20 Crore Indians Lead Inactive Lives, Says Study; Urban Girls Most Affected, Know Why

New Delhi: According to a pioneering national survey on sports and physical activity, over 20 crore Indians are classified as “inactive” as per international norms. The study highlights that girls in urban areas are the most affected by inactivity. These findings are based on recommendations from the World Health Organisation (WHO), which suggest that adults should engage in at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week to reduce health risks, anxiety, and depression.

What WHO recommends

The WHO recommends that children and adolescents should be active for at least 60 minutes each day. However, this benchmark is not met in a society where academic priorities often overshadow physical activity. “One of the biggest myths we need to debunk is that physical activity hinders academic success. In reality, it complements and enhances academic performance,” Swetha Totapally, Regional Director for Dalberg Advisors, Asia Pacific was quoted as saying. The survey, conducted in partnership with the Sports and Society Accelerator, a non-profit organisation, indicates that a fully active India by 2047 could boost the country’s GDP by over Rs 15 trillion annually.

Myths vs benefits

Desh Gaurav Sekhri, Co-Founder of Sports and Society Accelerator, stresses the need to distinguish between sports and physical activity. In India, there is often confusion between the two, with the focus more on competition and excellence rather than health and community benefits. “Physical activity and sport lead to physiological changes, mood regulation, stamina, and cognitive improvements, which translate into individual and societal outcomes,” according to Sekhri.

Gender disparity and urban inactivity

Among the survey’s most concerning findings is the gender gap in physical activity. Urban girls are particularly affected due to limited access to public spaces like parks and playgrounds, coupled with safety concerns. Additionally, three-quarters of active time for the average Indian woman is consumed by household chores and caregiving responsibilities. Urban inactivity rates are nearly twice as high compared to rural areas.

The need of the hour

The survey also reveals a pressing need to integrate physical activity into school curriculums. Among the students surveyed, 67% reported that their schools lacked sports equipment, while 21% indicated their schools did not have a playground. The survey, which was conducted in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu, utilized focus group discussions with parents, blue-collar workers, physical education teachers, and students.