After Class 9, India’s playgrounds brimming with young athletes frequently give way to classrooms full of attentive students. In what ways do we think sports will prosper in such an environment? There is reason for concern given this sharp decline in sports participation. The reasons behind this trend are the academic pressure that comes with higher grades and the societal emphasis on academic success as the key to a secure future, limitations of infrastructure and coaching in various schools, cultural and social stigma, and many more.

a. Academic Pressure: As children get ready for board exams and entrance examinations, the emphasis in India shifts to their academic performance after Class 9. Fearing that sports could divert attention from their schoolwork, a lot of students and their families place a higher priority on academics than sports.

b. Absence of Facilities and Infrastructure: Adequate sports facilities and infrastructure are lacking in many Indian schools. Schools frequently lessen their emphasis on athletics after Class 9 in order to devote more funds to academic endeavors.

c. Restricted job chances: Sports scholarships and job chances are scarce in India, in contrast to several Western nations. Students are discouraged from taking sports seriously as a result, choosing instead to focus on subjects with clearer career pathways.

d. Cultural and Social Stigma: In India, there’s a common idea that careers in sports are less stable or secure than in traditional fields like engineering or medicine because of this, parents might encourage their children to focus on academics and pursue those more established paths. This can discourage kids from going all-in on their athletic dreams.

e. Societal Norms: Society can sometimes make it tough for girls, especially teens, to play sports. There might not be many places for them to practice safely, and they might not have the right equipment. This makes it harder for girls to play and compete against others.

f. Absence of Role Models: In India, prominent athletes tend to be less visible and well-known than in other nations. The lack of role models in the sports world may discourage aspiring elite athletes.

g. Coaching and Training: Young athletes’ development depends on having access to top-notch coaching and training facilities. However, many schools in India do not have access to trained coaches or proper training programs after Class 9.

Encouraging a culture of sportsmanship in schools and communities can help break down stereotypes and make sports a more attractive option for all students, regardless of gender or background. By creating a robust infrastructure, providing well-rounded training opportunities, and promoting diverse career paths, India can nurture a generation of talented young athletes who can compete on the world stage. There are positive developments, like the Khelo India initiative, which aims to increase youth participation in sports.