in coaches surely play an instrumental role in augmenting the
and training persons in rural and tribal areas resources and enhancing capacities of athletes.
and providing young athletes with the resources Further, to develop sports at the grassroots level,
and support they need. The sports federations it is imperative to integrate sports with education
of India need to act more proactively in terms as envisaged in NEP-2020. NEP-2020 promotes
of providing better multi disciplinarity and a
infrastructure, coaching Sportsin India is in the processof development.To holistic education across the
facilities and transparent acceleratethis rate of development,holisticapproach sciences, social sciences, arts,
system of selection shouldbe adopted.Effortsare requiredin developing humanities, and sports in
purely on basis of merit infrastructure, identifying sports talents, organising order to ensure the unity and
to promote sports culture regular sports events,and generatingawarenessat integrity of all knowledge.
in India. In this context, the grassroot level. It emphasises on no hard
interventions like Khelo separations between arts and
India becomes more ~\:.6UCa nces, between curricular and extra-curricular
important which have comprehensive a. ch 'ties, between vocational and academic streams,
f;
and has been introduced to revive t b ports, •.. , et'.· order to eliminate harmful hierarchies among,
culture in the country at the grassr leve] an los between different areas of learning.
by building a strong framework for a arts .~: " b . f
.~ .~ Furthermore, sport in its most asic orm
played in our country. ....0 Ih· .••.~ d h th
. " ncourages balanced participation an as e
4. Lack of Awareness Among the Masses: Th~ cap,ac;:ityto promote gender equality (SDG Goal 5:
problem in India is notonlythe lackofresources 'Achieve gender equality and empower all women
or talent, but much more fundamental. In and girls). Through sport and physical activity,
order to promote sports at grassroot level, we women and girls can be empowered and benefit
really needs to focus on changing attitudes and from the constructive impact that sport has on
convictions in our communities about playing health and psychosocial conditions.
sports and finding local role mod~ls, initiate Female participation in sport has been able
intensive mass awarenes~ c~mpalgns ab~ut to successfully challenge the stereotypes and
the various myths and prejudices surrounding social roles mostly concomitant with women.
sports and what girls can achieve through It. S t help women and girls exhibit their
f ideas i t t por scan
Further, an exc h ange 0 leas IS.lmpor an on abilities and achievements to society by
g
~he changi.n roles and perception of,women emphasising their skills which they have attained
In our society, and we need to provide safe with sheer hard work and sincerity. This certainly
public spaces for girls to play. As we know improves self-esteem and self-confidence in
the path to becoming a doctor, we, also women participants. Further, sport also offers
need to have a m~re transparent, reliable opportunities for showcasing the accomplishments
and financially feasible path car~e.d o.ut ~o of women without taking into consideration any
become professional athletes. Partlclpatlo~ In kind of discrimination related to gender, financial
sport can be an invigorating and empowering status or ethnic differences.
experience for women. Being an athlete, '
especially a skilled athlete, can make her feel (The author is D!rector (~E): Departmen~ 0/
physically stronger, more competent, and School Education and Llt~raCYI ":11n1stryo/EducatlOn.
more in control of her life as an independent Email: [email protected]. Views expressed are
individual. personal)
Kurukshetra. November 2021 15

ural India-Sporting Optimism and Hope
Irtif Mehraj Lone
The developments in the sports industry are indicative that the future is promising for sports across the globe and particularly in
Indio. The increasing participation of both rural and urban population in the sport activities has led to the increasing infrastructure
building across the country, with programs like "Khelo Indio", with focus on both rural and urban population. This helps in
providing opportunities to the youth from rural areas to represent the notion at highest levels and in turn motivates more and
more youth to take up sports as a profession.
ports, today, is an integral part of any and more active lifestyles, which becomes means
nation's identity. The national sports to achieve both mental and physical wellness. The
teams competing in the global events, history has demonstrated that all civilised nations
like the cricket or football world cups have stressed on the importance of sports and
or competing for the gold in Olympic games brings promoted sporting culture, for the development
out the passion to the fore. The global sports of its human index.
market is estimated to have reached the $458.8 The enormous consumer demand has made
billion in 2019, however due to the onset of the sports one of the largest industries globally
pandemic that affected almost all the economic both considering the employment it creates and
sectors around the globe, it was believed to be revenue it generates. It has become a multibillion-
at $388.3 billion in 2020. The compound annual dollar industry, which fans the deep passion in
growth rate of the sports industry has been 3.4 players as well as spectators across the globe.
percent since 2015 and the sports market is
In India, this industry has in recent past
expected to reach $599.9 billion by 2025, and
picked up and today contributes both in revenue
$826.0 billion by 2030.
as well as employment generation across the
On the other side, it teaches us to nurture our country. With the kind of growth, the industry is
character and discipline our lives to the healthier seeing, the career profiles in the sport industry are

getting varied as well such as athletes, coaches,
.-
initiatives in sports are also prooj that sports other
.•"".--
1.\'" ,
trainers, event managers, public relation officers, than cricket also have a future inthe country. .'
Coordinator of sports organisations, marketing
The health benefits of participation in sports
consultant, program and facility manager,
are well known. Numerous recent studies from
professional sports promoter, sports equipment
a wide range of disciplines have shown that the
and product sales, sport event planner and
increased participation in physical activities
manager and sports sponsorship specialist.
is positive for individual health promotion. At
The sports economy in India offers various present, a physically inactive lifestyle has been
opportunities to be captured over a period. The recognised as a major contributor to the obesity
scalability of these opportunities is huge as well. epidemic, as well as to the burden of chronic
By 2025, one-fifth of the world's working age diseases including diabetes and cardiovascular
population will be Indian. By 2030, there will be diseases.
over 850 million internet users in India. By 2035
Moreover, participation in sports also has
India's five largest cities will have economies of
a positive impact on the mental well-being of
comparable size to middle income countries today.
individuals. Physically active participants are less
The estimated size of the Indian Sports Industry in
likely to experience depression, have a stronger
2020 is Rs. 5894 crores. This report only includes
sense of coherence, and less perceived stress in
- sponsorship spends, celebrity endorsement and
comparison to those who exercise less frequently.
media spend on sports properties.
They are more satisfied with their lives and less
Sports sector has undergone an immense likely to suffer from mental health problems. On
transformation, with series of initiatives by the the other hand, the role of participation in sports
government in form of "Khelo India" to improve in supporting community-based public health
the sports infrastructure across the country. The has received considerable attention in recent
private sector has been playing an important role studies. Within a community, sport participation
as well by organising leagues and tournaments, is one of the important sources through which
scouting and sponsoring talented sportspersons social interactions could be achieved that might
at the grass roots level. The fact that with more increase the ability of individuals to engage
than a billion population, majority would still pick meaningfully in local society, thereby improving
cricket as their first sports choice. Though, the the social capital of the whole population and
sports like hockey, tennis and football do manage the social inclusion. There is a strong evidence
an appearance every now and again. The various that sports participation has its effects on the
sports federations have followed the path of Board social behavior particularly for young men. There
of Control for Cricket in India, by initiating the is considerable evidence of the positive impact
league-based tournaments. More than a dozen of sport and exercise on educational outcomes.
major major league-based sports tournaments Through psychological benefits such as enhanced
were launched including Indian Premier League self-esteem and self-confidence, and cognitive
(Cricket), Pro Kabaddi League, Indian Super League benefits such as concentration and thinking skills,
(football), Premier Badminton League (PBL) and sport has positive effects on a number of final
Hockey India League (HIL). Most of these leagues outcomes including educational behavior.
have acquired much success on ground and
has increased viewership to these sports. It has Theprivate sectorscontributionin organisingvariousleagues
also received much of the help from the online acrossthe sports is providingopportunity to ploy the sports
streaming of most of these events and digital professionally which provides economic stability as well
marketing through the social media applications. as fame to the young rising storts in the sports activities.
This has also led to increasingnumber of start-ups delving
The great initiatives like Indian Premier League,
Hockey India League, Premier Badminton League, into the sports activities. While Bollywood has played on
important role in portraying the struggles as well as fame
Pro kabbadi, Indian Super League and other such
premier leagues is not only changing the outlook of which many of the sports personshave achieved,both the
revenueas well as employmentgenerationthis industry is
these games but also helping to bring in the talent
providingis set to increasemanifold in the near future.
pool of sportsmen across the various sports. These

~~
~ ~ca '''4~
The onset of the leagues in man

now has also increased the participation
population in various sports. This, howeve·r-
~
'":'
orts
'/,' ral.
-
~
:;
go ~ .ing bodies of sport and the private sector
~ 'er to forge partnerships, unblock barriers of
.Ih\· ticipation and improve the local sport delivery
also led to development of sports infrastructure system. Therefore, the local authorities have a
across the country ensuring every household crucial role to play in delivering sport and physical
even in villages has access to the sports facilities. activity opportunities particularly to the certain
providing opportunity. Sport has become groups including women and girls, disabled
an integral part of the commercialisation of people and those from lower socio-economic
culture, together with cinema, travel, shopping groups, as they are less likely to play sport and be
and eating out, which has come to form part physically active than the population in general.
of the mass entertainment industry, closely Varied factors may be responsible for this under
linked to the mechanisms of the market. The representation. The lower socio-economic groups
commercialisation of sport has stimulated new in relation with access to sports is not defined just
needs and expectations, and sport has become by the practical barriers like cost and availability
firmly established as dramatic entertainment. of the right informal activities but also emotional
barriers around perceptions of safety and
Another, positive side of the increased
ownership of local space as well as wider social
participation in the sports activities is the
circumstances.
flourishing sports goods industry. This industry
has been providing Sport as a social
employment to lakhs Sport as a social phenomenon and cultural practice has phenomenon and
of people. The share of been extensively and intensely affected by the evolution of cultural practice has
Indian exports has also urban areas. The sports participation in cities has increased been extensively and
increased manifold, dramatically.Andthis has also had its effectson the increasing intensely affected by the
with the improved health awarenessamongthe people.Insteadof politicol goals, evolution of urban areas.
quality of the sporting people participate in sport and physical exercisesfor keeping The sports participation
goods and have created fitness, for entertainment;for communicationwith friends; for in cities has increased
a global identity for mental health andfor increasingindividual physicolcapability. dramatically. And this has
these products. Nearly, also had its effects on the
an estimated 60 percent of the total sports good increasing health awareness among the people.
production in India is exported across the globe. Instead of political goals, people participate in
sport and physical exercises for keeping fitness; for
Sports and physical activity have a huge touch
base and hence has the government interest in entertainment; for communication with friends;
delivering both the policy and its implementation for mental health; and for increasing individual
physical capability. They exercise with family
on the ground. However, as is being done, the role
of government in high level policy development members, with friends or individually. Some of
them attend sport clubs; some of them exercise in
that guides how funds are to be invested rather
than going to the micro-level decisions. This their neighborhood compound. Some of them hire
distance is particularly important in sport where personal fitness coaches; some of them attend
specialist expertise is needed to make the best courses that are offered by their community.
and most informed decisions, guided by the needs In the recent past, we have also seen that the
of the customer. focus of the Indian cinema has been to put forth
Sport is a key part of local communities, but the discourse that the rural India is epicentre of
it looks different in different places - there is no producing the best of the best sportspersons,
top-down approach that works everywhere. The representing the nation across the globe. The
understanding of communities enables them movies such as Mary Kom, Dangal, Bhag Milkha
to target opportunities and encourage mass Bhag, Chak de India are just a few to speak of.
participation. Local Responsibilities Councils The Phogat sisters, which became a
also have an important leadership role to play; household name or MC Mary Kom, who created
bringing schools, voluntary sport clubs, national ripples in the boxing world, are not only the

