Empower girls in rural India to be Champions

Travel-Coach: Training 100 government school teachers Dantewada District, Chhattisgarh,

What did we achieved:

Sports techniques (athletics/kho-kho/Kabaddi/Muscle

conditioning/Sleep/Nutrition)

Sports awareness

Gender equality

Healthy nutrition

Improvement generic life skills in government schools (generic life skills:

communication, personality development, courage, self-esteem, etc.)

Indian History

Understanding Fake News and its Impacts

The program improved the health and Sports education of the teachers, so they make

their school children grow into informed and responsible adults. We are strengthening

the government schools' physical education program. A larger goal of the program is to

Promote awareness about Sports, Promote Gender Equality, Encourage Healthy

Nutrition intake, Improve generic life skills in government schools (such as

communication, personality development, courage, self-esteem, etc.)

The program highlighted the importance of sports and life skills for young people

through their teachers. Travel coach helps teachers learn essential skills like

negotiation and handling challenges and risks, thus enabling them to participate in

society productively. The concept is flexible and includes a range of skills and

knowledge.

Why did we do it?

Why Teachers Conference/Workshop?

In rural India teachers need to have basic Information of our rural sports such as track and

field, athletics, Kabaddi, and kho-kho.

In India almost no primary government schools have sports teachers

There is no awareness of sleep and nutrition in the rural communities

Sports for development training will provide teachers skill set in communication,

engagement and motivation, understanding of equality and diversity

It will help develop a model training curriculum for the ZP schools and children

Participation in PE and sport for development can improve a huge range of social skills,

promote inclusion and lead to better cohesion

Participation in quality PE and sport for development can improve physical and mental

well-being which will transfer into measurable school achievement outcomes

PE and sport for development can also help to shape behaviour, reduce truancy and

develop leadership skills

To improve the quality of existing PE teaching through continuing professional

development in PE for generalists, so that all primary pupils improve their health, skills and

physical literacy, and have broader exposure to a range of sports

To increase participation levels in competitive sport and healthy activity of pupils, and

maintain these into adolescence

To increase the quality of initial teacher training in PE and sport, and to promote PE

specialisation in primary level workforce

Professional development of the teachers

How did we do it?

Coach Behaviour and Psychology: Setting the Tone for Success

The inaugural session of the Travel Coach program delved into the crucial aspects of

coach behaviour, psychology, and ideology. Mr. Prabhat and Mr. Praveen led the session,

emphasizing the importance of a coach's professional attire, discipline, punctuality, and

communication skills.

Professional Attire and Equipment

A coach's attire and equipment can significantly impact their credibility and effectiveness.

The session highlighted the essential items for a coach's kit:

- Professional clothing: T-shirt, track pants, shoes

- Sports bags and water bottles

- Whistles and first-aid boxes

- Consent forms and emergency contact information

Mr. Praveen demonstrated a packed bag of an athlete and a coach, illustrating the

importance of being prepared and organized.

Discipline, Punctuality, and Communication

A coach's behaviour and psychology play a vital role in shaping their athletes' mindset

and performance. The session stressed the importance of:

- Discipline: Establishing clear rules and expectations

- Punctuality: Respecting time and schedules

- Communication: Effective interaction with athletes, parents, and officials

Benefits of Sports Participation

Regular participation in sports and exercise can have a profound impact on students'

lives. The session highlighted the benefits of sports participation, including:

- Improved punctuality and time management

- Enhanced courage, perseverance, and concentration

- Better regularity in diet, sleep, and routine

- Development of essential life skills, such as teamwork and communication

By emphasizing the importance of coach behaviour, psychology, and ideology, the Travel

Coach program sets the stage for a positive and productive experience for athletes and

coaches alike.

Day 2 Yoga: The second day of the Travel Coach program began on a serene note with a

yoga demonstration, followed by a group practice session in the auditorship

auditorium. This mindful exercise aimed to harmonize the body, breath, and mind,

enhancing overall strength, balance, and flexibility.

Media Literacy and Critical Thinking

Next, Our trainers led an engaging session focused on media literacy and

critical thinking. Key takeaways included:

- Identifying fake news and disinformation

- Researching credible sources for accurate information

- Designing interactive school sessions to educate students on media literacy through

creative mediums like plays and dramas

Exploring History and Culture

The session also delved into the rich history of Chhattisgarh and India, empowering

teachers to share this knowledge with their students.

Confidence-Building and Communication

The evening session was filled with interactive communication tasks and games

designed to boost confidence and foster effective communication. These engaging

activities can be easily replicated in school settings, promoting a positive and

supportive learning environment.

Day 3

The third day of the teachers' training program commenced with a

rejuvenating session of stretching, meditation, and understanding

muscle memory and strength. Our expert led this session

from 7:00 am to 8:30 am, setting the tone for a productive day.

Theory and Fundamentals of Athletics and Track and Field

Following the morning session, a comprehensive PowerPoint

presentation covered the theory and fundamentals of athletics and

track and field from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Key topics included:

- History of 60m, 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, and 3000m

events

- Ground markings and setup

- Refereeing and officiating

- Fundamentals of coaching athletics

Practical Demonstration and Drills

After lunch, Our expert conducted a practical demonstration of

drills and athletics events on the ground. This hands-on session

enabled teachers to grasp the basics and fundamentals of each

event, empowering them to effectively teach and coach their

students. This comprehensive training program is designed to equip

teachers with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become

effective sports coaches, promoting physical education and

development among students. The final session focused on

athletics track and field; the do’s and don’ts, ABC’s, how to select

children for athletics training, types of track events, pacing, running

plans, types of field events including different throws and jumps.

