Inclusive Physical Education in India: Challenges and Best Practices

Abstract

Inclusive Physical Education is a critical component of modern educational and sports frameworks, ensuring that all students, regardless of ability or disability, have equitable access to physical activity and fitness education. In India, implementation is still restricted because of a lack of infrastructure, insufficient teacher preparation, curricular limitations, and societal attitudes, even in the face of supportive policies like the RPWD Act (2016) and NEP (2020). In India, implementation is still restricted because of a lack of infrastructure, insufficient teacher preparation, curricular limitations, and societal attitudes, even in the face of supportive policies like the RPWD Act (2016) and NEP (2020). This article explores these issues and identifies successful approaches from state projects, community organizations, and educational institutions. Adaptive curricula, community involvement, the utilization of assistive technology, and teacher capacity building are all examples of successful strategies. Physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development can all be improved by making inclusion a central part of physical education.  Recommendations are provided to bridge the gap between policy and practice, fostering a more equal, Inclusive Physical Education environment in India.