.~;
examples of sports persons coming from .~.w.,~
'-...;. •.•...
,~V"./etail, technology, online ticket-booking as
India. The winning streak of India, which w assports infrastructure building. The growth
lauded across during the Tokyo Olympics and '(}f '~tartups in this sector is likely to witness an
paralympics, were kept high by the sports unprecedented growth as the market is still in its
persons coming from the rural India. The amazing infancy. The startups like Smaaash Entertainment
stories of each of the athletes, and the struggle (which had to wind up during pandemic) and Kick,
and passion they have had for the game is in were providing experiential infrastructure for
itself a great motivation for the next generation playing outdoor games in an indoor environment.
of the sports talent which is to be scouted. The The sports persons such as Mahesh Bhupathi-
boxers, the hockey players, wrestlers and javelin and Yuvraj Singh-are also backing startups such
throwers, these men and women come from as Sports 36S.in. The other set of startups in
hitherto unheard-of locations on the map of this industry are trying to provide technological
India. interventions for improving the performance
of the sports persons, by providing data and
This also signifies the presence of talent we
analysis based on the trends. However, the public
have among our rural population and also to the
sports investment should focus on sustained
awareness among the people, with more and more
release of benefits to promote the rural sports of
medals coming our way in sports like Kabaddi,
economy as there is an intrinsic fit between the
athletics, wrestling, weightlifting, and boxing in
development of rural sports and rural economic
international sporting events such as Olympics,
development.
Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.
Because of geographical environment, the
Much of the credit also goes to the fact
influence factors of traditional ideas and the
that, in rural India, specifically in few regions, the
income of the rural population, and most of the
sports are not only being taken as a hobby but as
sports consumption consciousness; the rural
a serious career option. This also has its roots in
sports market are still in the primary stage. With
sports being recognised as a career which long
the new rural sports construction, rural sports
with a dignified livelihood also brings with it the
activities, the transformation of sports industry
limelight and fame.
in the rural areas has become imminent. This
The process of empowering youth is shall promote the new rural sports consumption
inclusive and characterised by respect and focus market development. Therefore, the expansion
on working together with youths to identify of sports consumption, will promote the
problems they face and find solutions. In this way development of new rural sports industry and
youth could experience increased confidence related industries. The imbalance of economic
because they feel their contribution is valued. development, regional differences also create the
Youth development programs have the potential imbalance of the development of rural sports.
to achieve the desired skills and competencies.
Conclusion
Desired skills and competencies could be
achieved by youth development programs focusing Sports along with providing the opportunities
on broader developmental needs of youths for both being economically content and healthful
within their individual and community contexts also provide youth with opportunity for social
rather than on a single issue. A comprehensive interaction and developing networks. The cross-
and holistic approach that addresses challenges cultural exchanges, which promotes mutual
facing youths, their families, peer groups, schools, respect among the participants which provides
neighbourhood, and community is essential to the huge opportunity for nation building and
reinforce new skills and knowledge. strengthen the principles of unity in diversity.
The growth of the sports industry in India (The author is t/c Centre for Innovation,
has also provided an opportunity for various Incubation and Business Modelling, lKEDI. Email:
Start-ups to take up this particular industry datal [email protected]. Views expressed are
content aggregation, education and training, personal)

~. \'~ ': "~)
.: .• ' • #it·"
,!., ""i'.~
.. "~\
Importance of Health and Fitness in Sports

Urvashi Prasad and Adhiraj Parthasarathy
The multiple policy initiatives introduced for training and development of youth in recent years have focused on their all-
round development with a special emphasis on sports, health and well-being. Health and fitness are crucial for the growth and
development of the nation. One of the most important aspects of good health is hygiene and sanitation, an area which was
largely neglected until the launch of the SwachhBharat Mission. The remarkable successof this program has gradually started
to show a positive impact on the overall health indicators of the nation.
hen we consider the importance of should practice self-reliance as a pathway to good
W health and fitness in our daily lives, we

need to-took no further for advice than
to Mahatma Gandhi and his philosophy.
health.
Gandhi ji also believed

and fitness requires a holistic
that human health
approach - one
There was after all no better spokesperson who that integrates all aspects of the mind, body and
emphasised and demonstrated the importance of environment. This is an area in which we have
fitness in daily life. As we attempt to unravel the made significant progress over the last few years
importance of good health and fitness in our daily under the stewardship of the Government which
lives, we ought to pay close attention to what the realising the importance of a holistic approach to
Mahatma said. A man who experimented with health has launched several schemes to promote
hygiene, fasting, abstinence and vegetarianism, a fitter and healthier India.
he was an early pioneer in many ways of a healthy From the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan whose
lifestyle. Gandhi ji placed tremendous emphasis focus is to improve access to sanitation in the
on self-reliance or 'Aatmanirbharta'. As an integral country thereby improving the overall health
part of his philosophy, he believed that individuals of the nation, to the POSHAN Abhiyaan which
20 --=========3 Kurukshetra • November 2021

focuses on nutrition, to Khelo India and t it imp ~ ive to focus on creating greater awareness
India Movement which seeks to promote sp D ~"youth to identify mental health problems
across the country, a!1aspects of healt~ and fitnes el \ .e'J.~.bl~~~cess.to professional help in a timely
have been tackled In a comprehensive manner. fashl~t>l."Att~t) robust mental health plays a
The results are starting to reflect in the social and vitah61e in fitn~fs-'dnd sports as well.
health indicators of citizens. ,••. {U d bt dl'-':· t t iti h Ith
\~.\ n ou eVy' access 0 nu n ion, ea ,
Health and fitness are crucial for the growth cleaf!\ drinking water, and sanitation are the
. ,.. "
and development of the nation. One of the most buildi~,~*~cl<s·' of the fitness ecosystem.
important aspects of good health is hygiene and Simultaneously, the government has also
sanitation, an area which was largely neglected launched a number of initiatives that have a more
until the launch of the Swachh Bharat Mission. The direct impact on sports and fitness. One program
remarkable success of this program has gradually that has become a tremendous success, not only
started to show a positive impact on the overall in India but also globally, is the International Day
health indicators of the nation. Data from the st
of Yoga - held every year on the 21 of June. This
recent rounds of the National Family Health Survey has been made possible through the renewed
highlights steady improvements in the usage of and sustained emphasis that the Government
individual household toilets in rural India. Over 9.5 has placed on Yoga.
crore individual household
toilets have been built since Yoga has emerged as a multi-dimensional solution Yoga has emerged as a
the launch of the mission. to many health challenges.Regularpractice of Yoga multi-dimensional solution
While developments in offers tremendous benefits. The body's efficiency is to many health challenges,
water and sanitation might enhancedas energies are channelisedin a cohesive Regular practice of Yoga
seem irrelevant to the fashion. A peacefulmental framework leadsto better offers tremendous benefits.
world of sports, ensuring imagination, creativity and boosts the intellect. The body's efficiency is
optimal hygiene and access This prevents fatigue while also strengthening the enhanced as energies are
to sanitation facilities are immune system. channelised in a cohesive
stepping stones towards fashion. A peaceful mental
creating a healthier future for generations to come. framework leads to better imagination, creativity
Further, studies have shown that eliminating open and boosts the intellect. This prevents fatigue
defecation has a significant positive impact on while also strengthening the immune system.
health. Further, emotional control is improved while
at the spiritual level, appreciation of the inner
Good health is also the focus of the newly
consciousness is reinforced. While modern
launched Mission POSHAN 2.0, which aims to
medicine can cure physical ailments, Yoga
make India 'Kuposhan Mukt'. Nutrition is a major
effectively prevents pathologies from setting in
challenge which hampers the progress of our
nation. The implementation of programs like and helps to tackle inner tribulations by serving
POSHAN Abhiyaan, Integrated Child Development as a medicine for the soul. When these inner
Services and Anaemia Mukt Bharat is being troubles or conflicts are left untreated, they cause
intensified. Mission POSHAN 2.0 focuses on a problems like insomnia, hypertension, psychiatric
targeted and intensified approach for tackling disorders and suicidal tendencies, among others.
nutrition with a special focus on vulnerable groups. In the post-COVID-19 era, we will need to greatly
State Governments are also collaborating with emphasise on preventive healthcare, which will
civil society and community-based organisations .further enhance the relevance of Yoga and make
for generating awareness, promoting household this ancient practice even more popular. After all,
behavior change and making nutrition a Jan 'free from illness, a path to wellness' - that is the
Andolan. path of Yoga.
Mental health has been included as an AYUSH based nutrition is another aspect. The
important focus area in the National Youth Policy, traditional Indian concept of food is important
2020. In light of the increased stress faced by for youth health and well-being. The concept of
youth as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is a balanced diet explained in Ayurveda justifies

,.... . ,~
~";I'
,r',:- '
.t :
.,' "I
all essential requirements of the body:::M:ii,flv and ,-he International Telecommunication Union
diseases in their early stages can to a greatextept:;>' (rru).
be controlled through a healthy diet.
In addition to the work done by the Ministry
In 2014, the Government constituted a of AYUSH, India has a dedicated Ministry of Youth
Ministry of AYUSH to harness traditional learning Affairs and Sports (MYAS). The Ministry is well
and systems of medicine. Centers of excellence known for its network of Yuva Kendras across the
for Yoga and wellness have been established. country. Over the last few years, the Ministry has
Introducing children to Yoga early .on in their launched several Central Sector Schemes focused
lives and integrating Yoga education with sports on enhancing the sports infrastructure and
education can reinvigorate ancient Indian promoting sports excellence. Besides incentivising
practices. The Report of the Group of Secretaries successful sportsmen who win awards for India in
on Education and Social Development, 2017 had multinational events, it also seeks to create and
recommended that physical education in schools ensure a pipeline of such success stories in the
should be promoted by making Yoga and sports future.
compulsory. A crowning feather in the cap of the
Khelo India focuses on providing better
Ministry's efforts was to get Yogasana recognised
sports infrastructure and facilities across the
as a sport.
country, leading to the emergence of talented
The Ministry of AYUSH is also running a athletes who would make the country proud by
campaign 'Yoga for AII' as part of the Fit India their performances in the international sports
movement. 'Yoga for AII' is aimed at creating arena. Creating a new breed of sportspersons
mass awareness about the benefits of Yoga and who will bring India fame and glory internationally
encouraging one Indian from every family to adopt requires the establishment of a framework and
the practice of Yoga over the next few years. This ecosystem in which sports education and training
initiative will motivate and inspire citizens to is integrated seamlessly, alongside world-class
internalise Yoga as a daily habit for improving their infrastructure. It is with this objective in mind
health and well-being. The Ministry of AYUSH, in that the Government launched the Khelo India
association with the World Health Organization initiative in 2017-18. A Central Sector Scheme
(WHO), is also the developing M-Yoga Application with a budget of over Rs. 575 crore in 2019-20,
for demonstrating Common Yoga Protocols as part this umbrella program seeks to identify, nurture
of the 'Be Healthy, Be Mobile' initiative of the WHO and train sportspersons across the country. An
22 -============ Kurukshetra • November 2021

~~
EE
••
integral and unique aspect of this progra ~ the rove fitness levels for all age groups. With
focus on building infrastructure at the gras"l[~.N""~'--~"QYI"0nents like FIT India Cyclothon, and FIT
level and identifying talent through a bottom ia Walkathon, e''''
the focus is on incorporating
approach. behaviour change and integrating fitness into
The Khelo India program, which includes the daily regimen of citizens. The thrust
of the ,
program, 'Fitness Ka Dose Aadha Ghanta Roz
a component of identifying talent in rural India, has been lauded by WHO and the program
is focused on creating Centers for Excellence or
world-class sports training facilities in the country. has managed to gather traction quickly, with
Using technology-driven solutions for talent celebrity sportspeople like Virat Kohli endorsing
identification and nurturing, it has an ambitious the program.
agenda comprising of twelve pillars centered The Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)
around infrastructure development, competitive was launched in July, 2014 by the MYAS with
games and community coaching opportunities. the aim of identifying, grooming and preparing
With a unique focus on promotion of rural and potential medal prospects primarilyforthe Olympic
indigenous/tribal games, it ensures that India's and Paralympic Games. Selected athletes are
rural residents have a level playing field and supported under the National Sports Development
access to the same opportunities as people from Fund for customised training at institutes with
the larger urban centres. world-class facilities. Financial assistance towards
The Khelo India program's first pillar is Play diet, food supplements and equipment has also
Field Development, which focuses on primarily been enhanced for senior athletes, junior and sub-
creating the base infrastructure in terms of stadia junior athletes.
and courts for priority sports disciplines. Its second An impetus has been provided to MYAS's
pillar is Community Coaching Development, efforts following the decision of the Ministry of
which focuses on identifying mentors within the Finance in 2016 to include sports infrastructure
community and linking them with the third pillar, in the harmonised master list of infrastructure
State-Level Khelo India Centres for Excellence. In sub-sectors. Following this decision, the sports
addition, Annual Sports Competitions- for youth, sector is now eligible for obtaining long-term
students and different age groups - constitute the financial support from banks and other financial
fourth pillar. The fifth pillar is the primary focus of institutions at par with infrastructure projects. It
Khelo India- spotting and nurturing talent across is expected that such parity in financial support
the nation through a nationwide hunt. Other will boost investment in sports infrastructure,
pillars of this program are targeting at specific encourage private investment, promote health and
groups including school children, women, people fitness, as well as generate additional employment
with disabilities as well as a focus on sports for opportunities.
peace, development, and promotion of indigenous
cultures. In 2016, NITI Aayog released 'Let's Play-
Action Plan for Revitalising Sports in India'. The
As of May 2021, over 217 Khelo India Centres document presents a 20-point action plan which
had been established across the country, with the highlights key areas for strengthening the sports
the target to open over 1,000 such centers over ecosystem in the country. These action points are
the next four years, including atleast one centre divided into a short-term vision (4 to 8 years) and
in every district of India. The objective of ;tI;~se a medium to long-term vision (8 to 15 years). The
centers is to. work towar.ds ensuring l~'~,f'~ction points enlist various initiatives which need
in the Olympics by nurturing youth from an early (0' be taken for achieving the desired target of
age. In the years since its launch Khele India has -50' medals in the 2024 Summer Olympics. NITI's
conducted over three large-scale games. )\ction Plan makes multiple recommendations
While Khelo India focuses on sportspersons, ••"including strengthening infrastructure for sports
and nurturing youth talent, it has been a ye'ar' through the Public-Private-Partnership m.ode,
since a related program, Fit India initiative seeks dedicating a fixed proportion of expenditure

