Lucknow: In the heart of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow’s schools are stepping up to the plate—literally and figuratively—to instill a deep understanding and love for sports among children. From state-of-the-art facilities to innovative programs, these institutions are blending physical education with life lessons, ensuring students grow into well-rounded individuals. With the city’s rap scene buzzing with young talent, its schools are also hitting a high note in sports education, creating a vibrant culture where teamwork, discipline, and passion take center stage.
Building a Foundation Through Facilities and Programs
Lucknow’s top schools are investing heavily in sports infrastructure to nurture young talent. GD Goenka Public School, a leading name in the city, boasts an 80-meter playground for cricket and football, alongside covered courts for tennis, volleyball, and basketball. Their approach goes beyond just playing—they focus on strategic training under expert coaches. “Sports teach more than just how to win; they teach how to live,” says Principal Anju Arora of GD Goenka Public School. “Our programs are designed to build teamwork, resilience, and a lifelong love for staying active.”
At Lucknow Public School in Gomtinagar, with a student strength of nearly 2,000, sports are a cornerstone of their holistic education model. The school offers spacious playgrounds and organizes regular inter-house matches to foster healthy competition. “We want our students to see sports as a way to connect, grow, and express themselves,” shares Principal Meena Tangellapalli. Their commitment to sports has led to outstanding performances in competitions, with students bagging multiple championships in science, technology, and sports events across the state.
Blending Sports with Cultural Pride
Lucknow’s schools are uniquely positioned to blend the city’s rich Awadhi culture with modern sports education. La Martiniere College, established in 1845, integrates sports into its curriculum while maintaining its historical legacy. The school encourages students to participate in traditional games alongside modern sports like badminton and volleyball, fostering a sense of cultural pride. “Sports at La Martiniere are about more than physical fitness—they’re about building character and connecting with our heritage,” notes Vice Principal Anil Kumar.
This cultural fusion is also evident in events like the 68th National School Games Athletics Under-17 Championship held in Lucknow, where schools across the city participated. However, the event also highlighted challenges, as former Asian athletics champion Ashwini Nachappa raised concerns about doping. “We need to ensure fair play to protect our young athletes,” she urged, calling for stricter oversight by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). Her words underscore the need for schools to not only promote sports but also instill ethical values in students.
Innovative Initiatives and Community Engagement
Lucknow schools are going beyond the field to make sports a community affair. Lucknow Public College of Professional Studies (LPCPS) is organizing a Youth Festival on November 22-23, 2024, which includes sports events to encourage student participation. “Sports bring people together, and our festival is a celebration of that unity,” says LPCPS Director Sanjay Mishra. The college also hosts workshops like “The Science of Happiness: Nurturing Your Mental Health” from March 17-21, 2025, emphasizing the mental health benefits of physical activity.
Meanwhile, Guru Gobind Singh Sports College, under the Uttar Pradesh Sports Department, is a hub for aspiring athletes. Ajay Kumar Sethi, the acting principal, emphasizes the role of sports in overall development: “We’re not just training athletes; we’re shaping leaders who understand discipline and perseverance.” The college offers specialized training in sports like taekwondo and athletics, with students representing the state in national competitions.
Addressing Challenges and Looking Ahead
Despite these efforts, challenges remain. The recent doping concerns at the National School Games in Lucknow highlight the need for better education on fair play. Additionally, while schools like GD Goenka and La Martiniere have robust facilities, many government schools in Lucknow still lack adequate sports infrastructure. The city’s 85% private school dominance, as noted in a 2025 Times of India report, means access to quality sports education can be uneven.
However, initiatives like the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Regional Centre in Lucknow are bridging this gap. Established in 2004, the centre spans 64 acres and supports young athletes from Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Shri Atma Prakash of SAI Lucknow says, “Sports are a universal language that can transform lives. We’re committed to giving every child a chance to shine.” The centre has produced national-level athletes, including a para-taekwondo athlete who won a bronze medal at the 2023 Asian Para Games.
A Bright Future for Lucknow’s Young Athletes
Lucknow’s schools are not just teaching sports—they’re creating a movement. By blending modern facilities, cultural pride, and community engagement, they’re helping children understand the deeper value of sports: teamwork, resilience, and ethical play. As Principal Anju Arora puts it, “When a child steps onto the field, they’re not just playing a game—they’re learning how to face the world.” With this foundation, Lucknow’s young athletes are poised to make their mark, much like the city’s rising rap stars, proving that the City of Nawabs is a breeding ground for talent in every arena.
