Make sports a compulsory subject in schools, says Vijay Goel

Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs and Sports Vijay Goel on Tuesday said that to impart the desired importance to sports , it is essential that sports is made a compulsory subject at the school level and marks are given to students for their involvement in sports activities.

Addressing the 64th meeting of the Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE) here today, he said, this is also essential to deal with the growing incidence of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases among children.

Goel said that for realizing the full potential of sports, it is essential that we take effective steps to promote it in educational institutions without any further delay.

Goel emphasized that every educational institution should have access to a playfield and basic sports facilities. Such institutions which do not have these facilities should tie up with neighbouring institutions.

He said, physical education teachers should be engaged by every school. Standard guidelines should be framed and issued for admission under sports quota, relaxation to sportspersons from attendance and appearance in examinations.