incurred by schools for bolstering sports The multiple policy initiatives introduced for
infrastructure and equipment as well as hosHn,g training and development of youth in recent years
international events at regular intervals. . have focused on their all-round development with a
special emphasis on sports, health and well-being.
Forty years ago, a track and field athlete like
As we look back at our nation's journey in the realm
P.T. Usha struggled against the odds to become a
of sports, we must acknowledge the significant
household name. Less than a decade ago, a star
progress made over the last decade by following
like Mirabai Chanu had to struggle against many
Gandhiji's diktats for good health including sanitation
odds to get access to good training and even had
and hygiene; nutrition; Yoga and self-reliance. We
to hitch rides with truck drivers to train at the
must also acknowledge the success of programs
Sports Academy in Manipur. Rural India's talent
like Khelo India and Fit India in ensuring that health,
faced an uphill task in achieving success in the
fitness and wellness become a priority for all citizens
international arena. Khelo India, and the other
in the country.
initiatives of the Government are focused on
changing this scenario, ensuring that no Mirabai (The authors are Directors, Development
Chanu goes unnoticed, and that sportspersons Monitoring and Evaluation Office, NIT! Aayog.
including from rural areas achieve their full Email: [email protected] and adhiraj.p@nic.
potential. in. Views expressed are personal)
The ~!t)ridia'MRvement
..' ."
't.. \~.
_.\
.
FIT INDIA Movement was launched on 29t~August, 201~~ Honourable Prime Minister
with a view to make fitness an integral partl~f'our daily live :trhe mission of
is to bring about behavioural changes and m~~!?ward~, ~ore physically
Towards achieving this mission, Fit India prb~Ji~ :t~Clfldertake various
the Movement
active lifestyle.
initiatives and
FT
conduct events to achieve the following objectives: - INDIA
• To promote fitness as easy, fun and free.
• To spread awareness on fitness and various physical activities that promote fitness through focused
campaigns.
• To encourage indigenous sports.
• To make fitness reach every school, college/university, panchayat/village, etc.
• To create a platform for citizens of India to share information, drive awareness and encourage sharing of
personal fitness stories.
(Source: https://fitindia.gov.in/)
Kurukshetra
c""----=--=-----='-=--=--==-=-- )
December 2021 : Innovative Skilling and Livelihood
C C_O_M_I N-.-'G_S_O_O_N )
Smart Agriculture

7~~m'
A za I Ka
Arnrit Mahotsav
'Atithi Devo Bhava': Growth of Indian Tourism Sector

Dr. Amiya Kumar Mohapatra and Dr. Nandeesh V Hiremath
Tourism sector is the fostest growing ond lorgest indu,stry in terms' of its economic benefits ond socio-economic impocts ond
enobling equity. Indio enjoys respect globally, with i~s distinct feoture of 'richest culture and diverse heritage'. Indio's glorious
traditions ond rich culturol heritoge laid the foundation of the Indian tourism sector. Indio hos been considered us the 'Tourist
Paradise' because of its flora and fauna, architecturai monuments, musTc, pointing, art ond crofts, dances, different cultures and
languages, customs/traditions and varied festivals - which no other country in the world, con boost of and/or endowed with.
"'- f
he state of economic development foreign exchange earnings through enhancing
T of any country depends significantly

upon the relative contributions
the primary, secondary and services
sector and the contribution of the services
of
exports. Overall, the impact of the tourism sector
is multi-dimensional,
are interconnected
as all the producing sectors
and interdependent.
Tourism sector is the fastest growing and

sector to the GDP decides the nature and quality largest industry in terms of its economic benefits
of development. In India, it is found that the and socio-economic impacts and enabling
contribution of the" services sector to GDP is equity. India enjoys respect globally, with its
around 55 percent and out of that the share of distinct feature of 'richest culture and diverse
the tourism' sector is significant. Tourism sector heritage'. India's glorious traditions and rich
contributes about 5 percent to GDP and also cultural heritage laid the foundation of the Indian
creates direct and sustainable employment. It is tourism sector. India has been considered as the
witnessed that lout of 10 jobs created in India 'Tourist Paradise' because of its flora and fauna,
are from the tourism sector. Further, it generates architectural monuments, music, painting, art and

crafts, dances, different cultures and languages, has many facets and multiple implications for the
customs/traditions and varied festivals - which no integrated socio-economic development which
other country in the world can boast of and lor are summarised in Figure 1,
endowed with, A myriad of cultural expres5~s tor I
T' f th t f d
, " iounsm sec or IS one 0
.' •• 6.j,,,,' e mos pre erre
can be expenenced, when tourists t~~e-IS~3'Ctqs:~5~.;, sectors for alleviating poverty, inequality and
India making them immense proud(l~ing
I '"
abou.' ·-;·,,\unempIt'd'
. , oymen In iverse an d thi IC y popu at e d
kl I
the culturallv-rich Indians and th Iconstltutesj·. t I'k I di It'd I I
" • l/coun ry I e n ra. provt es arge sca e
the bedrock of Indian tOUrISm, \~~ \. ~.' employment to tourists' assistants, hawkers, taxi
Importance of Tourism Sector In Ind~~1 drivers, tourist guides, photographers, street
, , ", . vendors and provides indirect employment in
The tourism sector being the consumption- it d ived
I S enve
t
sec ors,
Thi t I
IS sec or a so opens-up
oriented economic sector creates a great deal avenues f or t rave I agencies.' ". supp I'y In d us trines,
of, demand for work and , , hence provides
, both d t"
a ver ISing agencies, 'f 00
d/ ca teri
enng ind
In us t ry,
direct employment Within the tourism sector motels, hotels and restaurants, To meet the
and indirect employment in the complementary/ d eman d f or accommo d atiIon 0f th e t ounsist s, new
derived sectors, Tourism sector helps the country buildings, hotels, motels, and guest houses are
in correcting the balance of payment deficit bei t t d hi h I id I
erng cons ruc e w IC a so provt e arge-sca e
I
through
,
the generation
,
of foreign
, ,
exchange I
emp oymen
t t t ti lnd t
0 cons ruc Ion In us ry wor ers,
k
earnings, It contributes significantly to our, t' t d I b
, h b f ' f engineers, carpen ers, pain ers, an p um ers,
economic growt y ostenng new avenues 0 t
employment and subsequently contributes to' e c.
the revenue generation of the econornv.Tourisrn The scope and range of employment in
sector has a high multiplier effect in creating tourism sector is multi-faceted in nature, as
employment and enhancing the income, It helps it provides opportunities to all categories/
in re-distribution of income and is a great tool ages including young and old; educated and
of poverty reduction, It helps in bringing down uneducated; male and female without any
the urban-rural disparity and rich-poor divide, discrimination, It being a labour-intensive
The importance of the tourism sector in India industry can employ a large number of people,
Figure 1: Designed by Mohapatra and Hiremath (2021)
Contribution to GDPI
National Income
... ,
Foreign EXChange
Earnings
,
Contribution to Contribution to
Direct Employment Indirect Employment
•
Medium & Avenue for
Cultural Exchanges •
Importance of
Tourism Sector
In India
... Market for New
Products & Services
,, • •
,.
Local/Rural Area Increase In Revenue
Development & Additional Income
,,
, •
,
Inclusive ,
~ ,, Equity &
Development Empowerment
26 ====::::====::::::l!i! Kurukshetra • November 2021

