UP Government Initiates 'One Sport, One KGBV' Pilot to Promote Girls' Sports Participation

Taking an important step in empowering young girls and ensuring gender inclusivity at sports, the Uttar Pradesh state government has implemented a new pilot scheme called 'One Sport, One KGBV'. It will be covered under Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs) — a residential school scheme for poor girls — and strives to create sports culture among pupils.

During the first phase of this program, 150 KGBVs have been chosen in the state. Two schools from every one of the 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh will be included in the pilot project, setting a large foundation for the undertaking's future scaling up. There are 746 KGBVs operational in UP, and the government aims to scale the project incrementally depending on the pilot's success.

The fundamental concept of the scheme is to allocate a single dedicated sport to every participating school so that students can concentrate and excel in one specific discipline. The sports chosen are hockey, football, cricket, kabaddi, athletics, long jump, and high jump. By offering specialized infrastructure and coaching, the government is aiming to develop competitive teams and enable girls to get selected for district, state, and even national and international competitions.

In the preparation, schools are being outfitted with up-to-date sports facilities, and experienced trainers and coaches are being hired to train the girls. The program is being organized by the state's Basic Education Department, in association with the Sports and Youth Welfare Department.

Authorities feel that sports have the potential to be an agent of change for young girls, particularly those who belong to marginalized communities. "This programme is not merely about sport, it's about confidence, health, discipline, and empowerment," said a senior education official. The initiative also seeks to fight gender stereotypes, providing girls with a space that has otherwise been dominated by males in the majority of rural areas.

The focus on sports by the UP government is also in keeping with the overall national goal of fostering fitness and all-around education. Successful pilot could pave the way for the integration of sport as a systematic part of girls' education in all KGBVs in the state.

This move is viewed as a giant leap towards narrowing the gender gap in sports and making sure that all girls have a chance to shine — not only in school, but on the field as well.