ABSTRACT

Sports can essentially be defined as all forms of competitive physical activity, which through

organised participation, aims at expressing, improving or maintaining physical fitness. In

hindsight, participation in sports not only develops physical skills and improves fitness but

also enhances social and emotional skills, develops moral values and aids in acquiring a

better sense of self-through increased perceived competence, self-esteem and self-

confidence. Though the history of sports in India dates to the Vedic era, Indias sports history

is full of stories of athletes who, with their sheer will, have defied poverty and despite of Commented [PB1]: Omit

lack of access to infrastructure and incentives, have outperformed and achieved glory almost

single-handedly.

This study was undertaken to explore the meaning and role of sports in the lives of

individuals. The participants for the study were selected from Delhi. A total of 100

participants were part of this research study which included 10 parents, 20 young adults

trained in team sports (10 males and 10 females), 20 young adults trained and actively

involved in team sports (10 males and 10 females) and 50 participants for public opinion.

The sample was selected using purposive and snowball method. Data generation was framed

by qualitative stance and hence interview guides were prepared.

The results of this research showed that largely sports did have a positive effect on identity.

Sports came across as an essential factor in the construction of self of individuals trained in

team sports. Though participants involvement in sports was backed with support from

family, academics and resources, arose as challenges for all. Parents, however, felt that

regardless of the increased cognizance about sports, it is often seen as a trivial aspect of life

by academics. The quandary of the current education system is that it does not provide that

space to children to excel in sports and is till date considered as extra- curricular.
Consequently, no sport, other than cricket was considered as a career option. The study

yielded that the foremost challenge for females is that they need to carve their space to get

into sports, which is not the scenario for males. Sports came very naturally to males and was

a part of their everyday routine since childhood through adulthood. Despite the known Commented [PB2]: Came naturally doesnt sound well.
Add something else. Maybe accessibility or disparity.
gender disparity, in media, it emerged that media did have an affirmative influence on the
Commented [PB3]: Omit
society, if not increased participation, but definitely increased awareness. This can also be
Commented [PB4]: addition
attributed to the significant increase of portrayal of female athletes in movies, especially

Bollywood, in the past few years.