. '
especially migrants from the agriculture sector. livelihoods, especially the small and marginalised
Thereby, it helps in reducing a great deal, of sections of the society.
pressure from the agricultural sector. ble 1: Trends and Growth Analysis of Tourism
~~~
The growth of the tourism sector is positively 4 Sector (2009-2019)
related to the economic growth of a nation. Thi
~.
Domestic Foreign
also significantly nurtures entrepreneurshi i TouristVisits
(in million)
Exchange
Earnings
skills and initiatives. It has been contributing to ~
(US$in
enhanced quality of life, promotes arts/handicrafts ~J .~ million)
and contributes in the increasing awareness about ;009 \
5.17 668.80 11136
the conservation of environment and cultural
5.78 747.70 14490
heritage. In addition to job creation and additional 2010
income, it opens-up opportunities and markets 2011 6.31 864.53 17707
for new products and services, which are auxiliary 2012 6.58 1045.05 17971
yet important part of integrated development of 2013 6.97 1142.53 18397
the region/state. The sector has great economic
2014 7.68 1282.80 19700
impact on the different forms of employment;
2015 8.03 1431.97 21013
and helps in increasing female participation,
increase in the social status of workers and better 2016 8.80 1615.39 # 22923
standard of living with increase in social cohesion. 2017 10.04 1657.55 # 27310
It is a sector which brings all kinds of happiness 2018 10.56 1853.79 # 28586
to both the host and the visitors and creates 2321.98 # 30058
2019 10.93
a great place for spreading global peace and
2020 2.74 610.22 #6958
happiness. Simply stated, 'the tourism sector has
Note:#: Revisedestimates
been in the business of creating experiences and
Source: Compiled by Authors from: (i) Bureau of Immi-
unforgettable memories for the tourists/travellers gration, Government of India, 2020; (ii) ReserveBankof
of a variety of segments', which is the heart and India; (iii) Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, for
essence of its relevance, growth and eminence for 2016-2020; (iv) State/ Union Territory Tourism Depart-
holistic development. ments.
Growth Trends of Tourism Sector in India: ,.tl~~. Changing Landscapeand 'Atithi Devo Bhava'
The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely . '~';:rheMinistry of Tourism (MoT), Government
impacted the tourism sector globally andIndia is of India launched a social awareness campaign
no exception, rather it affected more livelihoods in zoos.'Atithi Devo Bhava' which means 'Guest
than elsewhere. Hence, it is observed that there is Uke our God'. The very purpose of the drive is
was a d rast·IC f a II' In touri
ounsm actiIVIitires f or a b ou t' to extend and ensure good behaviour towards
. M h 2020 H h the tourists and make their stay and visit happy
15 - 18 mon th s, since arc . owever, w en
. I d f d d . h and further to motivate the members of the
th e d ata IS ana yse or a eca e covenng t e. .
. . . . . community to demonstrate generous behaviour
pre-COVID period (2009-2019), It IS interesting to during visitor's stay. Hence, Atithi Devo Bhava, in
not~ce th~t .the touri~m sector w.as flouri:hin.g and a real sense, ensures to provide good experiences
having a nsrng trend In ter~s of ItS contnbutlo.n to and to extend good behaviour towards the
GDP, employment and foreign exchange earnings tourists and also to improve relationship between
(Table 1). Apart from that in post-COVID period, the hosts and the tourists. The campaign targets
if things improve, for sure the tourism sector will the general public while focusing mainly on
follow the trend of the past decade. Therefore, the stakeholders of the tourism industry. The
to boost and revive the tourism sector, the campaign provides training and orientation to
government has been working and shall continue police, immigration officers, drivers, guides and
to accelerate the tourism-related activities to other personnel who interact directly with the
bring back the sector into the much-needed track, tourists. The core agenda of the campaign is to
as it is impacting and contributing to millions of make India a preferred tourist nation.

~
e
Tourism experience is very much in nced me the losses and to boost the tourism
by the degree of acceptability by the re ts r. The government has taken a variety of
and their cooperation during tourist "mD'~' asures to fight against the adverse effects of
Ultimate focus of the drive is to make citizens COVID-19,withongoing~zadiKaAmritMahotsav:
more responsible in their approaches and India at 75 Years of Independence'. Among
behaviour in making the country proud. It is these schemes and initiatives, the government
expected that our good behaviour and ownership under the scheme of ~atmaNirbhar Bharat' has
will boost the tourism sector. Government with launched various schemes in support of tourism
other stakeholders must possess the sense of developmentthat includes PRASHAD and Swadesh
ownership in providing . . a happy .. and congenial D ars h an. Th ese sc h emes are especta. IIy desi
esrgne
d
environmentJ,p the vrsitors during their stay d t . d t t th . t f th
.: ..;;.~} an cus orruse 0 mee e requtrernen s 0 e
SWAN AnalystS for the Tourism Sector in India tourist and to promote tourism.
Contribution of the tourism sector to the Swadesh Darshan is an initiative taken by

overall ernplovrnejit and livelihood itself signifies the government to enrich the tourist experiences
its importance in' the development agenda. and to enhance opportunities and to promote
The gover~'nt is committed to promote the lesser known destinations. National Mission on
tourism se-ctor for its multiplier effect and Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage
multi-faceted boosting-up of the economy. Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) launched by the
A critical 'SWAN Analysis' (S=Strengths, W= Ministry of Tourism with a special objective of
Weaknesses, A=Achievements and N=Next
holistic development of pilgrimage and heritage
Steps) of the tourism sector in India is done to
destinations. Through this drive, 57 sites are
assess and to suggest the needful interventions
identified in 29 states and union territories; and
and improvement, (Box 1).
the government has already spent Rs. 622.08
COVID-19 Pandemic and Tourism Sector crores on the sanctioned 36 projects in 24
states to boost the tourism. Other schemes for
Due to COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism
tourism development include: Central Agencies
sector suffered a serious setback for which the
global tourism industry got a serious hit of US$ for Tourism Infrastructure Development; Gap
4 trillion in terms of global GDP loss (2020 and Scheme for Revenue Generating Tourism Projects;
2021). As far as the tourism sector in India is Capacity Building for Service Provider; Domestic
concerned, it has been adversely affected in Promotion and Publicity including Hospitality;
terms of its contribution to GDP and to direct Overseas Promotion and Publicity including
and indirect employment, thus affecting millions Marketing Development Assistance; Champion
of livelihoods. The whole world is reeling under Services Sector Scheme; Safe Tourist Destination
pandemic-driven recession of its worst kind one for Women; and Development of Iconic Tourist
can imagine, but India has the resilience and agility Destination etc.
to bounce back, which is quite visible especially
It is a well-known fact that the tourism
from August 2021. Although most of the socio-
activities primarily result in environmental and
economic activities had slowed down earlier,
socio-cultural impact on the destinations to a
they are picking-up life back in post-COVID-19
large extent and every activity has an opportunity
regime, especially in the tourism sector. This is
certainly a welcome sign of development. As a cost, which is true in respect to tourism as well.
consequence, whatever the adverse impact seen Hence, to minimise the adverse effects of tourism
through poverty, inequality and joblessness in on the environment, the concept of 'Sustainable
most parts of the world during COVID-19 (March Tourism' has been initiated. Government has
2020 to August 2021) is fading away. already started new-age tourism which includes
niche tourism to attract inbound and domestic
Government Initiatives and Boosting the
tourists. The very purpose of the creation of
Tourism Sector
'Sustainable Tourism' is a kind of shift from
The Government of India and many state 'Seasonal Tourism' to '365 Days Tourism' and to
governments have launched various schemes to meet the needs of the new customer segments with

·v.
. • .I>
-.
Box 1: SWANAnaIYs1s'·for the Tour~m Sector in India
,. ~.
S = Strengths . .
" . 'fC'"
• Both central and state governments have designed a variety of tourism schemes to promote the sector.
• Tourist destinations have rich variety and diversity i.e., nature, resorts, historical places, heritage sites, local/regional
festivals, multi-cultural exchanges, ete
• Variety of pricing offers available for all categories of customers (domestic and foreign).
• Majority of the tourist destinations across Indio have good facilities and amenities ... including transportation,
accommodation, medical and shopping etc.
• Some tourist destinations are known for unique experiences and features e.g,. Eco-tourism in North l::ll.i~ifILe
Tourism is Kerala, Fun Tourism in Goo, Temple Tourism in South Indian states, etc. ,~"-,;:""-"",,,:,,
.••••f!S
W = Weaknesses ~
• Maintenance, cleanliness and hygiene are some of the continued challenges. t~
• Safety and security aspects are a matter of concern in some of the tourist destinations. ~th
.'IJ
• With the advent of technology & uccessibility of mobile internet, the information is available but s eliable/
updated information is locking on some tourist places, especially which are not port of mainstream tourist places.
• The variety and availability of non-spicy food for the foreign travellers is a challenge in some destinations.
• At times, the resident/local residents in tourist destinations exploit the tourists (by corruption, cheating, over-charging,
unruly behaviour, ete), thereby creating bod experiences and that is affecting the image of tourism in Indio.
A = Achievements
• Indio is land of diverse dimate, weather and tourist destinations of all kinds - in all the seasons of the year (rare
opportunity, unlike other countries having seasonal tourism).
• There is a tremendous progress achieved in attracting and promoting tourism in some destinations, where income of local
people increases, employment enhances, local MSME and artisan businesses flourish etc. (e.g., Goo, Northeast, Kerala,
ete).
• The untapped potential in attracting and encouraging the planned tourism, especially for the foreign tourists by enabling
greater and memorable experiences is on rise.
• Adequate opportunities have been utilised for nurturing the Ero-tourism like in Kerala, Northeast, Hilly/mountain areas,
ete
• Schemes like PRASHAD,Swadesh Darshan, and Niche Tourism are doing well and tourist services like e-visa are on rise and
support services have been strengthened.
N = Next Steps
• There is a dire and urgent need to design 'Tourism as on Experience', rather than just a 'Service' of visiting places, food,
stay, shopping, etc.
• The marketing, strategising and branding of some tourist destinations/places have to be under 'PPP (Public Private
Partnership) Model' and exploitative nature of local residents to be addressed as a system.
• At times, the local/regional heritage is getting lost amid man-mode tourist attractions. This must be addressed by treating
it as a notional heritage and lot can be done in this domain.
• In some places (though few), the local political tensions and/or terrorism/communal riots affect the tourists and hence
that refrain them from visiting; hence media and PR management becomes crucially important.
• An integrated and holistic approach to be adopted by central and state governments, along with private players, so that
the rich heritage and diverse culture is preserved, protected and nurtured.
Source: Compiled by authors from the published reports. Source for SWAN Analysis: Dr. Subhash Sharma, 'New Ideas in Strategic
Thinking and Monogement'(2016).

distinct experiences. Niche tourism undertaken strengthen the tourism sector. People participation
includes: cruise, adventure, ----------- must be encouraged and should
wellness tourism, medical, golf Niche tourism underto~en ind~des: cruise, be done at the local level to
and polo, film tourism, health odventure,wellnessteurlsm, medical,golf ond make it more people-centric
tourism, heritage tourism, polo, him tourism, health tourism, heritage and participatory. The digital
eco-tourism, rural tourism and tourism, em-tourism, rural tourism and follow-up and connectivity
sustainable tourism. sustoin_o_b_le_t_o_ur_is_m_.______ networks at destinations must be
strengthened further to address
The Way Forward safety and security issues and to ensure quality
Tourists, whether domestic or international, experiences of the tourists. Although the tourism
look forward to the excellent infrastructure and sector has been facing formidable challenges over
high quality of hospitality services and more the last 15-18 months, due to COVID-19, it has
importantly the 'great quality experiences to be gathered positive momentum already. It is needless
treasured for years'. Government is taking all to mention that a structured and well-planned
kinds of measures for the development of this tourism development strategy by both central and
sector, however, it needs to re-formulate and state governments, along with private tourism
re-energise the tourism policy keeping in view industry stakeholders will certainly contribute in
the altering priorities of the tourists in the post- attaining sustainable tourism in India.
COVID-19 scenario.
(The authors are Deputy Director, FOSTIIMA
There is an urgent need to further strengthen- Business School, Dwarka, New Delhi, Email:
the core infrastructures like airways, rail~a'ys,")' [email protected] and Professor,
roadways, and waterways etc., and also need to indus Business Academy (IBA), Bangalore. Views
tighten the safety and security aspects sq as to eX~.fessed are personal)
•
Dreams do come true.

Fulfill your dl'lllllS with
S81 EdulcaUcllIIl

Development of Sports in Rural India
Rakesh Thapliyal
India has a rich heritage of indigenous sports, and it is priority for the Sports Ministry to preserve, promote and populorise these
games. The best performance of Indian athletes in the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics has encouraged State Governments to
announce the construction of new stadiums or training centers in the villages of medal winners. Ministry of Youth Affairs and
Sports is working hard to establish and improve the sports infrastructure and coaching facilities in rural areas, but there is 0 need
to do more efforts in this direction.
here was a time when people all. over create opportunities for these kids through sports
T the world used to recognise India with

Mahatma Gandhi and with the game of
hockey. Gandhi ji once said 'The soul of
is something that really excites me".
The best performance of Indian athletes

in the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics has
India lives in villages'. This is a true statement by
encouraged State Governments to announce the
the great leader which applies to Indian sports as
construction of new stadiums or training centers
well. If we look at the list of medal winners from
in the villages of medal winners. If we take the
the Tokyo Olympic Games 2020 and Paralympics
examples of Tokyo Olympic gold medalist, Javelin
2020, we will find that most of them are from
thrower, Neeraj Chopra and silver medal winner,
far-flung rural areas of the country, so without
Weightlifter, Mirabai Chanu, both of them are
any hesitation, we can say that sports have deep
from rural backgrounds and during their early days
roots in rural India. But, no one can deny the fact
forced to travel 15-20 odd kilometers for training
that there is a great need to establish a small
because there was nothing such as a sports facility
but modern sports training infrastructure at
near their villages in Haryana and Manipur.
panchayat and district level. Indian Tennis player
Leander Paes, a bronze medalist of the Atlanta However, the emerging New India is different.
