Hyderabad: Beijing Olympics gold medallist Abhinav Bindra on Saturday said the physical education (PE) teachers in schools should be made role models for children.Speaking at a panel discussion ‘Expanding Community Sports and Advancing Physical Literacy in Telangana’, the veteran shooter also drew comparisons between India’s system and the US collegiate model.“A child usually forms their first connection with a PE teacher, but unfortunately, they are seen at the lowest level in the school system. In the US, however, PE teachers are among the most respected,” Bindra added.Backing his views were former international volleyball player Ravikanth Reddy and World Athletics Federation vice-president Adille Sumariwalla. “This is a key area that needs attention,” Reddy said.Sumariwalla added that unless PE teachers are given proper respect, sports at the grassroots level will not flourish. “Sports must become an integral part of the education system. Only then can we achieve top results,” he said.Sumariwalla added that Telangana’s sports policy would show results once grassroots coaches start delivering. “Only practice does not make perfect, but perfect practice makes perfect,” he added. On how to encourage parents to send their children to playgrounds, experts said the focus should be on building proper infrastructure and creating more opportunities. “The mindset of parents will change once they see real opportunities in sports,” they said, adding that parents also need to be sensitised on how sports support a child’s overall development. “Sports marks can be included in report cards and counted in the overall grades. Also, schools should make sure at least one hour every day is set aside for sports.”Dual career pathwayBindra said that instead of forcing policy on children, a supportive environment should be created. “Community participation is key to building a sporting culture, which is why cricket is so popular in India,” he added.Sports should offer dual career pathways for athletes. “In the US, most athletes come through the college system because the pathway is built into it. We should not view sports only as a way to win medals,” the shooter said.Experts concluded by saying that the sports policy should also focus on how sports could improve the health and fitness of the wider community.
