Exploring the Tenets and Formats of Partnership of K–12 Schools with Sports Programme Providers: A Case Study of The Sports Gurukul

Abstract

This article explores the evolving models of partnership between K–12 schools in India and specialised sports programme providers, through the lens of our journey as the co-founders of The Sports Gurukul (TSG). Based on over two decades of practice and observation, we share insights into the motivations, formats, operational challenges and strategic realignments in the school-sports collaboration landscape. The study highlights the shift from outsourced models to community-led infrastructure partnerships and examines how leadership mindset, training standards and post-pandemic shifts are shaping the ecosystem. As India integrates Physical Education (PE) into its curricular mainstream under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, this article offers a practitioner’s reflection on how to build sustainable and meaningful partnerships that benefit both schools and students.