Olympics 1996, said, "I feel that 75-80 percent of Being a sport enthusiast, Prime Minister Shri
all our talent is in the rural areas. I feel that to Narendra Modi has created a belief in the entire

~~
~
~
nation that there will be no shortage of res~ ~ es, I level so that they get opportunities. In the
that we can be world champions in sports an' ~~Ih\ s to come, the number of these centers will be
is exactly what has happened. The Prime Minister increased to 1,000".
regularly talks about sports and athletes in 'Mann
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has
Ki Baat' program. He has interacted with the
formulated several schemes to promote sports in
athletes as well to encourage them.
the country, including in rural, tribal and backward
To take sports to the next level, an Olympic areas. Some of the schemes are as follows:
Task Force of experts from their respective fields
(i) Khelo India Scheme (ii) Assistance to
was formed. They suggested a roadmap to boost National Sports Federations; (iii) Special Awards
India's performance in Olympic Games. The sports to winners in international sports events and
fraternity is positive that India is now changing their coaches; (iv) National Sports Awards,
and showing its presence in the world arena. Pension to Meritorious sportspersons; (v) Pandit
In our country, sports is a state subject and Deendayal Upadhyay National Sports Welfare
the primary responsibility of the promotion of Fund; (vi) National Sports Development Fund;
sports, including identifying young sportspersons and (vii) Running sports training centers through
and nurturing them to excel in national and Sports Authority of India. The majority of the
international sports events, rests with state sportspersons benefitting from these schemes
governments. Laws for sports are to be made by belong to the rural, backward, tribal and women
the States. The funding at the grassroots is done population of the country and are provided with
by the states. However, the Government of India regulartraining on a residential and non-residential
supplements the efforts of state governments and basis as per the approved norms of the schemes.
National Sports Federations through its various Under the Khelo India Scheme, talent search
sports promotional schemes. has been started at the grassroots level in two
Various sports federations are responsible- categories: (i) Sports potential talent identification
for the development of sports and generation of (ii) Proven talent identification.
funds. They are supported by the Government of Further, India is divided into five zones
India. The government also introduced programs namely North, East, West, South and North-East
'Khelo India' and 'Target Olympic Podium Scheme'. Zones to carry out talent identification. Grassroot
In these schemes, government is covering the Zonal Talent Identification Committees are formed
grassroots and elite sports from small villages to to reach out to every corner of the country to
big metro cities. Today, every male and female shortlist potential and proven athletes. Talent
athlete puts all of his or her efforts to be included Identification is carried out in twenty sports
in these two flagship schemes of the Central disciplines in the age group of 8 to 14 years,
Government. wherein the country has the potential/advantage
In an interaction with the Indian para- to excel at the international level.
athletes before Tokyo Paralympic Games 2020, Under the 'Talent Search and Development'
Shri Modi had said, "Looking at you, I can say that vertical of the Khelo India Scheme, Khelo India
our villages and remote areas are full of talent and Athletes identified and selected under the scheme
confidence. You are a living example of that. Many are provided annual financial assistance of Rs. 6.28
times, you would have thought about what would lakh per athlete per annum which includes Rs. 1.20
have happened to your dreams had you not got lakh per annum as Out of Pocket Allowance and
the facilities regarding resources. We also have to Rs. 5.081akh for other facilities like coaching, sports
worry about the same concerns for the lakhs of science support, diet, equipment, consumables,
the youth of the country. There are so many youth insurance charges, etc. Further, each Khelo India
who can win so many medals. Today, the country Centre notified under the Scheme at district levels
ltself is trying to reach them and special attention in various States/Union Territories are eligible
is being given to rural areas. Today, 360 Khelo to receive Rs. 5 lakh per discipline as a one-time
India Centers have been set up in more than 250 grant and Rs. 5 lakh per discipline as a recurring
districts of the country to identify talent at the grant.

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Under the "Support to National/Regi~ ,~I',~/ present, there are 24 KISCEs across
State Sports Academics" vertical of the Kh~ro.--,-·;~r:Y'5tates and UTs while 360 KICs have been
India Scheme, sports academies are accredited - sanctioned across various districts in the country.
for the training of the Khelo India Athletes. States have been requested to contribute to their
Accreditation of academies is an ongoing process full capacity in giving the future champions of
and sports academies are accredited upon receiving India all the crucial amenities including the best
expressions of interest from the State/Union coaching, infrastructure, medical facilities etc. The
Territory governments after following the due Fit India movement has been a game-changer in
process under the Khelo India Scheme. 236 sports inculcating the habit of fitness through various
academies have so far been accredited across the campaigns conducted thereon, like the Fit India
country. Further, under the "State Level Khelo India Freedom Run,'the Fit India Mobile App, Fit India
Centre" vertical of the Khelo India scheme, the Quiz, etc.
Ministry has decided to establish 1000 Khelo India The States and UTs have been urged to send
Centres across the country, out of which 360 Khelo proposals to open up KISCEs, KICs as well as
India Centres have already been notified. academies to further the cause of strengthening
The Central Government also provides the sports ecosystem of the nation. For the last
financial assistance under its scheme of 'Khelo seven years, the Sports Ministry, under the able
India' to States/UTs to develop critical sports guidance of the Prime Minister, worked towards
infrastructure and other infrastructure, where creating sports facilities in all the villages. The
there are gaps, including for sports science and Central Government and many states have decided
sports equipment based on viable proposals to start sports universities that will produce world-
class athletes and also educate athletes in different
from them. The coordination between States and
fields of sports. The Union Sports Ministry has
Central Government is the best in the history of
started creating sports facilities in Jammu and
Indian sports.
Kashmir, Leh-Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh in a
In September this year, Union Minister of big way.
Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Singh Thakur
Central Government has earmarked an
virtually interacted with Sports Ministers of various
amount of Rs. 200 crore under PM Development
States and Union Territories across India to draw
Plan for the development of playfields and indoor
the roadmap to prepare the athletes for the
stadiums in the whole UT of Jammu and Kashmir.
future Olympics, Asian Games and Commonwealth
40 centers are approved under the Khelo India
Games. During the discussion, the Minister asked
scheme in the UT in which necessary training
the States and UTs to send
their feedback on making ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
a common pool of cash

awards for the athletes
where both the central
and the state governments
can accumulate the funds
so that players of all states
will get equal benefits
after winning medals.
The overall motive of the
interaction was to urge
them to organise sporting
events across rural and
urban areas for able-
bodied and para-athletes
as well as playa key role in
the identification of talents
at the grass roots level.

s
will be given to the youth as per their ta ]I... ding NCOEs, STCs, Extension Center, etc. are
interest in particular sports besides various'~ Dilhi * ctional for implementation of the above sports
programs are in pipeline to provide scientific promotional schemes of SAI. Around 9025 athletes
training to the sportspersons. There will be one (5,579 boys and 3,446 girls) are being trained in
highly equipped indoor stadium in each district these Centres.
of Jammu and Kashmir. Union Minister for Youth
Under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme
Affairs and Sports recently visited Jammu and
(TOPS), the Government of India provides
Kashmir, Leh Ladakh.ared-Hirnachal Pradesh. He
assistance to India's top athletes in their
also e-inaugurated t.4t?ee highly 'equipped indoor
preparations for Olympic and Paralympic Games.
stadiums in Budgam. Pulwama and Anantnag.
Sports facilities in ~.~ese stadiu~i~.will run 365 Selected athletes are supported with funding from
the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF)
days without gettin'3f~~,~y~~ther or other
disruptions. The gov~~~is going to start for customised training and other support not
procedures for the upgradation and renovation available under normal schemes of the Ministry.
of all existing sports infrastructure at par with Out of pocket allowance (OPA) is paid Rs. 50,000
international standards. per month to Core group athletes. Apart from
OPA, the entire expenditure for the training
In states like Uttar Pradesh, efforts have
plan submitted by the sportsperson, which is
been made by the State Government at the
considered and approved by Mission Olympic
grassroots level to promote the sports culture in
Cell (MOC) is met under TOPS. At present, 147
the state. To give access to the sports facilities
individual athletes and two hockey teams (Men
to the rural-dwellers, the state government has
and Women) as core groups have been selected
also decided to construct a playground in every
under the scheme. Also, Under Development
village and open a gym at every Gram Panchayat
Group to ensure a focused approach in India's
level. The Chief Minister has also announced that
Olympic preparation, the talent identification of
taking forward the motto of 'Khelo India Khelo',
258 best sporting talents has been completed for
the state government will adopt two sports and
finance their promotion in the state for the next
12 sports disciplines. TOPS Development Group
ten years. Of the two sports to be adopted by athletes are receiving an OPA of Rs. 25,000 and
Uttar Pradesh, one will be wrestling. The second customised training support at the National
one for adoption will be selected soon by the Centre of Excellence (NCOE). Apart from the
sports department. above, the Government has launched the Khelo
India Scheme in 2017 with a mandate for the
For the development of sports in the
identification of talent and nurturing sporting
rural area, Sports Authority of India (SAI), an
talent to attain the highest levels of achievement
autonomous body under the aegis of the Ministry
at international levels. The Scheme covers pan
of Youth Affairs and Sports, is implementing the
India i.e. both urban and rural areas. At present,
following sports promotional schemes across
2967 (male: 1494 and females: 1473) Khelo India
the country to identify talented sportspersons
Athletes have been selected on Pan India basis
and nurture them to excel at national and
under Khelo India Scheme.
international competitions: (i) National Centres
of Excellence (NCOE), (ii) SAI Training Centre Sports and Education will run together and
(STC), (iii) Extension Centre of STC, (iv) National this will definitely help, in a great way, to the
Sports Talent Contest (NSTC) and its Sub-Schemes students of rural India as the sports infrastructure
- Regular Schools, Indigenous Games and Martial and training facilities will improve even in the
Arts (IGMA) & Akharas. These schemes are very remote areas and at village level in all the school
helpful for the talented and upcoming players of and colleges.
rural India.
According to the Prime Minister, "Most of
. SAI has established 23 NCOEs and 67 STCs our players come from small towns, cities and
to implement the above sports promotional villages. Therefore, lack of exposure is also a
"
schemes across the country. A total of 189 centres big challenge for them. Sometimes, challenges

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Sports Ministry encouraging

·.',ri-digenous ~a~~s:• Gatka, Kalaripayattu,
'-'
:'
Thang-Ta and Mallakh·a"b(rJl~.l'Ig with Yogasana

The Sports Ministry is also encouraging indigenous games by supporting them. It has approved the inclusion of four Indigenous
Gomes to be a port of Khelo Indio Youth Gomes 2021, scheduled to toke place in Haryana. The games include: Gatka,
Kalaripayattu, Thong-To and Mallakhamba along with Yogasana.
Indio has a rich heritage of
indigenous sports, and it is
priority for the Sports Ministry
to preserve, promote and
popularise these games. There
is no better platform than the
Khelo Indio Gomes where
athletes of these games can
compete. The games have huge
popularity and are telecast
across the country by Star
Sports. The Sports Ministry
is confident that in the 2021
Khelo Indio Youth Gomes these
four disciplines, along with
Yogasana, will get their much-
deserved attention among
sports enthusiasts and youth
of the country. There is no
doubt that in the coming years
more indigenous sports will be added to the Khelo Indio Gomes.
The four selected games represent different ports of the country. Kalaripayattu has its origin from Kerala and has practitioners
all over the world; Bollywood actor Vidyut Jammwal being one. Mallakhamba, meanwhile, has been well-known across Indio and
Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra have been the hotspots of this sport. Indian ancient martial art Gatka originates from the
State of Punjab and this traditional fighting style of the Nihang Sikh Warriors is used both as self-defense as well as a sport.
This effort of Khelo Indio will certainly help to promote and revive a forgotten Indian traditional martial art having a historical
Significance.
Thong-To, a Manipuri martial art has passed into oblivion in recent decodes, but the sport will reinvigorate again with the help
of the Khelo Indio Youth Gomes 2021.
The Thong-To Federation also confirmed that the competition will vastly popularise the sport. Over 400 athletes from different
states will participate in the competition. They wont to be very successful in the competition and this will help them get more
recognition notionally and internationally".
like new places, new people and international events, sports was no longer a measure of success
conditions lower our morale. Therefore, it was or career for us. It is very important for us to come
decided that our players should get training in out of this mindset and the feeling of insecurity".
this direction as well". No doubt the Union Sports Ministry is
If the country has to reach the top in sports, working hard to establish and improve the sports
then we have to shed that old fear which was infrastructure and coaching facilities in rural areas,
entrenched in the mind of the older generation. If a but we still have a long way to go.
child is more interested in the game, then the family (The author is senior sports journalist. Email:
members used to worry about what he would do [email protected]. Views expressed are
in the future because barring one or two sporting personal)
Kurukshetra• November 2021 r========================- 35

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Boostinl· ~ur~.t~orts Infrastructure

. ~"
. ::-~' Sandip Das
With the government's focus on building grassroots sports infrastructure through holistic approach of popularising sports amongst
youth as well as achieving excellence in sports through Khelo Indio: Notional Programme for Development of Sports is gradually
yielding results. Recent success in Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics is testimony to the positive impact of the government's thrust
on creating sports infrastructure at grassroots.
