India faces a significant public health challenge: a staggering 155 million adults and 45 million adolescents in the country are not meeting the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) guidelines for physical activity. This alarming revelation is detailed in a report titled “State of Sports and Physical Activity in India,” conducted by Dalberg Advisors and the Sports and Society Accelerator (SSA). The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the physical activity patterns across various demographics in India, highlighting the urgent need for increased participation in sports and physical activities.
Understanding the Scope of Physical Inactivity in India
The report’s findings are based on a detailed survey involving 5,000 adults and adolescents from diverse backgrounds, encompassing all income segments in both rural and urban settings. The survey offers a granular baseline for physical activity in India, revealing stark patterns of inactivity and the socio-economic factors contributing to them.
According to the WHO, adults should engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week. However, a large segment of the Indian population falls short of these recommendations. While some Indians participate in physical activity, the majority limit themselves to walking. Although walking is beneficial, it alone does not meet the comprehensive guidelines for overall health.
Key Findings: An Inactive Nation
Limited Engagement in Sports and Physical Activities
The report indicates that only 10% of Indian adults engage in sports, and among these, regular participation is even lower. This trend is more pronounced among adolescents; while 66% engage in sports, the variety is limited, with half of the boys predominantly playing cricket. This lack of diversity in sports participation highlights a broader issue within the sporting culture in India, where few alternatives to cricket are actively promoted or pursued.
Lack of Muscle-Strengthening Activities
Gaurav Gupta, Global Managing Partner at Dalberg Advisors and a part of the research team, pointed out that approximately 59% of active Indians do not engage in muscle-strengthening activities. This poses a significant problem, especially for older adults, since muscle-strengthening is crucial for maintaining bone and joint health and preventing falls. As people age, the absence of muscle-strengthening exercises can lead to severe health complications, including osteoporosis and increased susceptibility to injuries.
Missing Out on Outdoor and Group Activities
Another critical finding is that one-third of active Indians do not engage in outdoor physical activities, while two-thirds of active adults never participate in group activities. This lack of group engagement deprives individuals of the social benefits associated with physical activity, such as building community connections, fostering friendships, and enhancing overall mental well-being. Physical activity in groups can also provide motivation and encouragement, which is particularly beneficial for maintaining a consistent exercise routine.
Gender Disparities in Physical Activity
The report also brings to light the glaring gender inequalities in physical activity levels in India. Women and girls engage in significantly fewer hours of physical activity compared to their male counterparts. The disparity is most pronounced in urban areas, where a third of girls do not meet the recommended physical activity guidelines.
Several factors contribute to this inequality, including societal restrictions, misinformation around menstruation and pregnancy, and a lack of safe and accessible spaces for women to exercise. These cultural and societal norms further restrict women’s participation in sports and physical activities, perpetuating a cycle of inactivity.
In urban areas, women are particularly disadvantaged. The report reveals that urban women spend 385 fewer active minutes per week than rural women and 249 fewer minutes compared to urban men. This discrepancy underscores the need for targeted interventions to encourage and facilitate physical activity among women in cities, where safety concerns, lack of facilities, and societal expectations often act as barriers.
Economic and Health Consequences of Inactivity
The trend of inactivity is not just a health concern but also poses severe economic repercussions for India. If the current levels of inactivity persist, by 2047, India could face 200 million additional cases of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. The report predicts 45 million more obese adolescents and over Rs 55 trillion in additional healthcare costs annually.
Non-communicable diseases are already a significant burden on India’s healthcare system, and increased rates due to inactivity will further strain resources. Additionally, the report suggests that the economic costs of inactivity extend beyond healthcare. The loss of productivity due to inactivity-related illnesses could lead to a reduction in the country’s GDP, potentially causing a loss of Rs 2.5 trillion annually.
The Potential Benefits of Increasing Physical Activity
Despite these challenges, the report outlines the immense potential benefits of increasing physical activity levels across the country. According to the findings, raising physical activity levels in India could:
- Add Rs 15 trillion to the GDP annually: By improving the overall health and productivity of the workforce, increased physical activity could significantly boost the economy.
