Physical education in schools won’t be restricted to the playground anymore. It will now include elements like sports psychology,nutrition and diet for sportspersons.
The changes in curriculum are being made as per the state sports policy introduced by the ministry of sports and youth affairs. A four-member committee has been appointed to make recommendations on the sports curriculum in schools to the ministry. The committee has been asked to consider stds I to X and review the sports system in schools under the Maharashtra board.
Nuritionist Renu Gupta, sports psychologist P M Alegaonkar, education expert Naina Nimkar and resident editor of Maharashtra Times, Pune, Parag Karandikar have been appointed on the committee. All four members are from Pune.
As per the new sports policy, it is mandatory for schools to have five sports periods in a week. State minister of sports Padmakar Valvi said, “Besides training on the ground, it is important for students to get comprehensive knowledge about sports. If this knowledge is imparted at school level, we will have sportspersons who will have their fundamentals clear from a young age.
Subjects like nutrition, diet, rules and regulations of various sports and psychology of sportspersons will provide a new dimension to students keen to take up sports as a career.”
He said, “Today, apart from being a sportsperson, there are several career options in the field of sports, such as sports management, nutrition, physiotherapy, sports psychology and personal training. Students should also be informed about these career avenues.”
As per the policy, the physical training periods must also give priority to outdoor sports, aquatics, gymnastics and yoga.
When contacted, Nimkar said, “I was informed of my appointment over the phone last week. Official documentation is still to be completed. The committee will meet after it is completed.”
Source: Times of India
