Author(s): Dr. Sukhbir Singh

Abstract: This research paper examines the socio-economic determinants influencing sports participation in India, drawing on a wide range of secondary data sources, national surveys, and recent academic studies. The analysis highlights that sports participation is shaped by intersecting factors, including household income, parental education, gender norms, urban–rural disparities, and the availability of school and community infrastructure. While schools remain the primary environment where children engage in physical activity, gaps in facilities, trained physical education teachers, and consistent sports programming limit the depth of participation. The study also reveals that disadvantaged groups—including girls, rural youth, and children from low-income or marginalised communities—face multiple layers of structural and cultural barriers that restrict their involvement in organised sports. Policy implications emphasise the need for equitable resource allocation, improved school infrastructure, capacity-building for physical education staff, and targeted interventions for underrepresented groups. The paper concludes that enhancing access, strengthening institutional support, and addressing socio-economic inequalities are critical for fostering a more inclusive and participatory sports culture. By promoting equitable opportunities, India can ensure that sports function not only as a medium of physical development but also as a pathway for social empowerment and holistic well-being.

Keywords: Socio-Economic, Sports Participation, Sports Development, Khelo India Program.

Article Info: Received: 25 Nov 2024; Received in revised form: 21 Dec 2024; Accepted: 26 Dec 2024; Available online: 31 Dec 2024

DOI: 10.22161/ijels.96.70