Jalandhar: School enrolment up, thanks to sports culture

Unlike other state-run schools that find it difficult to attract students, Government High School at Mundi Kasu, a nondescript village in Lohian, has emerged as a favourite among area residents. Courtesy: Sports culture that school incharge Heena Kumari has brought to the institution.

All thanks to the dedication of physical education teacher Heena Kumari, herself a PhD in sports, the parents are now eager to send their wards to the school. This session over 15 new students have taken admission in the school.

Heena Kumari told The Tribune that her main aim was to bring a culture of sports to the school and village. “I visited various houses in the area and told the parents that apart from academics, sports is something I wanted my students to excel at. This made the parents excited as they knew that their children would learn something new and eventually grow in life,” she added.

With the help of NRIs, she also distributes sports kits among the school students. “I also have sports equipment at my home and the students are always welcome to practice whenever tournaments are underway,” she said. The school students have excelled in sports tournaments held last year.

Mundi Kasu, which falls in the Lohian block in Shahkot subdivision of the district, had previously hit the headlines as the “village worst-affected by floods”. Last time, the village children, who belonged to humble backgrounds, put the spotlight on the village for a good reason. The high school students and budding players shone bright in the U-14 and U-17 categories in the zonal kho kho tournament, which was held in Shahkot.

The students had practiced kho kho on a road outside the school and in the vacant space nearby, a setting far from ideal to practice for the sport. Due to the floods that affected the school in 2023, there was wild growth, water had accumulated at places, stones and soil was scattered everywhere and to top it all the ground was unlevelled, which made it difficult for the players to practice.

The teacher said in the absence of a proper playground, it was difficult for the students to practice. “However, we managed to do well. I always ensured the safety of the students and did not let them play without shoes,” she said.

Heena Kumari also knows that it is difficult for the parents to provide their wards a proper diet. “They need a proper diet. So, I give fruits and other eatables so that they don’t go low on energy,” she said.

“My students have reached the state-level as well. Now, I want a proper kho kho ground and a volleyball field too in the school,” the teacher said.

Punjab