n the recently concluded

Tokyo Olympics and
Paralympics 2020, India's
performance has been
quite encouraging and noteworthy.
Besides the historic maiden gold
medal in athletics by Neeraj Chopra in
Javelin throw, Shooter Avani Lekhara
became the first woman to win two
medals at the Paralympics. With India
winning seven medals in Olympics and
19 medals in Paralympics, it has been
a special moment for India and lakhs
of aspiring sportspersons. Sports has
been less favoured career prospect for
most Indians, but Tokyo Olympics and
Paralympics have paved the way for of sports activities through National Sports
lakhs of aspiring sportspersons. Federations, training in Sports Authority of India
(SAI) Centres, support under Khelo India Scheme
The credible performance in Olympics and and for youth activities in the country through
Paralympics can be attributed to the role of the its organisations namely Nehru Yuva Kendra
Paralympic Committee of India, the Ministry of Sangathan and National Service Scheme.
Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) and collaborations
with state governments in augmenting sports For boosting sports infrastructure especially
infrastructure and training facilities especially in in the rural, tribal and remote areas in the
the rural areas. In addition, MYAS launched the country, the MYAS is at present implementing
Target Olympic Podium Scheme in 2014 with an various schemes. The schemes include Khelo India
aim to realise India's Olympics medal dreams at Scheme, Assistance to National Sports Federations,
special awards to winners in International sports
Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. The scheme provides
events and their coaches, National Sports Awards,
financial and other support to top athletes in the
Pension to meritorious sportspersons, Pandit
country to help them reach the podium at the
Deendayal Upadhyay National Sports Welfare
Olympics.
Fund, National Sports Development Fund and
As per the constitutional provisions, the running sports training centres through Sports
promotion of 'Sports' falls on the State subject Authority of India.
list, which implies that the responsibility for the
Periodically after receiving the proposals
development and creation of sports infrastructure
under various sports promotion programmes from
lies with the States and Union Territories. The role
the States and UTs, the MYAS sanctions funds to
of the central government is to support States and
create infrastructure for programmes according to
UTs in building infrastructure for promotion of
the parameters of the respective Schemes subject
sports amongst youth.
to the completeness of the proposals, technical
MYAS supplements their efforts in this regard feasibility and availability of funds under the
by providing financial assistance for promotion Schemes.

During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a rts offers through its cross-cutting
renewed thrust on use of technology to impart training to . Iy, holistic development of children
athletes at the grassroots. This is evident from the use of an • community development, gender
digital platforms for imparting online training to coaches and equality, national integration and nation building,
also to athletes, Khelo India e-Pathshala programme has been healthy lifestyle, national pride and economic
introduced by the SAI wherein the eminent athletes and senior opportunities related to sports development.
coaches teach different modules in 21 disciplines to improve Khelo India has been divided into twelve
the technical skills of the athletes at grassroots level.
verticals or themes - Play Field Development,
Community Coaching Development, State Level
The majority of the sportspersons benefitting
Khelo India Centres, Annual Sports Competition,
from these Schemes hail from the rural, backward,
Talent Search and Development, Utilisation and
tribal and women population of the country and
Creation/Upgradation of sports infrastructure,
are provided with periodic training on residential
Physical fitness of school children, Sports for
and non-residential basis as per the approved
Women, Promotion of sports amongst people with
norms of the Schemes.
disabilities, Sports for Peace and Development
In 2017, for promoting mass participation and Promotion of rural and indigenous /tribal
in sports and achieve effective implementation, games. The MYAS, SAI and LakshmiBai National
the earlier schemes of Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan Institute of Physical Education are entrusted with
(RGKA), Urban Sports Infrastructure Scheme (USJ$i:.·)~t~~·n~sponsibility of implementation of various
and National ~ports ~alent Search Scheme (N~}sl ver-l!~ls of the Scheme.
were mer~ed Int.o a single scheme to be narfjfJ as,g~the union bud et (2021-22) Rs. 657.71
'Khelo India: National Programme for Develo~ent ',_ g :
f S
o por s. t ' Kh I I di d
eon
. . t' f ~'''>h
la rew Insplra Ion rom./\ e
I crore nas been allocated for Khelo India Scheme as
.; ~" . . ..
. d ~~. 'p.e-r~e Budget Estimates. This allocation Includes
M a h a k um bh - an annua I even t orgaruse annU21~l'i'" 'I!!''-~d': f h f d I f
· U d h Kh 'I' '''''~Hl S or t e purpose 0 eve opment 0 sports
b y th e Governmen t 0f G ujarat. n er tee 0 .. ".. ..
di f h . I I Infrastructure In the country. For attaining the
I n ra programme, one 0 t e vertica s, name y, ,. ,
'P tl f I d i di It ib I ,. goal of Creating World Class Sports Infrastructure
romo
. Ion 0 rura an In igenous n a. games . IS approxlma . t e Iy 65 percen t 0fth e t 0t a I ou tl ay 0fth e
dedicated to development of rural and Indigenous Kh I I di S heme i d f t' d
ib I . h eon ta c eme IS reserve or crea Ion an
an d tr: a games In t e country. .. .
upgradation of sports Infrastructure. According to
Under the 'Promotion of rural and indigenous the eight report of Parliamentary Committee on
ortribal games' vertical ofthe Khelo India Scheme, estimates, the review of performance of the Khelo
Mallakhamb, Kalaripayyattu, Gatka and Thang- India Scheme (2020-21) - the budget allocation
Ta have been receiving support. Grants have for the Scheme was Rs 1,756 crore for the period
been provided for infrastructure development, 2017-18 to 2019-20.
equipment support, appointment of coaches,
During 2018-19 - 2020-21, the MYAS has
training of coaches and scholarships.
sanctioned 189 sports infrastructure projects,
The four selected games represent various 360 Khelo India Centres (KICs), 24 Khelo India
regions of the country. Kalaripayattu has its origin State Centres of Excellence (KISCE) and 160 Khelo
from Kerala which is practiced across globe and India Academies for promotion and development
Mallakhamba, practiced mostly in Madhya Pradesh of sports in the country. MYAS also is currently
and Maharashtra. Gatka originates from Punjab, promoting sports in 13 states which include Left
and this traditional fighting style of the Nihang Sikh Wing Extremism areas, Jammu and Kashmir and
Warriors is used both as self-defence as well as a North Eastern states. The MYAS has decided to
sport. Thang-Ta is a Manipuri marital art. These extend the Khelo India programme from 2021-22
sports will get national recognition again with the to 2025-26.
help of the Khelo India Youth Games 2021.
The Khelo India Games, which was organised
Khelo India Scheme is an umbrella scheme for the first time in 2018, has been a major game-
which aims at achieving the twin objective of changer for grass roots level sports competitions
broad- basing of sports and achieving excellence in India. Since then, a host of Khelo India Games
in sports, which in turn will infuse sports culture in have been hosted, including the Youth, University
the country, thus allowing the population to derive and Winter Games. The Khelo India program has

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also encompassed the upgradation of s ••• ral ing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there
sports infrastru5=tures across the States and h .~ n a renewed thrust on use of technology
KISCE and KICs. *Deltre part training to athletes at the grassroots.
The country has been divided into five zones his is evident from the use of digital platforms for
namely North, East, West, South and North-East imparting online tr.aining to coaches and also to
Zones to carry out talent identification. Grassroot athlet~s, Khelo India e-Pathshala ~rogramm~ has
Zonal' i'a1ent Identification Committees are been Introduced by the SAI wherein the eminent
athletes and senior coaches teach different
f orme d t 0 reac h ou t t 0 eac h an d every corner 0 f .. .. .
' t th t ti I d modules In 21 disciplines to Improve the technical
th e coun t ry t 0 s h or tl IS e po en ra an proven .
. 20 t di . I' U d th 'T I t skills of the grass roots level athletes.
athl e t es In spor s ISCIPmes. n er e a en
Search and Development' vertical of the Khelo The eighth report of Parliamentary
India Scheme, Khelo India Athletes identified and Committee on estimates on the review of
selected under the scheme are provided annual performance of the Khelo India Scheme (2020-
financial assistance of Rs. 6.281akh per athlete per 21) has recommended that the government
annum. Further, each Khelo India Centre notified should substantially invest commensurately in
under the Scheme at district levels in various different sports and if needed, private sector
States/Union Territories are eligible to receive Rs. may also be allowed to invest in the sports
5 lakh per discipline as one-time grant and Rs. 5 infrastructure and sportspersons by way of
lakh per discipline as recurring grant. Corporate Social Responsibility.
Under the 'Support to National, Regional, Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi in a recent
State Sports Academies' vertical of the Khelo radio broadcast of 'MANN KI BAAT' said that the
India Scheme, sports academies are provided Tokyo Olympics have created a major impact, and
accreditation for the training of the Khelo India India's achievements may not be a lot compared
Athletes. Accreditation of academies is an ongoing to some countries but are enough to bolster the
process and sports academies are provided people's belief. "Today, it is not that the youth is
accreditation based on expressions of interest just watching sports ...The youth is also looking at
from the state and union territory governments possibilities associated with sports ... She or he now
after following the due process under the Khelo wants to surpass conventional ways and adopt new
India Scheme. disciplines," Modi said while calling for creation of
sports competitions at the village level.
The positive impact of boosting Indio's sport infrastructure at
The positive impact of boosting India's sport
the grassroots has started to yield results. With the thrust on
infrastructure at the grassroots has started to yield
creating additional sports infrastructures at the grassroots, it
results. With the thrust on creating additional
is expected to result in Indio emerging as a major sporting
sports infrastructures at the grassroots, it is
power house in the next decodes.
expected to result in India emerging as a major
Several infrastructure projects under Khelo sporting power house in the next decades.
India have been created across states. As many
References
as eight sports infrastructure projects have been
1. https://kheloindia.gov.in/
sanctioned while 11 projects have been taken up
in Bihar under the Khelo India Scheme. In order to 2. https://yas.gov.in/sites/default/files/
promote sports talent in rural Uttar Pradesh and Kh e 10%20 I n d i a %20Sch e m e-M issio n%20
hone the skills of players, the state government has Directorate-%20Sports%20Development. pdf
initiated rural sports events in all 75 districts and set 3. http://164.100. 24. 220/loksa bhaquestions/
up mini stadiums in the rural areas. As many as 20 annex/176/AU2794.pdf
mini stadiums are being constructed in the state. Two 4. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaselframePage.
infrastructure projects for upgradation of Hockey aspx?PRID=1756267
and Football grounds along with construction of
5. http://164.100.4 7 .193/lssco m m ittee/
multipurpose indoor hall with 12 courts halls have
Estimates/17 _Estimates_8.pdf
been taken up in Jharkhand. Construction and laying
of synthetic athletic track at SAI Training Centre (The author is a Delhi based journalist. Email:
at Gujarat have been taken up under Khelo India [email protected]. Views expressed are
scheme. personal)

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Pradhan Mantri AwaafYojana-Towards

.. ~
~~ '
Affordabl'e Housing i~ ...

e .~
Dr. Y. S. Shivay and Dr. Teekam Singh ~-Y*Deltl\"''''
Rural housing has been one of the top priority areas for the current government. The government has brought in Pradhan Mantri
Awaas Yojana-Gramin, which is a revamped version of an earlier scheme in terms of design, fund flow mechanism, quality, and
other implementation activities. PMAY-Gis expected to have strong forward linkage with other sectors in the economy, the impact
on employment and output can be through direct as well as indirect channels to strengthen the rural economy.
ffordable housing is generally considered (PMAY) for rural and urban
11 i to be the houses which meet the needs

of households whose incomes and
resources are not sufficient to allow
them to access appropriate housing in the market.
Decent housing has been universally accepted as
India. It includes in-situ
rehabilitation of existing
slum dwellers using land as
a resource through private L..~=~
v~#;iT
~~-wf\ur
Pra~llan Manlri Awaas Yo~na·Gramln
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participation; credit linking

one of the basic needs of individuals, the family subsidy for economically weaker sections (EWS)
and the environment. India is the second-most and low-income group (LlG); affordable housing in
populous nation in the world and in this light the partnership with private or public sector including
question of providing affordable housing for all
parastatal agencies; subsidy for beneficiary-led
becomes pertinent. The Pradhan Mantri Awaas
individual house construction/enhancement for
Yojana (PMAY) mission is aimed at addressing the
individuals of EWS. PMAY is being implemented by
core issue of the housing shortage throughout the
providing central assistance to urban local bodies
country in an organised and planned manner. In the
and other implementing agencies through states
recent past, measures like the government providing
and union territories.
land and giving out subsidies and incentives along
with involvement of the private sector ,----------------------------,
have acted as a catalyst in narrowing
MODI GOVERNMENT
down the existing gap between
demand and supply. Moreover,
PROVIDING HOUSES TO
improved technical solutions have THE POOR AND NEEDY
made it possible to maintain the cost-
effectiveness of such projects without
compromising on time, thereby,
resulting in financially viable projects.
One of the most commonly accepted
definitions of affordability refers to
housing affordability which is taken as
PM Awas
a measure of expenditure on housing Yojana (Rural)
to income of the household. This is also
accepted by the Government of India, () Beneficiaries
which states "Affordable housing refers r» OVer 2.17 crore
to any housing that meets some form
~ Houses sanctioned
of affordability criterion, which could n OVer 2.05 erore
be income level of the family, size of
the dwelling unit or affordability in ~ Houses built
OVer 1.6 crore
terms of Equated Monthly Instalment
(EMI) size or ratio of house price to
o.ulllt~J7.202I'
annual income". Affordable housing --.".,.)'II4Ik.Jn
ao!DOeMIdIoo- ••••••
includes Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana L.. -'-"------'--'-'='------'

Everyone dreams to have roof over his head To address the issue of severe scarcity of houses
as it is one of the three basic human requirements for the rural poor and empowering them, the
besides food and clothing. Even after 74 years of Government of India had launched various housing
independence, India is still grappling with the schemes (Table 1). Recognising the need and
growing housing problems especially in rural areas. significance of easy access to housing for deprived
Housing, at one time was never an issue in the is of utmost importance and to fulfil the objective of
