Exploring the Barriers to Physical Education Opportunities in India’s Schools: A Study of Parental Perceptions after the Unprecedented Performance at the Tokyo Olympics

Abstract

This qualitative study explored parents’ perceptions of physical education (PE) subject following the success of the Indian Olympic team in the Tokyo Olympics. Six focus-group discussions were organized across the Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR) of India. The participants were 24 parents, 13 (54.16%) of whom were males and 11 (45.84%) were females. Data were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis, which revealed five superordinate themes: (1) educating the public, (2) developing a support system, (3) advocating for PE, (4) developing policies and justifications, and (5) leveraging the relationship between the Olympics and PE. This study suggests that the Olympic results should be leveraged to promote PE; however, strategies that will encourage parents to involve themselves formally and effectively in their children’s school PE are needed.