In a first, Goa to test fitness of all students between ages 8 and 18

PANAJI: In a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country, the state has decided to conduct fitness tests for all students in the 8-18 age group, to help the government nurture and develop their talents to the fullest.

The test will be conducted under the CM fitness program. The Goa CSR authority, under the chairmanship of CM Pramod Sawant, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Aduhub Sports Pvt Ltd, represented by former cricketer and founder-director of International Institute of Sports and Management (IISM), Nilesh Kulkarni. Canara Bank has agreed to initially support the first batch of 500 students for a fitness test under FitnessGram.

"Introducing FitnessGram in schools will have numerous benefits," Kulkarni, told TOI. "Firstly, it will help identify gifted athletes early on, allowing us to nurture and develop their talents to their fullest potential. This will not only elevate sporting standards in the state but also put Goa on the map as a state that encourages outstanding athletes."

F urthermore, the implementation of FitnessGram aligns perfectly with the national agenda of promoting sports and fitness through initiatives such as the Fit India Movement. By introducing this assessment tool in Goa, we can proudly contribute to the larger vision of a fit and healthy India,” Kulkarni said. Kulkarni said that physical fitness plays a vital role in the overall development of children

. With the advancement of technology and the increasingly sedentary lifestyle, it has become even more crucial to instill healthy habits from a young age. Unfortunately, the lack of physical activity among school-going children has become a matter of concern, leading to various health issues such as obesity, cardiovascular problems, and even mental health issues, Kulkarni said. “Introducing a fitness assessment programme in schools would not only address these health concerns, but also promote a culture of physical well-being.

The programme will serve as a valuable tool to evaluate the fitness levels of students, identify areas of improvement, and encourage the adoption of healthier lifestyles,” said the former cricketer. FitnessGram is an evidence-based, comprehensive fitness assessment program designed to evaluate the physical fitness levels of individuals in the 8-18 age group. Over 6 million students in the US are being assessed each year by FitnessGram, which has a history of over 40 years. “Dr Ken Cooper, widely regarded as the father of aerobics, is the creative force behind this revolutionary product,” said Kulkarni. “It encompasses a range of healthrelated components such as cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and body composition. By utilising this tool, we can systematically identify individuals with exceptional athletic potential and talent from a young age.” 1
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