New Delhi: As India strengthens its commitment to sports through landmark programmes such as Khelo India, Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), and the Fit India Movement, experts believe the country is moving closer to establishing itself as a global sporting force. Former Senior National Coach Kamesh Gareri, while applauding these initiatives, stressed that India must also embrace international best practices to realize its full potential.
“Sports is no longer just about recreation for India—it is becoming a national priority,” noted Kamesh Gareri. “The government’s investments at the grassroots level, support for elite athletes, and focus on fitness in schools are the right starting points. But if we want to be counted among the world’s best, we must study and adapt what successful nations are doing.”
Building a Grassroots Ecosystem
The United Kingdom has cultivated a vibrant sports environment through community-based clubs funded by Sport England. These clubs act as training grounds where talent is discovered and nurtured.
Gareri’s recommendation: India should develop district and community-level clubs that act as stepping stones for young athletes before they move to the national stage.
Leveraging Science and Coaching Standards
Germany’s achievements in sports stem from its science-driven approach. Olympic training centres there combine advanced biomechanics, sports medicine, and world-class coach education.
For India: Gareri suggests building regional sports science hubs and introducing strict, performance-linked coaching certifications to enhance the quality of training.
Embedding Sports in Education
In Japan, sports are seamlessly integrated into school life through daily club activities called bukatsu, where discipline and teamwork are instilled alongside physical skills.
Gareri’s advice: Indian schools should allocate at least 90–120 minutes every day for structured sports, with trained physical education teachers guiding both fitness and values.
Spotting Talent Early
Australia’s AIS (Australian Institute of Sport) is renowned for scouting and grooming children at a young age, producing Olympic icons through long-term development programs.
Gareri’s insight: India must adopt a National Talent Identification Program with regular talent scouting in districts, ensuring that promising athletes receive continuous, structured training.
Linking Higher Education with Professional Sports
The United States has built an unmatched college sports system under the NCAA, allowing students to earn degrees while competing at an elite level. This dual model produces athletes while sustaining a profitable sports industry.
Gareri’s proposal: India should launch a University Sports League, which would allow athletes to balance education with sports and prevent career dropouts.
Summing up his vision, Kamesh Gareri said:
“India’s sporting journey is entering a new era. By aligning our strengths with proven international practices, we can move from being participants to becoming champions. True progress will come when every child has the chance to grow fitter, stronger, and more confident through sports.”
