THE CASTE AND GENDER DYNAMICS IN THE FUNCTIONING OF YOUTH SPORTS CLUBS

Author: Manavjeet Kaur

ABSTRACT

Sports leave a profound impact on the individual, promoting both their social and personal well-being. Youth sports clubs are community-based organizations or informal groups that serve as social spaces where rural youth engage in recreation, develop athletic skills, and build a sense of community identity. One of the most powerful impacts of sports is its ability to bring people together and break down social barriers. However, in many villages, traditional norms restrict what young people, especially girls, aspire to. India’s rural communities, which account for 65.53 percent of the country’s population, continue to face significant challenges, combined with socio-economic barriers. Youth sports clubs aim to provide underprivileged youth with the platform to break these barriers and pursue higher aspirations. However, with the caste and gender dimensions shaping the functioning of youth sports clubs in India, these programs remain insufficient to meet the widespread demand. It leaves rural youth without adequate opportunities to develop their skills and realize their potential. This highlights the need for a more inclusive and structured approach to nurturing our sporting talents.

Keywords: caste, gender, youth sports clubs, rural youth, social exclusion.

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