SSB GD TOPIC NOTES: INDIA is a country of more that one billion and yet we perform poorly in sports in the world arena

Fresh  SSB batches start around 1st and 15th of every month

India is a country of more than one billion and yet we perform poorly in  sports in the world arena. Which of these do you think is responsible for it? ⚽️🏃🏻‍♀️

(a) Poor physical attributes (b) Poor sports infrastructure  (c) Poor sports administration

Introduction 

• India has immense population strength, yet its performance in global sporting events like the Olympics has historically been limited compared to many smaller nations. The reasons are multi-dimensional and each of the given leads contributes in different ways.
  

• Some people argue that Indians lack the physical build required for certain sports. However, this argument is largely a myth and not strongly supported by facts.
• India has produced world-class athletes when proper training, nutrition, and facilities were provided. 
• For example, Neeraj Chopra, Olympic gold medallist in javelin (Tokyo 2020), demonstrated that Indian athletes can match global standards in strength-based sports. Similarly, Mary Kom became a six-time world champion in boxing despite coming from limited resources and modest physical stature.
• Scientific studies show that athletic performance depends more on training, diet, sports science, and early talent identification rather than natural physical build.
• Countries like Japan and China, ✅where average physical size is comparable to India, have consistently performed well in global sports events. 
• Hence, poor physical attributes are not the primary limitation; lack of systematic development often creates the illusion of physical inadequacy.

• This is one of the most significant reasons behind India’s weak global sports performance.
•  Many schools and rural areas lack basic facilities such as playgrounds, proper coaching, and equipment.
• According to reports, a large number of Indian schools do not have dedicated sports grounds. Rural areas, which possess huge untapped talent, often lack training centres and professional coaching facilities. 
• For instance, many talented athletes from villages struggle due to lack of access to proper stadiums, physiotherapy support, and sports science assistance.
• However, improvements are visible through initiatives like the Khelo India Programme, launched in 2018, ✅which focuses on grassroots talent development and infrastructure improvement.
•  The success of athletes from academies such as Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy, which produced players like PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal, shows how strong infrastructure can transform sporting outcomes.

• Administrative inefficiency has historically been one of the biggest barriers to sports growth in India. Issues like corruption, favouritism, lack of transparency, and poor management often demotivate athletes.
• There have been several controversies where athletes complained about delayed funding, selection bias, and inadequate support during international events.
•  For example, in the past, Indian athletes at global competitions have faced problems such as lack of proper accommodation or training arrangements.
•  The 2010 Commonwealth Games preparations exposed administrative lapses and corruption allegations, which highlighted systemic problems.✅
• In contrast, countries like Australia and the United Kingdom follow professional and transparent sports management systems. 
• Their centralized athlete support programs, sports science integration, and efficient governance have significantly boosted their Olympic performances.

• India’s poor global sports performance is not due to lack of talent or physical capability but is mainly linked to inadequate infrastructure and administrative challenges.
• With increasing government initiatives, private academies, and awareness about sports as a career, India is gradually improving its sporting performance. Strengthening grassroots infrastructure, ensuring transparent administration, and providing scientific training can help India emerge as a global sporting powerhouse.