Brief Notes on the Development of Physical Education in Modern India

1. In 1920, H. C. Buck founded the Y.M.C.A. College of Physical Education at Madras which introduced games like Volleyball and Basketball to India.

2″ Hanuman Vyayam Prasarak Mandal, Amravati was formed to encourage indigenous sports like Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, etc. and offered various courses like certificate, diploma and degree course in physical education.

3. A Physical Education Committee called Tara Chand Committee was set up in 1948 to make several recommendations for the development of physical education and recreation in the country which included the establishment of central institute of physical education and recreation.

4. The Central Advisory Board of Physical Education and Recreation was set up in 1950 to advise government on all matters pertaining to physical education.

5. Under the then Health Minister Rajkumari Amrit Kaur in 1953, the Ministry of Health, Govt. of India initiated a coaching scheme for streamlining various games and sports by providing coaching and other services.

6. In 1954, an All India Council of Sports came into existence which acted as a liaison between Government and National federations of various games and offered financial assistance to these federations.

7. Under AICS, the State Sports Councils and District Sports Council were formed.

8. The Ministry of Education established, akshmibai College of Physical education in 1957.

9. In 1958 Sports and Youth Welfare Department was opened by Ministry of Education to promote sports education.

10. In 1961, the National Institute of Sports was established at Moti Bagh, Patiala to produce competitive coaches. A centre in south was established at Bangalore.

11. In 1965, National Fitness Corps was set up.

12. In 1970-71 Sports Talent Search Scholarship Scheme was introduced by Govt. of India to encourage promising youth by providing National and state level scholarships.

13. National Sport Championship were introduced for women in 1975 for their encouragement.

14. In 1982, Asian games were conducted in India which led to better stadiums and sports facilities.

15. Sports Authority of India was established in 1984 and the Society for National Institutes of Physical Education and Sports was merged with SAI.

16. In 1995, the Laxmibai National Institute of Physical Education, being run by Central Govt. was given the status of ‘Deemed University’.

17. It provides the facilities for the preparation of teachers and coaches for various sports and other orientation or refresher courses in physical education.