India Plans to Make Sports a Compulsory Subject in Schools

Vijay Goel addressing at the 64th Meeting of Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE), in New Delhi on October 25, 2016

India’s Sports Minister Vijay Goel says that sports should be made a compulsory subject at the school level and marks be given to students for their involvement in sports activities.

Addressing the 64th meeting of the Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE) in New Delhi today he said this is also essential to deal with the growing incidence of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases among children.

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The Minister said that for realizing the full potential of sports, it is essential that we take effective steps to promote it in educational institutions without any further delay.

Goel also emphasized that every educational institution should have access to a playfield and basic sports facilities. Such institutions which do not have these facilities should tie up with neighbouring institutions.

He added that physical education teachers should be engaged by every school. Standard guidelines should be framed and issued for admission under sports quota, relaxation to sportspersons from attendance and appearance in examinations, he suggested.

Photo courtesy: Press Information Bureau