Indian context. The joint family system meant that providing shelter to all, India, in June 1996, became
there was one house for the entire family and all the a signatory to the Istanbul Declaration on Human
family members lived in the family home. The trend Settlement.
of migration toward cities in search of job raised the
Affordable Housing Policy
issue of more than a house for a family. The advent
of the nuclear family system further exacerbated Affordable housing (AH) is basically built by
the situation with parents and children living away private players with government subsidies. The
from each other. In present situations, providing government is incentivising private players to
shelter for poor has been a colossal challenge for build housing for the identified weaker section of
India, and the problem is more prominent in rural the society. A large body of work on AH focuses
areas. Various international resolutions such as on affordable private housing through a structure
International Covenant for Economic, Social and of subsidies and financing options, creating
Cultural Change Rights; Vancouver Declaration optimal supply-side along with favourable revenue
on Human Resettlements, etc., have recognised measures. The government is focusing on creating
adequate housing as a part of the right to an viable social housing for at-risk population such as
adequate standard of living. Though, the Indian children, senior citizens, vulnerable populations
Constitution does not directly guarantee the 'Right and the disabled, and private developers and not-
to Housing' but has addressed the importance of for-profits obtain a range of subsidies for providing
shelter through Directive Principle of State Policy AH. Subsidies for AH fall in the planning and land
(DPSP) and fundamental rights and duties that use regime or take the form of financial incentive
have a bearing on the right to adequate housing. mechanisms. In planning subsidies, AH developers

may be provided bonus development entitlements, and programmes run by the government, to all
concessions on development standards, reduced homeless and those households living in kutch a and
fees, or reduced regulatory compliance (and dilapidated houses by 2022. The Ministry of Rural
therefore costs of regulation through reduction of Development (MoRD), for proper and effective
red-tape etc.). Private participation is encouraged implementation ofthe programme and construction
in various ways: fees and density bonuses are of quality houses, has issued general guidelines and
provided. housing designs. The beneficiaries are provided
with the unit assistance of Rs. 1.20 lakh for plain
Genesis of PMAY-G
areas and Rs. 1.30 lakh for the hilly, difficult, and
The current government, in an effort to Integrated Action Plan (lAP) areas, and the funds
overhaul the program and for accomplishing its are transferred digitally directly to the account
target of 'Housing for All by 2022', restructured of the beneficiary from the single nodal account
and transformed the Indira Awaas Yojna (lAY) into established at the state level. Apart from the unit
Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana- Gramin (PMAY-G), assistance, they are provided with the option of
for fulfilment of gaps identified in lAY as outlined in availing institutional finance up to Rs. 70,000 and
the report of "the Comptroller and Auditor General are entitled to 90-95 days of employment under
(CAG) on Performance Audit on lAY" (CAG, 2014), Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment
and the report on "Unspent Balances and Flow of Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), Rs. 12,000 for
Fund Mechanism under Some Rural Development constructing toilets under Swachh Bharat Mission,
Schemes" (Bhanumurthy et 01. 2015). The scheme etc. In addition to these benefits, the beneficiaries
is aimed at providing a pucca house with basic are endowed with a number of other support
amenities such as piped drinking water, electricity services such as training to masons and skill
connection, and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) certification for the good quality construction of
connection, by convergence of different schemes the houses, sourcing of construction material,
Table 1: Housing schemes of the Government of India since Independence

S. No. HousingSchemes Launchedin Year
1 Integrated Subsidised Housing Scheme for Industrial Workers and Economically Weaker 1952
Sections
2 Low Income Group Housing Scheme 1954
3 Subsidised Housing Scheme for Plantation Workers 1956
4 Middle Income Group Housing Scheme 1959
5 Rental Housing Scheme for State.~~nrn~p'~~ployees 1959
6 Slum Clearance and Improvem!!oistheme ,~~\ 1956
7 Village Housing Projects Scher1'l~,: ,~~; 1957
8 Land Acquisition and Develop~~~t Scheme ;,~, 1959
9 Provision of House Sites of Hou!eJ.ess Workers in Rural Areas 1971
10 Environmental Improvement of ur:fi~~.sILin,~·.
- 1972
11 Sites and Services Schemes 1980
12 Indira Awas Yojana 1985
13 Night Shelter Scheme for Pavement Dwellers 1990
14 National Slum Development Programme 1996
15 2 Million Housing Programme 1998
16 Valmiki Ambedkar Malin Basti Awas Yojana 2001
17 Pradhan Mantri Gramodaya Yojana 2001
18 lawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission 2005
19 Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (2009-10) 2009
20 Rajiv Awas Yojana 2011
21 Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana- Housing for All 2015
(Source: Various reports of Government of India, Ministry of Housing, Ministry of Urban Development and Poverty alleviation
and Ministry of Housing)

support to old and disabled beneficiaries in PMAY-G house is increased, and it is estimated
getting the house constructed, development and to be 25 square metres including a dedicated
provision of house design topologies, etc. area for hygienic cooking. Furthermore, for
PMAY-G to operate in a transparent manner, and
With the aim of addressing gaps in rural
to ensure quality and timely construction of the
housing and providing 'Housing for All by 2022',
houses, monitoring of physical progress of the
the earlier Indira Awas Yojana was restructured construction is done with the help of AwaasSoft
into PMAY-G w.e.f. from April 1, 2016. The at the level of both Government of India and by
restructured mission has two phases: State/UT Government. National Technical Support
Agency (NTSA) acts as the nodal agency to assist
• Phase-I aimed at providing pucca houses
in facilitating the same. Various Governance
to one crore households living in kutcha/
reforms such as Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT)
dilapidated houses in FY 2017-19.
through digital payments, e-monitoring through
• Phase-II aims at providing coverage to 1.95 AwaasSoft, masons training, convergence,
crore households in FY 2020-22, with an providing of housing typologies, and setting up of
immediate target of completion of 60 lakh technical support agencies at State and Central
houses in FY 2019-20. level is expected to help in speedy completion of
houses. This is also expected to create additional
The guidelines issued by the MoRD affirms employment and income generation at rural
that for the construction of one crore houses level.
under the PMAY-G by 2018-2019, the total
allocation of Rs. 1,30,075 crore was sanctioned. Selection of Beneficiary
The cost was shared between Government of One of the most important features of
India and State Governments in the ratio of PMAY-G is the selection of beneficiary. Instead
60:40 for general category states and 90:10 for of selection a beneficiary from among the BPL
special category states and lAP districts. The households, beneficiaries are selected using
Government of India provides the full cost in housing deprivation parameters in the Socio-
respect of Union Territories (UTs). Unlike the Economic and Caste Census (SECC), 2011 data
minimum size of the house mentioned in lAY to which is to be verified by the Gram Sabhas. The
be 20 square metres, the minimum size of the SECC data captures specific deprivation related

to housing among households. The households to not just low income, but middle-income citizens
that are houseless and living in zero, one and as well, it is also attempting to promote ownership
two kutcha wall and kutcha roof houses can be amongst female population and weaker sections
segregated and targeted. The Permanent Wait of society. For example, the Credit Linked Subsidy
List so generated also ensures that the states Scheme (CLSS)for EWS/ LlG is given in name offemale
have ready list of households to be covered head or for a joint name between the male head and
under the scheme in the coming years leading to his wife. In case of MIG scheme, overriding preference
better planning of implementation. In PMAY-G, is given to widows and single working women. In
programme implementation and monitoring case of CLSSfor EWS / LlG, preference would also
are being carried out through an end-to-end be given to manual scavengers, transgenders and
e-Governance model Using AwaasSoft and persons with disability. The scheme operates on the
AwaasApp. AwaasApp - a mobile application intention of lowering burden of building a house
is used to monitor real time, evidence-based
while at same time, offering this benefit to a larger
progress of house construction through date and
section of the society.
time stamped and geo referenced photographs
of the house. All payments to beneficiaries are Budget Allocation and Progress
transferred through OBT to beneficiary's Bank/
For Phase-I of PMAY-G (FY 2017-19), the
Post office accounts registered in AwaasSoft
estimated total fund requirement stood at Rs.
MIS. The programme implementation is to be
1.3 lakh crore, of which Rs. 1.27 lakh crore (97%)
monitored not only electronically, but also
was approved and Rs. 1.18 lakh crore (91%) was
through community participation (Social Audit),
released. For PMAY-G Phase-II (FY 2020-22),
Members of Parliament (OISHA Committee),
Central and State Government officials, National assuming a unit assistance of Rs. 1.3 lakh, the
Level Monitors etc. total fund requirement towards the scheme would
be Rs. 2.5 lakh crore. Total allocation (including
• Beneficiaries under PMAY-G will include all
central and state assistance) of Rs. 0.611akh crore
the houseless and households living in zero,
(24%) has been made till date, with the Centre:
one or two room houses with kutcha wall and
State sharing of 62:38. A budgetary provision
kutcha roof as per SECC-2011 data.
of only Rs. 0.19 lakh crore has been made thus
• Priority will first be assigned on the basis of far, possibly since it is the first year for Phase-II
parameters reflecting housing deprivation of the PMAY-G scheme. The progress of PMAY-G
in each category viz., SC/ST, minorities and has been significantly better, with 88% of the
others. sanctioned houses completed under Phase-I of the
While the scheme aims at boosting home scheme due to better Central funding assistance
ownership and offers affordable housing options (Figure 1). Sustaining the velocity in Phase-II will
12000000 100~
Vl
OJ
Vl
10000000 80%
:::l 8000000
a 60%
I 6000000
4-
a 4000000 40%
\...
OJ 2000000 20%
.D 12%
E o 0%
:::l YTOFY
Z FY2017 FY 2018
2020*
PMAY·G I ":·~t ." . PMAY·G"
....•. ~\ "'"
• Target Houses 4275695 3203836 2516~1l.,,,
2509657"
.
99960/2"
979491io
5105396
4059341
• Houses Sanctioned 4145766 3139547
Houses Completed 3694339 2655198 2291435 8640972 470947
• Completed/Sanctioned 88% 12%

remain critical for achieving the stated target public private partnerships, and rethinking floor
within the defined timeline. space index (FSI) limits.
Challenges and Potential of PMAY-G Conclusion
Developing AH on a large scale is one of the Rural housing has been one of the top priority
greatest challenges in India today. It is vital that areas for the current government. The government
certain critical issues are addressed urgently to has brought in Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-
make AH a possibility. On the demand side, the Gramin, which is a revamped version of an earlier
scheme in terms of design, fund flow mechanism,
critical issues include identification of the right
quality, and other implementation activities. The
clientele, increasing reach through micro mortgage
government has made PMAY-G an effective tool to
financing mechanisms and self-help groups, and
create affordable housing by providing as many as
flexible paying mechanisms to cater to variable
financial support through various schemes and credit
income flows. On the supply side, incentivising
facilities to create basic needs in housing. PMAY-G is
through policies (extra-floor space index, free sale expected to have strong forward linkage with other
areas and so on), schemes for slum redevelopment sectors in the economy, the impact on employment
and rehabilitation, ensuring adequate availability and output can be through direct as well as indirect
of land, streamlining of land records, inclusion of channels to strengthen rural economy.
mass housing zones in comprehensive development
plans (COPs), encouragement to private Reference
participation and partnership, and single window 1. Bhanumurthy N R, Amarnath H K, Verma A
clearance for smaller projects on the lines of large and Gupta A. 2015. Unspent Balances and
township projects are necessary. Success in the Flow of Fund Mechanism under Some Rural
AH segment demands management of project cost Development Schemes. Unpublished Report
and timelines so as to prevent cost-time overruns. submitted to the Ministry of Rural Development,
Inadequate infrastructure is a challenge. The State Government of India.
has a special responsibility to create an .enabling (The authors are principal scientist and former
environment for AH developers, not necessarily professor, at Division of Agronomy, ICAR-Indian
through subsidies but also by fast tracking approval Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. Email:
processes, demystifying land laws, deconstructing [email protected] and principal scientist, at
the financing and land assembling processes, Division of Agronomy, ICAR-Indian Agricultural
and through innovative mechanisms such as Research Institute, New Delhi. E-mail: ku_agron@
earmarking areas for development, encouraging yahoo. co. in. Views expressed are personal)

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Let's bring Tradition and Technology together

Avoid Crowd=Stay Safe
Celebrate Online
OOQao
Kurukshetra. November 2021 IIIIl!iiIl.!!!:========_ 45

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Revolutionising Sports Training through Technology

4' .'
Kanika Verma arid Mishika Nayyar
Sports in India currently stands at the cusp of a technological revolution. By capitalising on new-age technologies, we will not
only be able to produce great athletes but will also bring sports closer to the people. India's stellar performance at the Tokyo
Olympics 2020 has garnered global applause and a key to this success has come from investment in sports infrastructure and
technology. The Government not only sees this as a way to produce better sportspersons but also sees the sports tech industry
as a significant contributor to the economy.
ports can be defined as all forms of civilisation. The presence of seals and artifacts
physical activity usually competitive found from that era points to the fact that Indians
in nature, which through either casual played many forms of sports such as chess, dice,
or organised participation, provides hunting and boxing. During the Vedic period,
entertainment to an audience or spectators with 'dehvada' also known as the body-way is defined as
an aim to use, maintain or improve physical skills "one of the ways to full realisation". Additionally,
and abilities. Sports undercut our lives in a variety India's ancient scriptures such as Mahabharata
of ways- socially, culturally, physically, emotionally, and Ramayana also point towards the presence
nationally, commercially and even monetarily. of games such as dice in the Indian sub-continent.
People can associate to sports in various ways, These ancient texts also bear testimony to
whether it involves playing a certain sport or simply the fact that men of stature and competence
enjoying watching, analysing and supporting their used to engage in sports such as chariot racing,
favourite team. Sports cut across identities of archery, horsemanship, military tactics, wrestling,