- Prevent Rs 2.5 trillion in productivity losses: Healthier individuals mean a more productive workforce, leading to fewer days off work due to illness or disability.
- Save Rs 30 trillion in healthcare costs: By reducing the incidence of NCDs and other health conditions associated with inactivity, India could save billions in healthcare expenditures.
- Empower 11 million girls and encourage 600,000 women leaders: Increased participation in sports and physical activities can empower women and girls, fostering leadership skills, confidence, and overall well-being.
- Boost sports spending by Rs 4.5 trillion: A more active population could lead to increased demand for sports infrastructure, equipment, and services, stimulating economic growth in the sports sector.
- Enhance India’s global sports profile: With more people participating in a wider range of sports, India has the potential to improve its performance and reputation on the global sporting stage.
The Call for a Gender-Inclusive Approach
The report’s authors advocate for a gender-inclusive approach to promoting physical activity and a sports culture in India. They emphasize the need to address the unique challenges faced by women and girls, ensuring that they have equal access to safe, affordable, and culturally appropriate opportunities for physical activity.
To achieve this, the authors suggest several interventions, including:
- Creating Safe Spaces for Women to Exercise: Developing community centers, parks, and sports facilities that are safe and accessible for women and girls can encourage them to participate in physical activities. This could involve improving lighting, increasing security, and providing separate timings or facilities for women.
- Raising Awareness and Education: Addressing misconceptions and societal restrictions around menstruation, pregnancy, and other issues that limit women’s participation in physical activity is crucial. Educational campaigns can help dispel myths and encourage a more inclusive approach to sports and exercise.
- Promoting Female Role Models in Sports: Highlighting the achievements of female athletes can inspire more women and girls to take up sports and physical activities. Media coverage and community programs that celebrate female role models can help change perceptions and encourage wider participation.
Affordable Solutions for Sustainable Change
Gaurav Gupta from Dalberg Advisors points out that many solutions to the physical inactivity crisis in India are not only affordable but can also sustain themselves over time. Interventions that promote physical activity can bring expected benefits in productivity and income, creating a positive feedback loop that supports further engagement in sports and exercise.
He emphasizes the potential in involving more people, especially those currently inactive or only occasionally participating in sports. This could involve community-based programs, partnerships with schools and local organizations, and public health initiatives that promote the benefits of physical activity.
The Role of Government and Private Sector
The report also calls for a coordinated effort between the government and the private sector to promote physical activity across India. Policies that support the development of sports infrastructure, provide incentives for participation in physical activities, and encourage the inclusion of physical education in school curricula can help create a more active society.
Moreover, corporate social responsibility initiatives by private companies can also play a vital role in promoting sports and physical activities. By sponsoring local sports events, providing facilities for employees, and supporting community programs, businesses can contribute to building a healthier and more active nation.
A Vision for the Future
The “State of Sports and Physical Activity in India” report provides a clear vision for the future, where increased participation in sports and physical activities can lead to significant health, social, and economic benefits. By addressing the current challenges, particularly those related to gender inequality and societal barriers, India has the potential to create a more inclusive and active society.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The findings of the report serve as a wake-up call for India. The country stands at a crossroads, where the decision to promote and encourage physical activity can lead to a healthier, more productive, and economically stronger nation. The evidence is clear: increased physical activity can bring about profound benefits, from improving individual health outcomes to boosting national GDP and reducing healthcare costs.
However, achieving these benefits requires a concerted effort from all sectors of society. The government, private sector, community organizations, and individuals all have a role to play in promoting a culture of physical activity and sports. By working together and taking a gender-inclusive approach, India can overcome the challenges of physical inactivity and unlock its full potential as a healthy and active nation.
The path forward is challenging, but the rewards are immense. With the right strategies and commitment, India can transform into a nation where every individual, regardless of gender or socio-economic status, has the opportunity to lead an active and healthy life. The time to act is now, for the future health and prosperity of the country depend on it.
