The importance of integration of physical education and sports in school curriculum for the success of youth development was recognized by Govt of India in 1984. At that time, National Sports Policy recommended making physical education and sports an integral part of the school curriculum. Earlier, the focus used to be laid on only academics. Later on, it was realized that the goal of physical education and academics is common. Now academicians and Govt of India have realized completely that physical education sport & should be 

made an integral part of the curriculum. Now students report healthier eating habits, good cardiovascular fitness, decreased levels of tension, anxiety and depression. A research study conducted in this field in 2014 also indicated a positive correlation between students who were engaged in the programmes of physical education and decline in drug, alcohol and substance abuse. Indeed, the importance of various programmes of physical education in school curriculum can be understood in the following ways: 

 

1.  Improve physical fitness: The well-integrated programmes of physical education improve physical fitness of students, which is the key ingredient for a healthy lifestyle. That is why physical education is very significant in all the schools. The regular programmes of physical education help in better absorption of nutrients in the body and also keep improving the holistic health of students. 

 

2.  Improve concentration: Students, who take part in the programmes of physical education are better able to concentrate and maintain focus, which has a very significant effect on their academic life. Infact, the programmes of physical education help in improving academic performance of students. Studies show that physical education helps in boosting the knowledge learnt in the classroom.  


3.  Reduce tension, anxiety and depression: The well-integrated programmes of physical education reduce the levels of tension, anxiety and depression. Nowadays children usually remain under more stress, tension and anxiety than ever, so physical education programmes are beneficial for them. 

 

4.    Help in social interaction: The programmes of physical education provide a number of opportunities for social interactions. Such programmes help to improve their social behavior, self-discipline, courtesy, cooperation,  team building & leadership qualities.  

 

5.   Proper nutrition. The programmes of physical education help students to understand the importance of proper nutrition. It is specifically significant in school days as this is where students eating disorders and obesity prevail. Students are able to understand the importance of eating well and various guidelines related to nutrition.  

 

6.   Proper growth and development: For proper growth and development of students, it is significant that our organs and systems must function optimally. The programme of physical education lead to an improvement in the digestive system which ultimately helps in growth and development. 

 




In conclusion, it can be alluded to that physical education can contribute to young student's various benefits such as educational achievement, community cohesion and public health. Physical education and education are interlinked and together contribute significantly to holistic human resource development. Physical education is a significant component of quality education. Physical education not only promotes physical development but the programmes of physical education correlate to improved academic performance. No doubt, it is an integral part of school curriculum. 


~Dr. VK Sharma - Author, Professor, Dept. Of Physical Education DAV College, Haryana.