07/10/2024
India’s limited success in sports reflects deeper societal challenges that impede the development of athletes. Unlike countries like the USA and China that prioritise sports as a national focus, India grapples with cultural attitudes that often undervalue physical activity, particularly in middle-class and elite circles. Furthermore, the historical stigma surrounding physical labor, rooted in the caste system, still affects participation across social strata. The government’s inconsistent policies and lack of sustained investment in sports infrastructure have resulted in missed opportunities for nurturing talent.