Aamir Khan wants sports to be an integral part of school curriculum

Concerned over children not participating in outdoor activities, Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan strongly lobbied for making sports an integral part of school curriculum in the country. Interacting with media after the airing of the first episode of the new season of 'Satyamev Jayate', the 49-year-old actor said, 'Our children have the right to be taught sports as they are taught Maths or English.'

Why every child needs sports in their life?

Makes children sharper

According to Dr John Rately, co-author of the book Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain, an active child s brain develops much better than one who is not. He found that active kids have better cognition, focus on tasks more easily, have a faster reaction time and therefore perform better at school. Playing a sport also helps the child be more social, make friendships, and sleep well; all of which are essential factors in mental development. So the next time you stop your child from going out to play and study instead, remember that a quick game of cricket, football, a run, or even a walk is what can help him/her excel at school.

Helps their brain develop

A 2010 study conducted at the University of Illinois psychology department found that regular physical exercise can influence both the brain structure and function in a child.Dr John Rately found that when a child is active or plays a sport, the brain produces a protein called BDNF (brain derived neurotropic factor). This protein helps build nerve connections. The stronger these connections (which happens with continued physical activity) the easier it is for a child to learn and retain information. Read more about Satyamev Jayate: Why every child needs sports in their life

With inputs from PTI

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