NEW DELHI: Batting for sports to be included in school curriculum, Sports Minister Vijay Goel has said that to impart the desired importance to sports, it should be made a compulsory subject at the school level.

Goel said marks should be also given to students for their involvement in sports activities.

Addressing the 64th meeting of the Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE) here today, Goel said, this is also essential to deal with the growing incidence of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases among children. The Minister said that for realising the full potential of sports, it is essential that we take effective steps to promote it in educational institutions without any further delay. Goel emphasised that every educational institution should have access to a playfield and basic sports facilities. Such institutions which do not have these facilities should tie up with neighbouring institutions. He said physical education teachers should be engaged by every school. Standard guidelines should be framed and issued for admission under sports quota, relaxation to sportspersons from attendance and appearance in examinations.—PTI