Govt school in Bramhavar boasts of unique sports lab
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Udupi: In a unique initiative, Government High School, Avarse in Brahmavar, established the Bhujanga Shetty Sports Lab that not only promotes physical activity among students, but also actively monitors key health parameters.
The lab serves not just about 127 students, but also those from neighbouring schools, along with teachers and parents.
Physical education teacher and national award winner Azad Mohammad, who conceptualised this lab with support from the school's alumni, said, "A first-of-its-kind lab in a govt school in the state has equipment to assess over 18 health parameters, including muscle strength, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and more.
We also have sports-related testing equipment like hand grip testers and devices to measure individual muscle strength, including the hamstring.
All major sports, such as kho-kho, volleyball, throwball, hockey and others, are promoted through dedicated equipment."
The lab has become an interactive hub where students are trained to check their health metrics and help their peers do the same. Students from nearby schools regularly visit the facility, and even parents are encouraged to assess their basic health during parent-teacher meetings.
Teachers from surrounding schools also take advantage of the lab to monitor their health, said Ramesh Kulal, headmaster.
Beyond health checks, students are taught practical tips, such as reducing salt intake to manage blood pressure, and are trained to use technology, including WhatsApp, to share updates and data. A 'Wall of Fame' showcases photographs and awards of students who excelled in sports, some of whom competed at the national level over the past six years.
The initiative was presented at the state level by DIET vice-principal Ashok Kamath three months ago. The idea took root two years ago when Mohammad, who was invited as a state resource person, was introduced to the concept of a scientific sports lab. Inspired, he began developing a similar facility at the school. Mohammad, a first rank holder in the MPEd programme from Mangalore University, travelled to 10 districts in Karnataka, promoting health education and encouraging other schools to establish similar labs, and shares videos and training materials.
The lab was set up at an approximate cost of Rs 3 lakh, fully funded by donors, mainly alumni. Mohammad said the lab has begun to show its impact. They identified several students from rural, economically disadvantaged backgrounds with low BMI. Among teachers, obesity and high cholesterol levels were flagged, while many visiting parents showed signs of hypertension, he said.
MP Kota Shrinivasa Poojary and MLA Kiran Kumar Kodgi lauded the school for its innovative approach taken up with the support of DDPI Ganapathi K, district physical education officer Chandrashekar Shetty, BEO Shabhana Anjum and TPO Nithyananda Shetty. "With more support from donors and well-wishers, we hope to expand and enhance this facility further," he said.
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