Hyderabad: Children’s Declining Patronisation for Sports Worries Coaches

 Hyderabad: Several coaches and sports administrators from the city are expressing concern at the gradual decline in interest for sports among the youth. With inadequate government funding and waning parental interest, coaches and ground managers are baffled at the steady drop in the number of children reporting for sports training and events, a trend that could have long-term consequences for the physical and social development of the city youth.

“We’ve seen a sharp drop in the number of kids coming into sports across disciplines,” says Amjad Khan, a basketball coach. “Even parents are less interested in sending their children as they are stressing on scoring well in academics.”

Krishna Rao, who manages a popular playground, said “We used to have long waiting lists of youngsters keen on making it to our football, cricket and basketball teams. Now, the interest has gone down significantly. It’s a worrying trend.”

Parents, on the other hand, cite different reasons for this shift.

Sreya Vikas, a mother of two, said “With the increasing pressure on academics, it’s hard to find time for sports. My kids have so much homework and extra tutoring, it’s difficult to fit in any time.”

Rajesh, another parent, adds, “My son used to love playing football, but now he’s more interested in video games. I think it’s partly because all his friends are doing the same. The social aspect of sports is declining.”

Keeping their fingers crossed, coaches are hoping that parents and elders would make a rethink and involve their children in one sports discipline or the other to ensure their all-round development.