The sport of India has been on the rise in the recent years and the athletes have established their presence in the world scene. However, there is one problem that still keeps us behind in India with regard to sports infrastructure. It can be seen in the underdeveloped facilities in schools and colleges to the lack of access in rural areas as these inadequacies deprive millions of potential athletes of their potential.

At this blog, we would discuss the major problems in India sports infrastructure and effective solutions that could bring the gaps to close in order to have a more inclusive sporting culture.

Understanding the Current Sports Infrastructure Gaps in India

Even after the government programs such as Khelo India and the Fit India Movement, India still has a problem with:

• Inequality of access: Cities are better equipped and rural regions are underserved.

• Ineffective infrastructure: The grounds of most schools and colleges are poorly maintained or not adequately phone, turf, and lighted.

• Absence of multi-sporting facilities: The majority of facilities only serve a single sport and do not offer the athlete a chance to try a variety of different sports.

• Lack of grass root investment: It is hard to identify and develop young talents without proper infrastructure in schools and communities.

• Maintenance problems: Even the new facilities do not always have the money to maintain them on a regular basis.

To take a closer look at how contemporary schools are handling this challenge, have a look at our case study of Shivalik School Chandigarh.

Why Sports Infrastructure Matters

Good sports infrastructure is not only associated with producing Olympic quality athletes. It impacts:

• Health and wellness: The play areas also promote healthy lifestyles against obesity and lifestyle diseases.
• Involvement of the young people: Sports facilities help in ensuring that young people are engaged in constructive lifestyles.
• Community development: Well-designed grounds and arenas act as hubs for social cohesion.
• Economic opportunities: Sports create jobs, tourism and business development around the sports.

Plans to Address the Sports Infrastructure gaps in India.

School and College sports facilities development.

Indian sport will be based on educational institutes. Sports infrastructure development needs to be adopted in schools as a curriculum. Whether in synthetic athletic tracks or multi-sport turfs, the emphasis should be put on the development of safe, durable, and accessible grounds by students.

Marketing Multi-Use Sports Facilities.

India needs to promote multi-purpose facilities instead of single sports facilities that would accommodate football, hockey, athletics, and indoor sports. This optimizes usage, as well as assists institutions to maximize investments.

Partnerships Between Corporates and Institutions

Infrastructure gaps can be significantly closed by corporate CSR funds and PPP (Public-Private Partnerships). The firms can sponsor the facilities in the schools and rural locations, giving long term community pay-off.

Focus on Rural and Tier-2 Cities

The actual inclusivity will imply the expansion of infrastructure beyond metros. Sports infrastructure in small towns and rural areas should be given priority by both the government and the private players since the level of raw talent in these areas is usually not realized since they lack the opportunities.

Maintenance and Sustainability

It is not sufficient to build, but sustainable maintenance models are very necessary. Sports grounds can last longer when durable materials such as PPR interlock tiles are used and effective drainage and lighting systems in place.

Read more about challenges and opportunities in sport infrastructure.

A Path Forward for India’s Sporting Ecosystem

India hopes to be a world sporting powerhouse, but this can only be achieved by filling its sporting infrastructure gaps today. With a focus on schools, a multi-sport approach and building partnerships, we will be able to make sure that all children in a metro city and in a small village have the chance to play, to train, and to succeed.

We also feel that the world-class facilities must be affordable to everyone at Gallant Sports. The experiences of our projects in schools, colleges, and communities reflect how critical planning and implementation can change the sporting horizon.

Prepared to work towards the Future of Sports?

Gallant Sports is ready to assist you with all these in case you are a school, college or other institution in need of developing or upgrading your facilities.

 Book a turf consultation now and step up to building inclusive, modern, and sustainable sports infrastructure.