Question

What is a key benefit of sports-integrated learning, as emphasized in NEP 2020?

• A. Improved Academic Performance
• B. Development of life-skills like teamwork and discipline
• C. Reduced focus on academics
• D. Enhanced creativity and problem-solving skills

Hint:

NEP 2020 emphasizes \textbf{holistic development}, viewing education beyond just academics. Sports-integrated learning is a core component of this, specifically highlighted for fostering essential \textbf{life skills} such as teamwork, discipline, leadership, and resilience, which are critical for an individual's overall growth and future success.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understand the core principle of sports-integrated learning in NEP 2020.
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 strongly advocates for sports-integrated learning. This approach is designed to provide a holistic educational experience that goes beyond traditional academic instruction. It recognizes that physical activity and sports contribute not only to physical health but also to cognitive and socio-emotional development.
Step 2: Evaluate each option in the context of NEP 2020's emphasis.
(1) Improved Academic Performance: While sports can indirectly contribute to improved academic performance by enhancing concentration and reducing stress, this is often a secondary benefit. The primary emphasis of NEP 2020's sports integration is broader development. (2) Development of life-skills like teamwork and discipline: This aligns very strongly with the holistic development goals of NEP 2020. Sports inherently teach crucial life skills such as teamwork, leadership, discipline, perseverance, sportsmanship, and the ability to handle both success and failure. These are fundamental for overall personal growth and societal contribution. This is a key stated benefit in educational policies promoting integrated learning. (3) Reduced focus on academics: This option is incorrect. Sports-integrated learning, as envisioned by NEP 2020, aims to complement and enrich academics, not reduce focus on them. It's about integrating learning, not shifting focus away from one area to another. (4) Enhanced creativity and problem-solving skills: While sports can contribute to creativity (e.g., devising game strategies) and problem-solving (e.g., adapting to game situations), these are generally considered broader cognitive skills. The immediate and most direct life skills emphasized in the context of sports are often related to social interaction and self-regulation, such as teamwork and discipline. While a benefit, it might not be the key benefit emphasized as much as the development of explicit life skills.
Step 3: Conclude based on the primary objectives of NEP 2020.
NEP 2020 promotes a holistic education that includes physical education and sports for the development of character, physical and mental well-being, and a range of life skills. Among the given options, the development of life-skills like teamwork and discipline is the most comprehensive and direct benefit that sports-integrated learning aims to achieve, as strongly emphasized in policy documents. The final answer is $\boxed{\text{2}}$.