Page 46 - Sportability

As we embark on our exploration of sports as a and meaningful inclusion of individuals of all abilities.
catalyst, we will examine how sports have the power to This holistic approach to inclusion, encompassing
shape social dynamics, forge personal identities, and both education and sports, is essential for creating
contribute to broader societal transformations. truly inclusive societies where every individual has
the opportunity to thrive and contribute to their fullest
The Imperative of Inclusion potential.
Inclusion in sports transcends mere participation; it
embodies the essence of belonging and acceptance Exploring Exclusion
within a community. Just as in inclusive education, In the Indian context, in its basic definition,”what is
where restructuring schools as communities enables not included in or accepted by a system may be termed
all children to learn, inclusive sports aim to create as exclusion in reference to that system operating in
environments where individuals of diverse abilities a particular environment” (Rekha & Murthy, 2017).
can thrive. Providing equal opportunities does not Unquestionably, exclusion manifests in various
mean providing ‘similar’ things to all children (Swarup, forms, impacting different segments of society across
n.d., p. 1). different spheres. From economic status to educational
attainment to social standing, exclusion permeates
Undoubtedly, there is no one-size-fits-all approach through the fabric of society and institutions,
to achieving inclusivity in sports; rather, it requires perpetuating inequalities and marginalization.
a commitment to fostering good practices, fostering
healthy relationships between coaches and athletes, Economically disadvantaged individuals are often
and adapting the sporting environment to meet the denied the privileges enjoyed by the affluent strata of
individual needs of participants. Just as the education society, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and exclusion.
system must be reengineered to accommodate the Similarly, those lacking formal education or literacy
diversity of students, so too must sports programs be face barriers to accessing opportunities and resources
tailored to respond to the unique needs of athletes. available to the educated elite. Social status further
compounds these disparities, with marginalized
The whole debate about inclusive education goes empty communities bearing the brunt of discrimination and
without promoting inclusive sports. Even though a lot of exclusion based on caste, color, and gender.
literature and research work in the last few decades in
India have focused on Inclusive Education. However, a Among these exclusions, women or gender based
more comprehensive discussion around inclusive sports exclusion is a major issue in contemporary India
is yet to be done. The National Curriculum Framework (Choudhary, 2019, p. 1). Girls face restrictions in
(NCF) underscores the importance of inclusivity in educational and extracurricular pursuits, perpetuating
education, emphasizing the need to cater to the diverse gender stereotypes and limiting their potential for
needs of all learners. However, while education is growth and empowerment. Caste-based exclusion
undoubtedly a crucial aspect of promoting inclusion, the also persists, with marginalized communities facing
significance of inclusive sports cannot be overlooked. discrimination and prejudice in both social and
Inclusive sports provide opportunities for individuals of educational settings. This exclusion not only deprives
all abilities to participate, collaborate, and excel, fostering students of equal opportunities but also undermines
a sense of belonging and empowerment within diverse their sense of belonging and self-worth.
communities. As NCF 2023 states, “schools must ensure
the participation of students with disabilities in physical Moreover, the exclusion experienced by students
education to the extent that is possible for them.” extends beyond traditional boundaries, encompassing
factors such as locale, disability, socio-economic
Moreover, the integration of inclusive sports into status, and language. Students from marginalized
educational settings aligns with the broader goals of backgrounds encounter systemic barriers that hinder
the UN’s 2030 Agenda. Sport is recognized as a powerful their integration and participation in educational and
tool for social inclusion within this agenda, promoting community life. These exclusionary practices not only
tolerance, respect, and peace. Inclusive sports not perpetuate inequalities but also hinder the collective
only contribute to the physical and mental well-being progress and prosperity of society as a whole.
of individuals but also facilitate social cohesion and
empowerment. By providing equal opportunities for Exclusion with Respect to Disability
participation and fostering an inclusive environment, Disability has historically been a source of stigma and
sports can break down barriers and promote the full discrimination, shifting individuals with impairments

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