New Delhi: With India making bold strides in sports through programmes like Khelo India, TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme), and the Fit India Movement, the conversation has shifted from participation to excellence. Former Senior National Coach Kamesh Gareri believes the momentum is strong but insists that India must adopt proven global strategies to truly transform into a world-class sporting nation.
“India is no longer on the sidelines of global sports. The intent is clear, and the foundation is being laid. But to reach the next level, we must blend our passion with structured, internationally inspired systems,” said Kamesh Gareri in an exclusive interaction.
Community Sports: The UK Example
In the United Kingdom, sports culture thrives on community-driven clubs supported by Sport England. These hubs make training accessible to children in small towns while also feeding athletes into national pipelines.
Gareri’s view: India should replicate this by setting up strong district-level clubs that allow athletes to grow locally before competing nationally.
Science-Backed Training: Germany’s Approach
Germany’s Olympic success is rooted in its reliance on sports science and highly trained coaches. Facilities include biomechanics labs, nutrition specialists, and mental conditioning experts.
Gareri’s advice: India must invest in regional sports science centres and enforce performance-based coach certifications to ensure quality training nationwide.
School Integration: Lessons from Japan
Japanese schools incorporate bukatsu (daily sports clubs) where students not only practice but also learn discipline, teamwork, and respect.
For India: Gareri suggests embedding 90–120 minutes of structured physical activity in school routines, led by skilled PE instructors, to foster holistic growth.
Talent Identification: Australia’s Model
Australia’s AIS (Australian Institute of Sport) scouts children at a very young age, placing them in long-term development pathways that have produced multiple Olympic legends.
Gareri’s recommendation: Launch a National Talent ID Program in India that identifies talent district by district and nurtures them with decade-long development plans.
Higher Education and Competitive Sports: The US Pathway
The United States integrates academics with elite-level competition through the NCAA system, which has produced countless global stars while also creating a billion-dollar sports economy.
Gareri’s suggestion: A University Sports League in India could provide students with both educational opportunities and professional-level sporting careers, minimizing athlete dropouts.
Concluding his remarks, Kamesh Gareri said:
“India’s potential is unmatched. With our sheer numbers, youthful energy, and cultural passion for sports, we are capable of achieving global dominance. If we strategically adopt the best practices of leading nations, India won’t just aim for medals—we will build a lasting sporting culture for generations.”