Role of Physical Education According to NEP 2020

As the saying rightly goes, ‘All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,’ the importance of playing sports and physical education cannot be undermined in the overall development of children.

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 recognises the importance of physical education and sports in school. NEP 2020 integrates sports and play with the regular school curriculum to balance academic learning with physical activity and promote health, discipline, and fitness. Playing any game or sport builds the health and fitness of children, teaches them teamwork, discipline, and dedication toward their teammates, and improves their academic performance.

Playing sports and physical education are crucial for children and should be given the same importance as academic subjects such as science and English. So, the policy’s focus on making sports a vital part of education aligns well with nurturing healthy and fit children while preparing them for future challenges.

Goals of Physical Education According to NEP 2020

Physical education in school should be taught in a way that students start loving physical activity and games and understand the benefits of the same. Under the broad framework of NEP 2020, the first thing is to make physical education, sports, and yoga more accessible and available to all the masses through Higher Education Institutions. By making physical education mandatory in the NEP, the goal is to:

• Develop motor skills of students.
• Make every citizen of India healthy and fit.
• Combine the benefits of mental and physical fitness for overall personality development.
• Create awareness among the public regarding the importance of regular exercise and yoga practices.
• Create efficient and skilled athletes and players to compete at a global level.
• Teach respect for others and self, and teach true sportsmanship.

To support this, the Government has launched various initiatives, such as the Fit India Movement, Khelo India, National Sports Day, and the International Day of Yoga.

The Importance of Physical Education In NEP 2020

A recent World Health Organisation (WHO) survey found that approximately 1.8 billion people worldwide are inactive. An inactive person is one who engages in less than 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week. What was more disturbing in the survey was that almost 81% of children aged 11 to 17 were inactive. At an age when children should be the most active and playing various games and sports, they are found to be inactive. Children should balance academic studies and non-academic activities such as sports, vocational training, etc.

The NEP recognises the importance of physical activity in education and overall development to make children active and fit. As per the NEP framework, all children must play and take part in games and sports.

Only when Physical Education becomes an integral part of the Education Policy will parents and teachers start understanding its importance and giving it the due attention it deserves. It is the need of the hour to have trained sports teachers, sports materials and equipment, and physical education to be given as much importance as academic subjects.

Benefits of Physical Education In NEP 2020

A fit and healthy lifestyle is a must, and the need for physical education and games can never be underestimated. The children become healthy and develop many life skills by playing games, exercising regularly, and staying active. The benefits of physical education in the NEP framework are:

• Better Academic Results: Team sports, such as cycling, trekking, swimming, skating, etc., have a positive effect on the brain and even improve academic performance. An active child will pay more attention in class, learn more effectively, and develop discipline. By being a part of a sports team, like football or cricket, the child will feel more connected to the school and his teammates.
• Improved Social Skills: By participating in sports and being on any sports team, children learn to become team players, value the effort and input of others, and improve their communication skills. These learnings stay with them for life and further enhance their social and interpersonal skills. Physical education teaches children the importance of teamwork, respecting others, understanding each other better, and supporting team members no matter what.
• Stress Buster: Playing sports or any form of physical exercise is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. Often, children are under a lot of pressure to finish school work and homework, prepare for exams, etc., so a few hours of playing games is a great distraction and uplifts the mood. It also makes them energised and fresh to study better afterward.
• Builds Character and Personality: Team sports are a great way to develop leadership skills in students, and they also learn to follow orders and instructions. Students learn to be a part of the team, where they work together with others, empathise with the other players, and help one another. All these things shape wonderful characters in children, boost their self-esteem, and shine through life.
• Enhances Focus and Memory: Sports teach focus, patience, and rules. Any physical activity or sport helps children focus more on the task at hand. They also become sharper and more observant, which helps improve their memory. Also, being active leads to better participation in the classroom and more alertness when the teacher is teaching.
• Better Sleeping Habits: Regular exercise and sports lead to a proper sleep cycle for students, and their habits improve. They start sleeping on time, follow a proper routine throughout the day, and acknowledge the importance of being punctual, sleeping early, and eating healthy.

Conclusion

Physical education plays a very important role in children’s development, and so it is rightly emphasised in the NEP 2020. Physical education in the NEP framework makes it mandatory for schools to include sports in the curriculum. This is an important step in shaping the children better, ensuring our children are fit and healthy and ready to compete at the global level. By encouraging children to play sports and be physically active, we are gifting them the joy of health and wealth.

Last Updated on September 13, 2024