Haryana leads with launch of globally accredited sports life skills framework in schools

Haryana is preparing to pilot a globally accredited Continuing Professional Development Sports Life Skills Framework in schools, becoming the first state in India to test the model within its formal education system.

The initiative aims to reposition physical education as a structured learning space for developing life skills such as resilience, leadership, and teamwork, while ensuring there is no increase in academic load for students.

The program will be conducted during regular physical education periods and will not require additional examinations, timetable changes, or extracurricular commitments.

The framework has been developed by the Holistic International Pravasi Sports Association, with UK-based sports ecosystem firm Power Sportz acting as the academic and implementation partner.

The program has received formal accreditation from the CPD Group UK, an international accreditation body recognized in more than 100 countries, giving the pilot global credibility, officials said.

The initial rollout will take place in selected government and private schools across Haryana and will cover students from Classes VI to XII.

In addition to student-focused outcomes, the initiative is designed to create new professional development opportunities for physical education teachers through specialized training in life-skills facilitation.

Officials said Haryana was chosen for the pilot because of its “deep-rooted sporting culture” and strong track record in national and international competitions, including the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.

“With Haryana as the pilot state, we are laying the foundation for a national movement that places sport at the heart of holistic education,” said Kanthi D Suresh, president of HIPSA, adding that the program could be scaled across the country depending on the pilot’s outcomes.

The framework aligns with the National Education Policy 2020, which emphasizes integrating sports with academics.

By embedding life-skills learning into physical education, the initiative seeks to move beyond fitness-focused instruction.

Balram Singh, a senior gymnastics coach, said the success of the program would depend on sustained teacher training and institutional support.

“If done properly, this framework can turn PE into a structured learning space for emotional development,” he said.

Power Sportz is set to begin on-ground engagement with school managements and physical education teachers to launch the pilot.

HIPSA, which recently supported the inclusion of kabaddi in the Guinness Book of World Records, continues to work on expanding internationally aligned collaborations to strengthen India’s sports ecosystem.