How grassroots sports can be the foundation of a healthy lifestyle
Have you ever wondered why countries like Australia and China perform consistently in a majority of sporting disciplines on the international stage? Their ability to compete in the highest echelons not only stems from their world class infrastructure and rigorous training regimes, but also a continuous chain of talent flow right from young age groups.
A report published by Kristen Zimmerman of George Mason University claims that governments all around the globe in the past few years have been focusing on improving their ‘Sports For All’ and ‘Youth Sports’ policies.
In India too, there have been hunts for the next Sachin and the new Milkha, but unfortunately we haven’t been able to guide the potential future superstars in the right direction. In a country like ours, where talent has no bounds, youngsters with enormous potential are somehow getting lost. It is a distinct challenge to identify talent pools and help youngsters improve technically, with the ultimate goal being their overall personal development from an early age.
Coca Cola India and the All India Football Federation have recently come together for a strategic alliance towards building a strong talent pool for the upcoming Under-17 World Cup to be held in India in 2017. The partnership envisions the nurturing of future football stars by providing them a platform to showcase their talents, where they are bound to come under the spotlight. Last year, an Under-15 tournament was held where more than 41,000 youngsters across 86 cities competed in their bid to be a part of the national champion team.
Why grassroots development is the need of the hour
Grassroots sports development is completely different from a professional set-up; there are no strictly defined rules here. Thus, multiple aspects of any ‘game’ can be modified to inculcate and imbibe basic education in youngsters. In a vast and diverse country like ours, the right kind of grassroots programmes can give the citizens open access to sports, thereby improving their health standards and quality of living.
From a statistician’s point of view, grassroots sports proportionally contribute to a better life index. Training and motivating youngsters off the field play a huge role in creating active lifestyles, which in turn lead to an increase in the number of elite sportspersons produced by the country. Of course, the benefits of sports in curbing obesity and other diseases that occur through a lack of physical activity have also been well-documented.
Grassroots coaches too have a huge role to play in this phenomenon. They teach the youth on how to lead a healthy life and even reach out to their families and relatives, spreading the message far and wide. This often has a domino effect; not only does it help young athletes reach their peak at a young age, it also gives a budding group of players the opportunity to fill their predecessors’ boots.
Moreover, grassroots sports provide for a platform where discrimination of every kind is ironed out. Very often in life, the impoverished and the disabled miss out on opportunities to progress, but initiatives like the Coca-Cola U-15 Football tournament ensure a level playing field for all. Events like these encourage everyone to get associated with sport and be involved, thus improving the moral and ethical discipline in the society.
Recently, the honourable Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi stressed about the importance of yoga, and that too on a global stage. Sports, especially grassroots sports, can have a similar effect as yoga in improving the common man’s lifestyle. It’s time for India to embrace this culture, and in the process embrace healthier living too.