gender, class and culture. It brings about a sense weightlifting, swimming, swordsmanship and
of unity between communities and is also a great hunting. In fact, sports such as swimming, running
mood buster and stress reliever. Sporting events and ball games were popular amongst the students
like any other business are governed by strong in ancient Indian universities such as Nalanda and
emotions. Taxila.
The history of sports in India dates back India is one of the most critical emerging
thousands of years starting from Indus valley nations in the world, presenting many business

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opportunities in the sports domain.
follow popular sports like cricket
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and ho
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lity and muscle strength and cardiovascular
pulmonary health of individuals. With the rise
with great fervour, several towns and villages in incidence of lifestyle diseases such as obesity,
continue to play more traditional sports. Many diabetes, stroke, etc. and the growing awareness,
of these traditional sports are evolved versions the sports and fitness goods industry has seen a
of what is today the popular version of modern major spurt in its growth. Social media also acts
sports. Punjab hosts its own version of rural a catalyst for the emerging market. The Business
olympics called the Qila Raipur Sports Festival Wire reports that the Indian sports and fitness
while Kerala is home to the graceful ancient goods market is poised to grow at a Compounded
martial art form of Kalaripayattu which focuses Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.6 percent during
on perfect co-ordination between the body and 2021-2026.
mind. In the north-eastern state of Manipur, a While earlier the primary focus in sports was
form of rugby is played with coconut called Yubi towards the team and the player, the focus has
Lakpi and from central India originates one of now shifted beyond the playing field. Today, the
the oldest and extreme renditions of gymnastics sporting industry also encapsulates other streams
called Mallakhamb. The state of Himachal of revenues that may bring in millions in monetary
Pradesh is home to a terms such as memorabilia,
sport called Thoda which The sporting world has progressed from being just a stadium food, TV rights,
is a combination of leisure activity and now encompasses a huge ecosystem sponsorships, media, etc.
paintball and archery and (onsisting of various stakeholders. The sporting industry Sporting events and teams
is rooted in the Indian is constcntlv growing and evolving with the introduction are now being regarded
epic of Mahabharata of cutting-edge terhncloqy, thereby revolutionising the as business opportunities.
where serious battles way people experience sports. The intersection of sports Additionally, the industry
were fought through the and techncloqy to truck and understond human interest, not only supports direct
use of bow and arrow. trends and performances as well as help in enhancing the sources of income
The sport of wrestling performance of the athlete is known as sports technology but also promotes
was famous in the tribal or sports tech. tourism, infrastructure,
region of what is now foreign investment and
known as Nagaland and was used as a means to innovations, creating a cascading effect down the
resolve conflict. value chain.
According to a report by GroupM ESP, the The sporting world has progressed from
entertainment, . esports . and sports division being just a leisure activity and now
of GroupM India, the Indian sports industry encompasses a huge ecosystem consisting of
various stakeholders. The sporting industry
amounted to Rs. 5894 crore in 2020 with the
is constantly growing and evolving with the
biggest chunk of it being spent on media, which
introduction of cutting-edge technology, thereby
entails advertisement spending on Television
'l~
revolutionising the way people experience sports.
(TV), digital and print media. The media sector
The intersection of sports and technology to
accounted for 62 percent of the total spending
track and understand human interest, trends and
contributing Rs. 3,657 crore. Overall cricket made
performances as well as help in enhancing the
up 87 percent of the total industry, contributing
performance of the athlete is known as sports
Rs. 5133 crore. The remaining 13 percent was
technology or sports tech. Sports Technology uses
contributed cumulatively by other sports.
a combination of several new age technologies
The sports and fitness goods industry in India such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine
has also seen a major jump. Sports goods refertothe Learning (ML), Internet of Things (loT), virtual and
clothes and equipment required for participating augmented reality, robotics, drones, dlgitalisation,
in sports and preventing related injuries, while etc, which has drastically helped in improving the
fitness goods are a subset of sports goods and overall sports landscape. Technology can be used at
are employed during workouts. These goods aid each stage in the sporting world like broadcasting,
in maintaining the overall fitness; enhancing fan engagement, state-of-the-art equipment, live

.. -
•
performance tracking, etc. and have a significant management softw
impact on how athletes practice and compete
by using solutions like biomechanical analyses,'~
correct techniques, among other things.
Earlier, sports training required the use of

extensive paperwork and post practise effort
from both the trainers and athletes alike. While These insights can be used to enhance the
the practise was going on, the performance of an performance of players, prevent injuries, improve
athlete was tracked using notes and graphs which safety of the player and plan a game strategy.
were later collated and discussed in addition to Additionally, opponent teams can also use these
any aches, pains and injuries. The system was time insights to prepare their counter strategy. Real-time
consuming and gruelling. However, with the rise of data can be collected using sensors in the players'
the use of advanced technology, the process has clothing, sport equipment, etc.
become less tiresome and more accurate. Digital During practise sessions, players can use
technology is likely to play a critical role in the virtual reality and augmented reality to practice
future of sports. In traditional sports, it is helpful their moves or drills in a simulated match-like
to enhance athlete and team performances, the environment. This shall help them for match-
fan experiences (in-stadium as well as out-stadium) practice irrespective of the space, people and
and attract new audiences (to stay competitive with weather constraints. These technologies shall also
other entertainment channels). be helpful for referees to make correct and accurate
decisions through enhanced viewing and access to
The use of technology through slow motion
real-time data.
replays, database storage and retrieval, as well as
comparison with others have helped players vastly Globally, there have been some major
improve their game by recording time speed, milestones in the evolution of sports technology
direction, swing, turn and bounce. This has helped that could be mapped. In the year 1991,
players control their grip, release and speed. Wimbledon debuted the IBM serve-speed
Every part of a player's body can be assessed technology followed by the Decision Review
and monitored during play for deriving maximum System (DRS), a technology-based decision-
impact. For athlete and team performances, a making system used in cricket in 2008. The
combination of biological sciences and technology Spider cam technology was released in 2010,
such as AI, ML and data analytics can be used to which enables film and television cameras to
track real-time performance of players, generate move horizontally and vertically. In 2013, smart
reports on players performance, track body racquets were introduced with chips placed in
movement, position, speed, etc. tracking their real- the handle to record data on power and spin. The
time physical conditions such as heart rate, body world of football saw an important innovation in
temperatures, among other things, which along 2014 with the goal-line technology, which was
with their medical history records shall provide debuted during the 2014 World Cup to determine
insights for any required action and generate whether a goal has been scored. Further in 2016,
insights on player's reactions or performances sensors were introduced which were installed in
under specific conditions of weather, environment players jersey to monitor health and aid in injury
or stages of a game. For example, cyclists can prevention, followed by smart chips for bats in
wear Heads-Up Display (HUD) glasses that deliver 2017 to measure speed and angle for analysis
information regarding heart rate, speed, incline purposes. Additionally, the Telestar 18 soccer ball
with a Near Fields Communication (NFC) chip was
and other relevant cycling information which can
released by Adidas during the 2018 FIFA World
help the cyclist focus and make adjustments while
Cup.
riding. Swimmers and divers can also use sports
technology to measure and observe technical While these milestones have been achieved
metrics like rotational speed, dive angle, leg globally, India is not far behind in this era of
movement and hydrodynamics which help them technology, where the tools of digital mapping,
improve and shave off precious milliseconds data analytics, machine intelligence and immersive
from their performance. Additionally, training viewing is spilling over to the arena of sports and

sports management. India's 7, which is a live streaming and distant
~L-~~~Iling platform that enables coaches to train
to technology that allows remote processing,

Criconet has designed a platform for e-coaching.
The technology allows anyone across the country
to access good coaches registered on the platform
from their mobile and take personal one-on-one
classes. The student and coach can share actual
videos of games to pinpoint faults.
Large companies such as Tech Mahindra,
Infosys, Wipro, HCL are offering tech solutions to Sports in India currently stands at the cusp of
functionalities across the domain of sports, from a technological revolution. While sports technology
tracking the fitness and sporting activities of players is still nascent in India, it continues to show
to managing and measuring audience engagement. encouraging trends that has helped boost investors'
Large companies as well as several start-ups in this confidence. For India, to beeome a sporting
domain have been able to establish partnerships powerhouse, it is essential to leverage technologies
with sporting giants such as Manchester United, such as AI, ML, and Big Data. By capitalising on
Cricket Australia and the Association of Tennis new-age technologies, we will not only be able to
Professiona Is. produce great athletes but will also bring sports
closer to the people.
In 2019, the Indian cricket Board, BCCI had on-
boarded the UK-based tech company STATSports According to a report by B2B research
to make use of their Global Positioning System company Markets and Markets, the global sports
(GPS)-driven performance tracking and analysis. technology market was valued at USD 17.9 billion
The partnership witnessed a high-resolution unit in 2021 and is expected to reach USD 40.2 billion
embedded in the base layer vest of the players to by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 17.5 percent. In
monitor their workload. Sitting in a pocket between the recent years, professional sports bodies have
the shoulder blades, the device will measure adopted new technologies such as sports data
hundreds of physical metrics of players, including analytics, smart stadiums, wearable devices and
distance, speed, acceleration, deceleration, high- digital signage to enhance their team performance,
speed running, and dynamic stress load. It would engage fans, and provide smart infrastructures
help in managing players' workloads, and injury taking the whole experience of sports to a different
rehabilitation programmes. level.
Looking at the start-up culture as a potential In today's world, technology determines

breeding ground for new possibilities in sports the sport, its rules, its creators and the athletes
technology, there are several companies across themselves. By adapting cutting edge technology in
India that have been able to make a mark in this the field of biomechanics, data collection and data
upcoming field. For example, Bengaluru based analysis for sports, countries like the USA, China
sports-tech startup Stance Beam provides for real- and the UK have achieved much success in the
time monitoring of players' training, as well as global sporting arena and India is surely following
enables coaches to provide feedback remotely. The suit by making critical progress. The government
Stance Beam Connect platform enables real-time could also look at more ways to incentivise private
monitoring by giving students access to features players to invest in sports technology. This will not
such as recorded training videos, shadow practice only help pushing up the level of sports in India but
sessions, swing metrics, etc., which the coaches will also be a big boost to the sports industry in
can access and provide course correction real-time. the subcontinent alongside revolutionising sports
This virtual training platform is set to transform and training through technology.
digitise cricket coaching during this pandemic.
(The authors are researchers at Strategic
To take another example, Criconet is an Investment Research Unit of Invest India. Views
online platform launched by Selectronic India expressed are personal)

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· A JOURNAL ON RURAL DEVELOPMENT

PRODUCTION OFFICER <s. Reinvigorating Sports in zs, Boosting Rural Sports

For Subscription Enquiries,

For Online Sole, please lag an to Adhiraj Parthasarathy 20

Another article titled as Women Participation in Sports talks about the

An article titled as Rural India: Sporting Optimism and Hope mentions

The tradition of sports is deeply rooted in the Indian culture dating a

Happy reading and stay safe.

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T India - an event that will be cherished

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6 Kurukshetra • November 2021

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Talent SearCh and

Sporta for Peace

Utihzntion and Crcntlonl

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Training Program on Sandalwood Farming and Management of its Health Inaugurated

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A contingent comprising of 60 men a ~'h'

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Coaches; (iv) National Sports Awards, Pensi~ to Sports' and Education

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The onset of the leagues in man

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Kurukshetra • November 2021 19

Importance of Health and Fitness in Sports

hen we consider the importance of should practice self-reliance as a pathway to good

W health and fitness in our daily lives, we

Gandhi ji also believed

20 --=========3 Kurukshetra • November 2021

Kurukshetra • November 2021 21

22 -============ Kurukshetra • November 2021

Kurukshetra • November 2021 23

• To encourage indigenous sports.

• To make fitness reach every school, college/university, panchayat/village, etc.

24 Kurukshetra • November 2021

'Atithi Devo Bhava': Growth of Indian Tourism Sector

he state of economic development foreign exchange earnings through enhancing

T of any country depends significantly

Tourism sector is the fastest growing and

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Figure 1: Designed by Mohapatra and Hiremath (2021)

26 ====::::====::::::l!i! Kurukshetra • November 2021

Kurukshetra • November 2021 27

Contribution of the tourism sector to the Swadesh Darshan is an initiative taken by

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Kurukshetra • November 2021 29

Dreams do come true.

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T the world used to recognise India with

The best performance of Indian athletes