PV Sindhu launches the online physical education curriculum
HYDERABAD: Recalling her childhood days, world badminton champion PV Sindhu said on Thursday that chances of getting injured in a safe fitness programme was slim and she too had started exercising at a young age.
“When I was young…before I started playing badminton, my father used to make me do these exercises. These are basic exercises and one doesn’t need any weights or equipment. Any kid can do them and I can guarantee that no can get any sort of injury while doing these exercises,” said Sindhu.
“If a child is going out of breath, he/she can take a pause. Likewise, based on their stamina, they can decide how many repetitions they want to do,” she said.
Formally unveiling a scientifically designed physical education curriculum in India – the Suchitra Fitkid – at the Suchitra Academy on Thursday, she said kids can start early and keep increasing.
“Covid-19 has created a global health crisis. The cities are deserted as people stay indoors. Education has been impacted and brought physical activity to a standstill. Continuing to exercise and staying fit is a prime necessity. The curriculum is a right blend of physical exercises and yoga asanas and children would love it the most. I have been coming to the academy for my fitness and training,” Sindhu added.
The curriculum is authored by Sindhu’s personal trainer Srikanth Varma and present on the occasion were chief mentor Praveen Raju, school principal Deepa Kapoor and vice-principal Trisha Chakraborty.
The curriculum is designed to address the fitness needs of students from Grade I to XII. It is compliant with CBSE norms. The regimen incorporates key workouts to fine-tune mind locomotor skills, and includes strength training, balance, flexibility and endurance. The exercise regime is combined with yoga specific to each age group. Sports director Venkateshwar Rao and his team of five instructors will conduct the programme at different levels.
Raju said he plans to share the curriculum with schools in Telangana and AP so that effects of a physical education curriculum reaches beyond the school, benefiting countless children in the two states.