The announcement of four Khel Ratna and 32 Arjuna Awards has brought a wave of enthusiasm and hope to the sports fraternity.

This is an opportunity to take a serious look at the current sports landscape in India as political interference and commercialism have taken the sporting culture in the wrong direction.

Read in Hindi: खेल संस्कृति को पुनर्जीवित करना स्वस्थ समाज के लिए बेहद जरूरी

While these national awards are prestigious recognitions honouring excellence, they also highlight a glaring gap: India still lacks a strong sporting culture. Sports, essential for character building, must become an integral part of every citizen’s life, irrespective of age, gender and profession.

Encouraging a strong sporting culture is the need of the hour for nation-building. Sporting culture fosters unity, instils a sense of pride and strengthens the collective resolve of the nation.

History has many examples of how sporting events transcend political and social divides. For example, the ancient Olympic Games in Greece were not just sporting events but also religious festivals that brought together athletes from the Greek city-states, temporarily halting hostilities and fostering a sense of camaraderie.

Similarly, in India, historical texts such as the Mahabharata and the Ramayana depict wrestling and archery as integral parts of warrior training, emphasizing not only physical prowess but also discipline, courage and sportsmanship. Lord Krishna was greatly interested in sports. While playing, his ball went into the Yamuna and rescued the Kali Naag. These ancient practices highlight the deep connection between sports and the development of a strong and cohesive society.

At the individual level, sports teach discipline, punctuality, teamwork and resilience – values ​​that lay the foundation for a strong character and a productive society. "Participating in sports develops fair play, respect for the rules, and the ability to handle both winning and losing gracefully. These life lessons extend beyond the playing field, empowering individuals to face challenges in their personal and professional lives with greater confidence and adaptability," says senior journalist Ajay Jha.

Unfortunately, post-Covid, the proliferation of the work-from-home model has further aggravated a sedentary lifestyle. Children and adults alike spend more time glued to screens than engaging in physical activities. This trend poses serious health risks such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health problems, explains Dr Debashish Bhattacharya.

Commercialism creeping into sports i.e. auctioning of players like cattle fairs, is a negative mindset that undermines the essence of sports. Sports should be enjoyed, not exploited as mere entertainment or for commercial gain, says public commentator, Prof Paras Nath Chaudhary. To tackle some of the recent negative trends, sports should be promoted as a habit and not just a hobby.

Schools, workplaces and communities should prioritise physical activities, making them accessible and attractive. This could include creating dedicated sports facilities, organising inter-school and inter-office competitions and encouraging participation in community sports leagues. Social activist Mukta Gupta says that parents and teachers should play a key role in encouraging children to play outdoors, emphasising the importance of physical activity for their overall health.

The nation's policymakers should invest in infrastructure and grassroots programmes. This includes providing adequate funding for sports facilities at the local level, supporting coaching programmes and identifying and nurturing young talent. Government initiatives should also focus on promoting sports in rural areas, ensuring equal access and opportunities for all citizens.

It is necessary to celebrate achievements through awards like the Khel Ratna and Arjuna, but it is equally important to widen participation. Let us aim for a society where sports are not an exception but a way of life - a society that values ​​the joy of play over profit and character over business. By reviving India's sporting spirit, we can create not only a healthier and more active population but also a more united, resilient and prosperous nation.