How sports can shape the academic future of students

The Hindu

2 days ago

In a world where academic pressure often overshadows extracurricular pursuits, the significance of sports in shaping a student's educational future is gaining recognition. Today, playing a sport is no longer seen merely as a hobby or a break from studies; it is increasingly becoming a legitimate pathway to academic opportunities, scholarships, and personal growth.
Globally, universities have long embraced the student-athlete model. In the U.S., for instance, collegiate athletics is a robust, structured system offering scholarships to deserving athletes across a wide array of sports. These scholarships not only ease the financial burden of education but also serve as an incentive for young individuals to balance excellence in both sport and study.
In the U.S and parts of Europe, athletic ability can unlock access to elite institutions. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) offer scholarships that cover tuition, accommodation, and living expenses. Importantly, international students are eligible for these scholarships, provided they meet academic benchmarks and sports performance criteria. Countries like the U.K., Canada, and Australia also offer scholarships and special consideration to athletes, although the systems vary in structure and generosity.
Indian context
India, too, has begun acknowledging the potential of sports to transform academic journeys. The sports quota in Indian colleges, especially in public universities and central institutions, offers reserved seats to athletes who have represented their state or country. These quotas apply to undergraduate admissions and often come with partial fee waivers or hostel priority. While the intent is commendable, the implementation across institutions remains inconsistent, with eligibility criteria and recognition of tournaments varying from one college to another.
Nevertheless, for talented athletes, sports can be a powerful differentiator, both within the country and abroad. In the Indian context, securing a seat in top universities like Delhi University or Jawaharlal Nehru University under the sports quota provides not just admission but also validation of years of training. In private institutions, particularly emerging liberal arts universities, athletic profiles are increasingly considered during holistic admissions, albeit without formal quotas.
However, the journey is not without its hurdles. Access to quality coaching, standardised recognition of sporting events, and structured documentation of athletic achievements are still lacking. Moreover, societal emphasis on board exam results often discourages families from allowing children to pursue sports seriously, especially beyond the early teenage years.
Implementation
To truly tap into the potential of sports as an academic enabler, a cultural and structural shift is required. Schools must integrate sports into the curriculum not just as a break from the classroom, but as a serious avenue for growth. Universities need to standardise criteria under the sports quota and promote transparency in their selection processes. At a policy level, better coordination between education and sports ministries can help streamline scholarship pathways and scouting mechanisms.
Most importantly, India must begin to view sports not solely through the lens of whether it guarantees a monetary future. Sport should be recognised as a powerful foundation that builds discipline, resilience, leadership, and character and as a legitimate pathway to academic and life success. Even when it does not culminate in professional sport, the values and opportunities it unlocks can last a lifetime.
As education systems around the world evolve to prioritise holistic development, it's time India followed suit, not just by rewarding sporting excellence with certificates, but by recognising it as a gateway to a brighter academic and professional future. Because when athletes score beyond the field, they inspire a nation to reimagine what success really means.
The writer is the Founder and CEO of TEA.