Day 4 and 5

Importance of Sleep and NSDR

The session highlighted the crucial role sleep plays in enhancing cognitive abilities,

brain functioning, and muscle recovery in children. Teachers were also demonstrated

NSDR techniques to help them teach their students.

Sports Nutrition and Athletes' Health

The next session delved into the vital topic of sports nutrition and athletes' health. Key

takeaways included:

- Factors affecting nutrition

- Sources and benefits of essential vitamins

- Tailoring diets for training, competitions, and recovery

- Importance of carbohydrates, fibers, fats, and other nutrients

- Customizing diets using locally available ingredients in Dantwada

Our experts guided teachers in planning diets, ensuring they understood the

significance of nutrition during competitions, travel, and off-season periods.

Athletics Field and Track (Continued)

The final session expanded on the previous day's discussion on athletics field and

track events. Topics covered included:

- Types of competitions and scoring systems

- Measurements and pacing techniques

- Distance running and strength development plans for specific events

- Identifying and correcting malpractices, such as improper technique and

measurements

By emphasizing the importance of proper technique, safety, and fair play, the session

aimed to equip teachers with the knowledge to promote healthy and positive sporting

experiences for their students.

Theory Session: Understanding Kho-Kho

Our expert led the first theory session, emphasizing the importance of

Kho-Kho as a fundamental sport that enhances flexibility, movement, and overall

athleticism. He explained how Kho-Kho serves as an excellent warm-up for various

games and is a crucial base for athletics and even football.

Key Takeaways:

- Creating a Kho-Kho ground and understanding its dimensions

- Learning refereeing techniques for Kho-Kho

- Familiarizing with new Kho-Kho regulations

Practical Demonstration: Kho-Kho in Action

At the ground, Our trainer ensured that all teachers participated in mapping the Kho-

Kho ground, following regulations, and practicing proper refereeing. He divided the

teachers into 8 groups and had them play an actual game of Kho-Kho, with some

teachers taking on refereeing roles.

Key Skills Covered:

- Techniques: poles, cutting, jumps, and more

- Strategies: teamwork, communication, and tactical play

- Refereeing: understanding rules, making calls, and managing gameplay

By combining theoretical knowledge with practical experience, the Kho-Kho training

program empowered government school teachers to confidently introduce this

engaging sport to their students, promoting physical education, teamwork, and fun.

Day 6 and 7: Kho-Kho Training for Government School Teachers

The sixth day of the teachers' training program began with Athletics and Track and Field

on ground exams

Kabaddi Coaching: Theory and Practical Sessions

Theory Session: Understanding Kabaddi

Our trainer led an engaging theory session on Kabaddi, covering essential

topics:

- Marking the ground: understanding dimensions and layout

- Basic fundamentals: rules, objectives, and gameplay

- Refereeing for Kabaddi: understanding roles, responsibilities, and signals

- Kabaddi techniques: introduction to key skills and strategies

Practical Demonstration: Kabaddi in Action

The practical session was designed to put theory into practice. Mr. Hanumant created 4

teams, and all teachers played Kabaddi initially using their existing knowledge. In the

second round, we identified

- Identified and corrected mistakes

- Taught practical skills and strategies

- Provided personalized feedback and guidance

Key Skills Covered:

- Raiding techniques: effective entry, navigation, and exit strategies

- Defense strategies: blocking, tackling, and teamwork

- Game sense: understanding scoring, timing, and decision-making

- Safety and injury prevention: warm-up, cool-down, and gameplay safety

By combining theoretical foundations with practical experience, the Kabaddi coaching

sessions empowered teachers to confidently teach and coach Kabaddi to their students,

promoting physical education, teamwork, and fun.

Day 8

The final day of the travel coach program was commenced with a discussion

surrounding what constitutes teamwork, identifying good communication,

leadership, creativity and organisation as central components. Also examination

of the past 5 days was conducted. The trainees then has an opportunity to put

this into practice through a group presentation where everyone brought their

own experiences and knowledge. Some of the group presentation titles

included:

Study is more important than sleep

Is there a need for sports teachers in primary school

Bias in sports

The importance of sleep and rest

Is mental health an issue on children due to the current digital world and high

aspirations.

The winning group was honored with a medal ceremony, marking the

culmination of their hard work and dedication.

In a special recognition of Mann Deshi's contributions, the Chhattisgarh

government felicitated the team for their outstanding efforts in promoting sports

development and education in the region.

Story - Meet Khem 

Khem is an inspiring teacher at a remote school in the 

Dantewada district. Naturally tall and athletic, he has dedicated 22 years to playing Kabaddi,

proudly representing Chhattisgarh at the national level in 2011. When Khem enrolled

in the eight-day Travel Coaches Program, he, like many of his peers, was uncertain about what

to expect. However, on the third day, as we introduced Kabaddi training led by our

esteemed senior coach, Khem began to recognize the areas

where he could enhance his skills. He was introduced to the innovative 'L' cover technique,

a critical defensive strategy that broadened his understanding of the game—previously, he

had only employed the traditional 'C' cover. During a friendly inter-group match, Khem

gained invaluable insights into the latest game regulations and the training methods

practiced by elite players from Maharashtra and Haryana. This training was a game changer

for someone as passionate as Khem, igniting a thirst for knowledge and improvement. His

enthusiasm grew with each session, and he eagerly engaged with the material. By the end

of the program, during the closing ceremony, Khem eloquently expressed his

excitement about the new techniques and methods he had encountered, along with

insights into health and nutrition. We are confident that Khem will not only apply this

newfound knowledge in his own game but also inspire and educate the children at his

school, fostering a new generation of skilled Kabaddi players.

MANN DESHI CH